Australia Arrival Card 2026 - How to Fill & Requirements

Check how to get Australia Arrival Card (digital & paper). Learn who needs Incoming Passenger Card (IPC), where to get it, how to apply online and entry requirements.

What is Australia Arrival Card?

The Australia Arrival Card (officially called the Incoming Passenger Card or Digital Passenger Declaration/DPD) is a mandatory document for all international travelers entering Australia. It collects essential information about your identity, travel details, and items you are bringing into the country, helping Australian Border Force (ABF) and biosecurity authorities manage border control efficiently.

As of 2026, Australia is fully transitioning to a digital Arrival Card (DPD), replacing traditional paper forms. The digital system is faster, more eco-friendly, and reduces manual errors, with real-time information sync to border control systems . Paper forms are only available as a backup for travelers who cannot access the digital system.

Do I Need an Australia Arrival Card?

In most cases, yes—all international travelers (including tourists, business visitors, and transit passengers) entering Australia must complete an Arrival Card, either digital or paper. However, there are 7 exemptions:

• Holders of a People’s Republic of China Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card
• Holders of a Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents (Non-Chinese Citizens)
• Travelers with a group visa or eligible for group visa-free entry
• Transit passengers staying within the airport’s restricted area for 24 hours or less
• Travelers entering and exiting on the same cruise ship
• Travelers using fast-track entry lanes
• Foreign employees of exit-entry transport vehicles

Note: Even if you qualify for Australia’s 2026 visa-free policy (for short-term Chinese tourists), you still need to complete the Arrival Card.

Where to Get an Australia Arrival Card?

In 2026, the Australia digital Arrival Card (DPD) is the primary option, with two convenient access methods:

1. Qantas App: For passengers flying with Qantas, the DPD can be completed directly in the app, with most travel details auto-filled for convenience.
2. Authorized Mini Programs/Platforms: Travelers can use the Alipay “Daqian” mini-program to complete the digital application (available for Chinese travelers).

Paper Arrival Cards are available as a backup: You can request one from cabin crew during your flight to Australia or pick one up at the airport immigration counter.

How to Apply and Fill an Australia Arrival Card Online

The digital Arrival Card (DPD) application is simple and takes 5–10 minutes. Follow these steps (using Alipay “Daqian” mini-program as an example) :

1. Open Alipay and search for “Daqian” (达签) to access the mini-program.
2. Select “Australia” as the destination country.
3. Choose the appropriate application package (match your travel purpose: tourist, business, etc.).
4. Fill in the required information accurately:
   
5. 1. Personal details (name, date of birth, passport number, contact information) – match your passport exactly.
   2. Travel details (flight number, arrival date, accommodation address in Australia).
   3. Biosecurity declaration: Truthfully declare items like food, plants, medications, or cash over AUD 10,000 .
5. Submit the application and pay the relevant fee (if applicable).
6. Receive a digital QR code via email or the mini-program – save it on your phone (no need to print) .

Key Note: All information must be in English, and errors (e.g., misspelled names, wrong passport numbers) can cause delays or entry refusal .

What is Required to Enter Australia as a Tourist?

To enter Australia as a tourist in 2026, you need the following documents and requirements :

• A valid passport (valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date, except for U.S. citizens who only need a valid passport) .
• Completed Australia Arrival Card (digital DPD or paper form) .
• Visa or visa-free approval: Eligible Chinese tourists can use the 2026 visa-free policy (stay up to 90 days) .
• Supporting documents (if requested): Round-trip flight tickets, hotel booking confirmation, and proof of sufficient funds for your stay .
• Compliance with biosecurity rules: No prohibited items (e.g., fresh food, plants, unapproved medications) or declare all restricted items .

When to Complete Australia Arrival Card?

You must complete the Australia Arrival Card within 72 hours before your arrival in Australia . This applies to both digital and paper forms.

For digital DPD: Complete it online 3 days before your flight to avoid last-minute delays. The system processes applications in 1–2 hours, so you’ll have time to correct errors if needed .

For paper forms: You can fill it out during your flight (cabin crew will distribute them), but completing it in advance (online) is recommended to save time at immigration .

How to Enter Australia with Arrival Card

After completing your Arrival Card, follow these steps to enter Australia smoothly :

1. Disembark your flight and proceed to immigration.
2. Choose between ePassport (self-service) or manual immigration:
3. 1. Self-service: Insert your ePassport into the machine, complete facial recognition, and collect the yellow通关凭证 (keep it safe) .
   2. Manual: Present your passport, Arrival Card (digital QR code or paper), and visa/visa-free approval to the ABF officer .
3. Collect your luggage from the baggage carousel.
4. Proceed to customs:
5. 1. No declared items: Take the green “Nothing to Declare” lane .
   2. Declared items: Take the red “Declare” lane and present your items for inspection .
5. Exit the airport and begin your trip!

Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid about Australia Arrival Card

Australia Arrival Card Useful Tips

• Complete the digital Arrival Card 72 hours in advance to avoid rushed errors .
• Save the digital QR code on your phone (screenshot it) in case of poor internet at the airport .
• Arrive at the airport 3 hours before your flight to allow time for immigration and customs .
• Familiarize yourself with Australia’s biosecurity rules to avoid bringing prohibited items .

Australia Arrival Card Common Mistakes

• False declarations: Failing to declare restricted items (e.g., food, cash over AUD 10,000) can result in fines (minimum AUD 340), criminal charges, or deportation .
• Inaccurate information: Typos in names, passport numbers, or flight details can lead to entry delays or refusal .
• Waiting until the last minute: Completing the Arrival Card on the flight or at the airport increases the risk of errors .
• Hiding cash: Concealing cash over the limit (instead of declaring it) may result in seizure .
• Ignoring exemptions: Assuming you don’t need an Arrival Card (without qualifying for exemptions) can lead to entry issues .

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