ACCI welcomes ditching of paper arrival cards

Media release: 13 July, 2026

The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has welcomed the government’s announcement today of the digitisation of arrival cards for inbound international passengers.

Australia Chamber – Tourism Executive Chair John Hart says this will speed up the arrival process for passengers instead of the scrambling for pens in an outdated and antiquated paper system.

“ACCI has long called for the eradication of the paper arrival card, as it slows up the system of arrivals for tourists and Aussies coming home,” Mr Hart said.

“Two years ago, in our ‘Future Traveller Strategy’ report, we called for getting rid of the paper Incoming Passenger Card (IPC) in favour of a more user friendly and efficient digital system.

“We are glad the government has listened and reacted.”

The overhaul of the IPC follows a successful trial in which selected Qantas flights allowed a digital alternative.

The trial was limited to passengers on inbound international Qantas flights to Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne.

This trial will be extended to Adelaide and Perth by the end of this year before being rolled out to all international airports and seaports over the next 12-18 months.

“This change will streamline the arrival process for international visitors and homebound Australians alike,” Mr Hart said.

“Australian Chamber – Tourism congratulates the government for taking these important steps and recognising the importance of inbound tourism.”

Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chief Executive Officer Andrew McKellar said: “We have long advocated to make the arrival process for tourists a smooth and efficient process, and the removal of the paper IPC goes a long way to achieving that”.