According to an announcement by the Australian government on July 12 (local time), the new system will be implemented at all international airports and seaports after the expansion phase is complete. Prior to that, the program will continue to be rolled out on Qantas flights to Perth and Adelaide before the end of 2026.
With electronic declaration, passengers can complete their personal information and required customs details up to three days before departure. This eliminates the need for entrants to fill out paper forms on the plane or upon arrival in Australia.
The decision to expand was made after the Australia Traveler Declaration pilot program yielded positive results. From October 2024, the system has been implemented on select Qantas flights to Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane as an alternative to paper entry cards.
Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said that more than 450,000 passengers participated in the trial, and the majority gave positive feedback on the system's convenience and speed. To realize this plan, the federal government will invest AUD 56.1 million (approximately USD 38.9 million) over the next four years to modernize passenger entry processes at airports, with a focus on deploying electronic entry cards nationwide.
According to Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell, the shift to digital processes will contribute to enhancing Australia's attractiveness to international visitors. Simplifying and shortening immigration procedures will allow passengers to spend less time filling out forms, thus freeing up more time to experience Australia's destinations and services.
The Australian government also believes the new system will help border agencies better meet the expected continued increase in international travel demand in the coming years, especially as the country aims to host the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
In a joint statement, the Department of Home Affairs, along with the Department of Trade and Tourism, the Department of Transport , and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry of Australia, stated that digitizing the immigration process is part of a strategy to modernize border infrastructure, improve border management efficiency, and enhance the experience for international travelers.