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Australia to Scrap the Most Annoying Thing About Flying into the Country

No More Hunting for Pens

The days of jet-lagged travelers to Australia desperately searching for a pen to fill out their arrival cards are coming to an end. The Australian government has announced that it will be scrapping the requirement for incoming passengers to complete physical arrival cards, effective May 1, 2023.

The decision has been welcomed by the tourism industry, which has long argued that the arrival cards are a hassle for visitors and add to the stress of international travel. A survey by Tourism Australia found that 80% of visitors found the arrival cards to be unnecessary and time-consuming.

A Digital Alternative

Instead of filling out paper arrival cards, travelers will now be able to provide their information electronically through an online form. The form will be available on the Australian Border Force website and can be completed before departure or on arrival. Passengers will need to provide their passport details, contact information, and travel history.

The online form will be more efficient and secure than the current paper system. It will also allow the Australian Border Force to collect more detailed information from travelers, which will help to streamline border processing and improve national security.

Other Changes to Arrival Procedures

In addition to scrapping the arrival cards, the Australian government is also making other changes to arrival procedures. These changes include:

• Reducing the number of questions on the online form
• Automating the processing of electronic passports
• Introducing new technology to speed up the baggage claim process

These changes are designed to make it easier and faster for travelers to enter Australia. They are part of a broader effort by the government to improve the visitor experience.