Australia Ditches Orange Arrival Cards for Digital System by 2028

Australia will spend A$56.1 million over four years to replace the orange arrival card with a digital system called the Australia Travel Declaration. The federal government announced the rollout on July 13 after a successful trial with over 450,000 Qantas passengers since October 2024. Travellers will fill out details online up to 72 hours before arrival, generating a QR code for border officials to scan. Paper forms remain available for those who need them.

How the digital system works

Passengers aged 18 and over will complete their personal and travel details through an online form or airline app up to 72 hours before departure. The system generates a unique QR code that border officers scan on arrival. The QR code works offline, so travellers do not need phone service at the airport. The digital pass replaces questions about imported goods, criminal convictions, and other information currently on the orange paper card.

Rollout timeline and expansion

The Qantas pilot program will expand to Perth and Adelaide by the end of 2026. All Australian international airports and seaports will receive the system over the next 12 to 18 months in a phased approach. Initially, access will be through a webform only. The government will work with airlines to integrate the form into their apps, similar to the current Qantas trial. Paper versions will remain available during the transition.

Why the change matters for travellers

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said the modernisation would eliminate queues and speed up arrivals. Tourism Research Australia forecasts international visitor numbers will grow from 8.8 million in 2025 to almost 11 million by 2030. Trade and Tourism Minister Don Farrell said visitors can spend less time filling out forms and more time enjoying Australia. Airports have complained the paper process creates congestion in arrivals areas.

Global precedent and data benefits

Digital arrival systems already operate at major airports in Japan, Singapore, and New Zealand. The new system will improve data collection in case of disease outbreaks or biosecurity hazards. The government said the broader rollout would reduce manual processes and enable digital collection of information ahead of time. The Qantas trial involved more than 450,000 passengers and was deemed a significant success by officials.

Final Thoughts

Australia’s shift to digital arrival cards eliminates a long-standing travel frustration while modernising border processing ahead of expected tourism growth. The phased rollout protects travellers who cannot access digital systems by keeping paper forms available throughout the transition.

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