Australia keeps paper Incoming Passenger Card as digital pilot hits 380,000

How the Incoming Passenger Card still works

Australia's Incoming Passenger Card (IPC) remains the standard arrival requirement, even as a digital alternative quietly expands on select Qantas routes. The Australian Border Force says passengers are required under Australian law to identify themselves and provide certain information by completing the card.

The paper form must be filled out in English and covers identity details, flight information, intended address in Australia, contact details and declaration answers on cash, prohibited items and biosecurity. Travelers also need a valid passport, with any visa electronically attached to the document used in the application.

The Australia Travel Declaration (ATD) pilot launched in October 2024 and has since added Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. The Melbourne expansion took effect May 26, adding eligible Qantas passengers arriving from Auckland and Queenstown. The government says the pilot has logged more than 380,000 submissions since launch. ABF's IPC guidance, updated June 11, confirms passengers outside the pilot continue using the paper card.

Who has to fill one out

Nearly everyone arriving in Australia. That includes tourists, business visitors, returning residents, expats and Australian citizens. ABF says refusal to complete the card may be penalized.

Digital nomads face the same process as other non-citizens: valid travel document, completed passenger card and answers to questions about intended address and whether they plan to live in Australia for the next 12 months. Long-term residents get the same migration-status questions on every entry.

Only Qantas passengers on specific routes into Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne can use the ATD instead and only by invitation into the pilot.

What arriving travelers need to do

• Carry a current, valid passport or accepted travel document with any visa attached to it.
• Complete the paper IPC on the flight or at the airport, in English, signed and dated.
• Declare cash, prohibited items and anything subject to biosecurity controls.
• Eligible Qantas passengers can submit the ATD through the Qantas app up to 72 hours before departure and present the digital pass on arrival.

If the digital pass fails on arrival, travelers may be referred to an officer and asked to complete a paper IPC instead. No fee applies to either the IPC or the ATD.

Read our full Australia guide for the complete picture and check our latest visa updates for more.