Aviation News

Australia’s New Declaration Now Required For International Arrivals

Complete Australia's Digital Passenger Declaration online to streamline entry and meet travel requirements seamlessly.
Tom Goward
Tom Goward18 Feb 2022
Australia’s New Declaration Now Required For International Arrivals

Update: from July 6, the DPD form + the requirement to be vaccinated to enter Australia will be scrapped. You can read more about it here.

From today, there is a new form to fill when travelling to Australia, as the Government rolls out a digital system to collect information from each passenger entering Australia.
The Digital Passenger Declaration (DPD) will replace the previous Australia Travel Declaration (ATD) web-based form, although the latter will continue in a read-only format so travellers can refer to their previous records. While most of the information on the DPD is exactly the same as in the previous system, there are some additional hoops to jump through.

Here’s everything you need to know about Australia’s new Digital Passenger Declaration.

Tip: check out our guide on the best covid travel insurance for Australian travellers.

What is the Australian Digital Passenger Declaration?

Australia’s new Digital Passenger Declaration has been designed to allow travellers to quickly supply the information needed to meet Australia’s entry requirements before they arrive at the airport. This includes your travel history, Covid vaccination status plus all the regular personal details.

The DPD is set up to screen travellers and ensure they meet restrictions before they arrive at the airport.

When is the DPD a requirement?

As of today, the Digital Passenger Declaration is a requirement to enter Australia. All International arrivals from 18 February 2022 need to complete a DPD.

What information do I need to supply?

​​Before you start your declaration, be prepared to provide your:

  • Personal and contact details
  • Inbound flight number
  • Intended address in Australia
  • COVID-19 vaccination status or valid medical exemption
  • Where you have visited in the 14 days prior to arriving in Australia

Reaching Australia via connecting flights? The declaration will ask about your first flight, and the final flight that gets you to Australia.

Do I need a Covid-19 test?

As of 18 April 2022, the Australian Government no longer requires a COVID-19 test before boarding your flight to Australia.

While the DPD system transitions to this new rule, be sure to select “I am exempt from Australia’s COVID testing requirements” in the health section of the DPD. Note that this selection will produce the outcome “confirmation required at check-in”. There is nothing to be concerned about here – you will be processed as meeting the health requirements for boarding as long as you can show evidence of your COVID-19 vaccination record or proof that you cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons at check-in.

Who needs to complete a DPD?

Everyone who wants to enter Australia from overseas must complete a DPD, including tourists. The requirement to complete a DPD is in addition to any visa, visa-waiver or Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) you may also need to enter Australia.

Anyone over 16 is advised to complete their own declaration. If you are travelling with a child under the age of 16, you should complete their declaration.

When do I submit my DPD?

You can begin to prepare your declaration online up to 7 days before your flight. A Digital Passenger Declaration can only be submitted within 72 hours prior to departure, making last-minute travel that little bit easier.

Where do I complete my DPD?

You can complete your Digital Passenger Declaration on the Department of Home Affairs website.

From 1 March, travellers can complete their DPD using a free mobile app from the App Store or Google Play store.

Your Digital Passenger Declaration outcome

A completed declaration does not guarantee approved entry to Australia. Once submitted, you will see a summary screen that should show your DPD as complete, incomplete or confirmation required at check-in.

  • Complete indicates that you meet Covid-19 health requirements for travel, although the airline will make the final decision to let you board your flight.
  • Incomplete indicates that you have not submitted the required health information.
  • Confirmation required at check-in indicates that you may not have met the requirements for travel to Australia. Your airline will confirm this and decide if you can travel.

Do I need to show airline staff my DPD?

At check-in, you will need to show airline staff the summary screen of your DPD, on your phone or as a printout. Your personal data is not shared with the airline, however, they must check you have completed a declaration before allowing you to board the flight.

You may also need to present your Digital Passenger Declaration on arrival in Australia.

Who do I contact if I have trouble completing my DPD?

If you have difficulty completing the DPD, the Department of Home Affairs provides answers to frequently asked questions that may help. If you still need assistance, contact the Department of Home Affairs.

Do I complete an Incoming Passenger Card?

Yes, travellers must also complete an Incoming Passenger Card. It’s the yellow and orange card that cabin crew often hand out before arrival, and asks questions about the items in your baggage.

Remember that your Digital Passenger Declaration is required in addition to the normal paperwork required for overseas arrivals.

Where can I find out more?

The below links provide further information on Australia’s Digital Passenger Declaration.

Summing up

It can be difficult to keep up with ever-changing travel requirements and border restrictions. Thankfully, this isn’t a big one with the new DPD requiring most of the same information as the previous ATD.

The new change comes just in time for Australia, as we are just days away from opening our international borders to overseas tourists on 21 February 2022. That of course excludes the Democratic People’s Republic of Western Australia, which remains shut to the world, including Australian citizens.

Want to know more about Australia’s International border reopening. Check out our coverage here!

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