The Australia Travel Declaration becomes available to all airlines at Western Sydney International Airport from Oct. 26, 2026, allowing eligible passengers to submit arrival information online.
Australia will introduce a digital arrival declaration for international passengers arriving at Western Sydney International Airport on Oct. 26, 2026, allowing travelers on any airline to submit immigration, customs, and biosecurity information online before landing. The Australian government says the change aims to simplify airport arrivals and help border officials identify potential risks earlier.
Australia PR Aspirants and Travellers: What the New Declaration Means
The Australia Travel Declaration (ATD) is an online alternative to the paper Incoming Passenger Card. Travellers can complete the free form up to 72 hours before arrival and receive a QR code for officials to scan at the airport. The form takes about five to 20 minutes to complete, according to the Australian Border Force.
The declaration requires details such as passport and flight information, accommodation address, emergency contacts, and items that may need to be declared. Travellers must complete the form in one session. Those who need to correct their information must submit a new declaration.
The rollout builds on a digital pilot involving Qantas and Australian border and biosecurity agencies. From Jan. 1 to Sept. 30, 2026, more than 477,000 travelers submitted declarations across more than 8,400 eligible flights, including over 118,000 who made biosecurity declarations, according to the government.
The government has committed more than AU$56 million over four years, starting in 2026-27, to expand the web-based system to international airports and seaports nationwide. The rollout is planned in phases over 12 to 18 months.
For now, the web form is available only to passengers arriving at Western Sydney International Airport. Travellers arriving at other airports must follow the applicable declaration process. Paper cards will remain available for people who cannot access the online form or prefer the manual option.
