Monday 13 July 2026
Sydney Airport welcomes the Australian Government’s announcement to introduce a digital declaration card, a practical reform that will help make international arrivals faster and easier for travellers.
Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton said: "We welcome the Australian Government's investment in modernising Australia's border processes and making international arrivals faster and easier for millions of travellers each year.
"For many visitors, Sydney Airport is their first impression of Australia. A digital declaration card is a simple, practical change that will help deliver a faster welcome while maintaining strong border security.
"This is an important step towards a more seamless border experience that keeps Australia competitive, supports tourism and economic growth, and helps prepare Sydney Airport to welcome 72 million passengers a year by 2045.
"We thank the Albanese Government, Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins, Acting Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Kristy Bain and Australian Border Force for their leadership and collaboration in improving the border experience."
As Australia's busiest international gateway, Sydney Airport welcomes more than 17 million international passengers each year. Efficient border processing is critical to supporting Australia's visitor economy, improving productivity and ensuring Australia remains an attractive destination for international visitors and business.
The announcement builds on Sydney Airport’s long-standing advocacy for modern border processes that improve the passenger experience. In recent years, the airport has worked closely with the Australian Government and Australian Border Force to support initiatives including the rollout of enhanced SmartGates and biometric processing technology.
The airport looks forward to continuing to work closely with the Australian Government, Department of Home Affairs, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry of Australia, Australian Border Force and industry partners to support the successful national rollout of the digital declaration card and broader initiatives that modernise the border.