The Australia Travel Declaration (ATD) will be introduced at all international airports and seaports before the end of 2027, with the Australian Border Force (ABF) embracing digital credentials and phasing out the paper-based incoming passenger card.

​Since October 2024, the ABF in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry (DAFF), and Qantas have been rolling out a pilot in-app capability of the ATD, allowing passengers to pre-fill their digital passenger card up to 72-hours ahead of travel to Australia.

The current pilot program will be rolled out across inbound international Qantas flights at remaining capital cities – including Perth and Adelaide – before the end of 2026.

Following a successful trial period, the Federal Government has committed $56.1 million over the next four years from 2026/2027 to roll out a webform format of the ATD for all international airport and seaports.

The national rollout of the ATD will reduce manual processes for passengers, enable for secure and pre-vetted digital collection of information, allow for prompt updates to questions and management of global biosecurity risks, and meet passenger expectations for a digital process.

The $56.1 million commitment from the Federal Government also includes several other border modernisation projects to help digitise and streamline Australia’s traveller experience, including exploring co-located domestic and international airport models, a contactless arrivals clearance process, and streamlined baggage processing for internal domestic transfers.

ABF Commissioner Gavan Reynolds said this was a milestone moment for the agency, striving towards a seamless digital border experience.

“A 21st century society deserves a 21st century border, and moving from paper and pen to a webform mobile format is an excellent leap forward for Australia,” Commissioner Reynolds said.

“The ABF welcomes any and all investment into our Australian border. We want Australians and travellers alike to step through our airports with ease and convenience, we want to make their journey as seamless as possible.

“This digital passenger card has been years in the making, and I want to thank every member of the agency, the Department of Home Affairs, and industry – in particular Qantas – for bringing this to fruition.

“The unique opportunity to collaborate with industry to deliver this digital offering in the coming years is one which we are proud to champion – working with industry is the benchmark of how we will modernise the border for decades to come.”