Australia Removes DPD And Border Restrictions From 6 July

International travel to Australia will become that little bit easier from tomorrow when the Digital Passenger Declaration (DPD) is scrapped entirely. The digital system was quite frankly an embarrassment to the country, with the Australian Government finally admitting “it needs a lot more work to make it user friendly.”

While specifically designed to allow inbound travellers to easily supply the information needed to meet Australia’s entry requirements, in many cases, submitting a DPD was far from simple.

The form was introduced just five months ago in February 2022 and has since received little praise for its inferior functionality and user experience. That’s despite tech giant Accenture charging an estimated $75m to develop the app. You might also remember that the DPD was to eventually replace the incoming passenger card, although that reliable orange slip is here to stay.

Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil said that her department has acted on feedback about the DPD.

“While in time it will replace the paper based incoming passenger card, it needs a lot more work to make it user friendly.”

Changes To Travel Restrictions From 6 July 2022

New rules will apply if you travel to or from Australia on or after 6 July 2022. Here’s what is changing:

• Travellers entering or leaving Australia do not need to provide evidence of their Covid-19 vaccination status
• Travellers entering Australia do not need to complete the Digital Passenger Declaration (DPD) or Maritime Travel Declaration (MTD)
• Unvaccinated visa holders do not need a travel exemption to travel to Australia
• Masks are still required for international flights to Australia

Airlines, cruise operators and other countries may have specific requirements that you’ll need to comply with.

Traveller FAQ’s

I am scheduled to arrive in Australia before 6 July 2022, do I submit a Digital Passenger Declaration?

Yes. You must submit a DPD if travelling by air and arriving in Australia on or before 5 July 2022. If you are arriving in Australia on or after 12.01am AEST on 6 July 2022, you do not have to submit a DPD.

Should I delete my DPD for upcoming travel as it is no longer needed?

No, you don’t need to delete any DPDs.

Do I still complete the incoming passenger card on arrival in Australia?

Yes. Most passengers entering Australia are required to complete an incoming passenger card as part of their border clearance process.

Should I carry evidence of my Covid-19 vaccination status or proof of medical exemption?

If you are arriving in Australia on or after 6 July 2022, there is no need to show evidence of your Covid-19 vaccination status or proof of medical exemption.