🔥 Trending Australia's Digital Arrival Card: What Travellers Need to Know

Australia is transitioning towards a digital arrival process, with the Australia Travel Declaration (ATD) serving as a digital alternative to the traditional paper Incoming Passenger Card (IPC) ²³. While the paper IPC is still in use, the ATD is being piloted, primarily with Qantas passengers as of 2026 ²³⁵.

Understanding the Australia Travel Declaration (ATD)

The ATD is a digital form that collects essential information from arriving passengers, including personal details, travel purpose, and biosecurity declarations ⁶. It aims to streamline the entry process by allowing travelers to submit this information electronically before arrival ⁴.

How to Fill Out the Digital Arrival Card (ATD)

As the ATD is currently in a pilot phase, the exact widespread availability and application process for all travelers may evolve. However, based on the pilot and the nature of digital declarations, here's a general guide on how you would typically fill out a digital arrival card for Australia:

1. Accessing the Digital Form

• Official Platform: You will likely access the ATD through an official Australian government website or a dedicated mobile application ¹. For the pilot program, Qantas passengers are directed to the relevant platform ².
• Pre-Departure: The intention of the digital card is to allow travelers to complete it before their flight, potentially reducing processing time upon arrival ⁴.

2. Required Information

The digital form will ask for similar information to the paper IPC, which typically includes:

• Personal Details:
• Full name (as per passport)
• Passport number
• Date of birth
• Nationality
• Flight number
• Residential address in Australia (if applicable) or accommodation details ⁶⁷
• Travel History:
• Countries visited in the last 14 days ¹
• Health Declaration:
• Questions related to health status, recent illnesses, or contact with infectious diseases ¹
• Biosecurity Declaration: This is a critical section for Australia due to its strict biosecurity laws. You will need to declare:
• Food items (including packaged snacks, fresh produce, meat, dairy) ⁸
• Plant material (seeds, flowers, wooden articles) ⁸
• Animal products (feathers, shells, honey) ⁸
• Biological products (vaccines, cultures)
• Soil, dirt, or items that have been in contact with soil (e.g., hiking boots, camping gear) ⁸
• Used sporting or camping equipment ⁸
• Medicines (prescription or non-prescription) ¹
• Currency (amounts over AUD 10,000 or foreign currency equivalent) ¹
• Goods for commercial purposes ¹
• Prohibited or restricted goods ¹

3. Key Steps for Completion

• Read Carefully: Ensure you read each question thoroughly before answering. Misdeclarations can lead to penalties ⁷.
• Accuracy is Crucial: Double-check all entered information, especially passport numbers, flight details, and dates, to avoid discrepancies ⁷.
• Honest Declarations: Be completely honest in your biosecurity declarations. It's always better to declare an item and have it inspected or surrendered than to risk fines for non-declaration ⁸.
• Review and Submit: Before final submission, review all your answers. Once satisfied, submit the form electronically.
• Confirmation/QR Code: Upon successful submission, you will likely receive a confirmation, possibly in the form of a QR code or a digital reference number. This will be your "digital arrival card" ⁴. Keep this readily accessible on your mobile device or printed, as you may need to present it to border officials upon arrival ⁴.

Important Considerations

• Pilot Program: Remember that the ATD is still in a pilot phase as of 2026. While it's a digital alternative, the paper IPC remains an option and may still be distributed on flights ³⁵. Always be prepared to fill out the paper form if the digital option is not available or if you encounter technical issues ⁵.
• Biosecurity: Australia has some of the strictest biosecurity regulations in the world. Even if an item seems harmless, if it falls into a category that needs to be declared, declare it. This protects Australia's unique environment and agricultural industries ⁸.
• Staying Updated: Before your travel, check the official Australian Border Force (ABF) website for the latest information on entry requirements and the status of the ATD ²³.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure a smoother and more efficient arrival process when using Australia's digital arrival card.