Australia Arrival Card: Entry Form Guide & Travel Tips

📄 What’s the Australia Arrival Card?

Just landed in Australia? Before you head out to explore or finally rest after that long flight, there’s one thing you’ll need to do first — fill out the Australia Arrival Card.

🎒 What is it?

It’s a short paper form you’ll get either on the plane or at the airport. Don’t worry — it’s nothing complicated. It asks for:

• Your name and passport number
• Flight info
• Where you’re staying in Australia
• A few yes/no questions (like if you’re bringing food, cash, or certain items)

Once you’ve filled it in, you hand it to the officer at immigration. That’s it. It’s used for border checks — to know who’s coming in, what they’re bringing, and where they’ll be staying.

🛃 Why should Filipino travelers care?

Let’s be real — a lot of Pinoys fill this out last-minute, still groggy from the flight, hunting for a pen in their bag while standing in line.

Here’s why it’s better to get it done early:

✅ Quicker at immigration
✅ Avoid delays or mistakes
✅ Less hassle when you’re already tired

👥 Who Needs to Fill Out the Australia Arrival Card?

Yes — Filipino travelers need to fill it out. Here’s who else should:

✅ You’re flying into Australia
If you're landing in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, or any other Aussie airport, you'll be asked to complete the arrival card. It’s part of Australia’s standard border process.

✅ You’re visiting short-term
Whether you’re on a holiday, visiting family, attending a seminar, or just exploring for a few days or weeks — you’ll need to fill this form. Doesn’t matter if you’re staying in a hotel, an Airbnb, or with a cousin — they’ll still ask for it.

✅ You’re not a resident or citizen
If you don’t live in Australia and you're not a citizen, then this applies to you. Tourists, students on short courses, even transit passengers in most cases — you all need to fill it out.

📝 How to Fill Out the Australia Arrival Card

Sources: Australia Border Force

Filling out the Australia Arrival Card is easy, but it helps to know what to expect so you’re not rushing or guessing at the airport. Here’s a breakdown of what to do:

✈️ 1. Get the card

They usually hand it out on the plane before landing. If not, you’ll find it near immigration when you arrive. Look for a stack on the counter — just grab one.

🖊️ 2. Use a pen and write clearly

Bring a black or blue pen (trust us, don’t rely on finding one at the airport). Write in capital letters and make sure everything is readable.

👤 3. Fill in your personal info

This part is basic:

• Full name (as it appears on your passport)
• Passport number
• Flight number
• Nationality
• Date of birth

🏨 4. Write your address in Australia

Where are you staying? Hotel, Airbnb, friend’s house — just write the full address or hotel name. Immigration wants to know where they can reach you if needed.

🧳 5. Answer the yes/no questions honestly

This part is important. You’ll be asked things like:

• Are you bringing any food, plants, or animal products?
• Are you carrying over AUD $10,000?
• Do you have any health conditions or been near farms recently?

Don’t lie. If you’re unsure, tick “yes” — they’ll just ask you a few questions. It’s safer than getting fined.

✍️ 6. Sign and date the card

Last part — sign your name and write the date. That’s it! You’re done.

🛃 7. Hand it over at immigration

Keep the card with your passport. When you reach the immigration counter, they’ll collect it, check your details, and let you through if everything’s good.

💼 What You Need to Fill Out the Australia Arrival Card

Filling out the Australia Arrival Card only takes about 5 to 10 minutes — if you’ve got the right info in front of you. Here's what you'll need:

🗓️ Where and When Should You Fill Out the Australia Arrival Card?

Don’t wait until you're standing in line half-asleep — here’s the best time and place to do it.

📍 Where to Fill It Out?

✈️ On the Plane (Best Choice)

Most airlines hand out the arrival card during the flight to Australia.
This is the best time to do it — you're already seated, you’ve got your passport with you, and there's no pressure.
Just take a few minutes, fill it out calmly, and you're ready once the plane lands.
Tip: Bring your own pen so you're not asking around.

🛬 At the Airport (If You Missed It on the Plane)

No worries if they didn’t give you the form onboard.
You can get one right before immigration — look for small tables or counters with stacks of forms and pens.
Take your time to fill it before joining the immigration line.
Don’t rush it — mistakes can cause delays.

🛫 Before Your Flight in the Philippines?

Some travelers ask if you can fill it out at NAIA or other departure airports.
Nope — the Australia Arrival Card is only given out during the flight or after landing in Australia.

⏰ When Should You Fill It Out?

📅 Before You Line Up at Immigration

Best case: Fill it on the plane while you're still fresh.
If not, do it right after you land — before you enter the immigration queue.
Don’t leave it to the last minute — you’ll avoid stress and save time.

📂 Other Required Documents for Entry to Australia

Don’t let missing paperwork ruin your trip — here’s what to have ready before you fly.

🛂 1. Valid Passport

✅ Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you arrive in Australia.
✅ Make sure it’s in good condition — no torn pages, water damage, or broken covers.

Real Tip: Australian immigration can be strict. If your passport looks damaged, they can refuse you at the border — even with a visa. Double-check before your trip.

🎟️ 2. Return or Onward Ticket

✅ Officers might ask how long you're staying and when you're leaving.
✅ Keep a copy of your return flight — printed or on your phone.
✅ If you're flying to another country after Australia, show proof of that ticket too.

Note: If you’re on a one-way ticket, they might ask more questions — be ready to explain your travel plans clearly.

🛃 3. Visa (Required Before Entry)

✅ Most travelers — including Filipinos — need a valid visa before flying to Australia.
✅ Apply online through the official Australian immigration website.
✅ Tourist visas are usually valid for 3, 6, or 12 months, depending on your application.

Reminder: Don’t wait until the last minute. Visa approvals can take days or even weeks.

📄 4. Australia Arrival Card

✅ This is the form you fill out on the plane or after landing.
✅ It asks for your personal info, travel details, and customs declarations.
✅ Hand it to the officer at immigration.

Tip: Always answer truthfully — especially about what you're bringing. Australia takes biosecurity seriously.

🧳 Tips for a Smooth Arrival in Australia

From the plane to immigration — here’s how to make things easy and avoid hassle.

✅ 1. Fill Out the Australia Arrival Card Early

Once the cabin crew gives you the arrival card (usually mid-flight), don’t wait — fill it out while you’re still in your seat.

📝 You’ll need:

• Your passport
• Flight number
• Address in Australia (hotel, Airbnb, or relative’s place)

Tip: Bring your own pen — seriously, it saves time.

📌 2. Keep Your Documents in One Place
Have a small folder or travel pouch ready with these:

• Passport
• Visa (if applicable)
• Arrival card
• Flight ticket
• Accommodation info

Real tip: Immigration lines can move fast or slow — being organized helps you stay calm and ready when it’s your turn.

🏨 3. Know Where You’re Staying and Why You’re Visiting

Officers might ask:

• “Where will you be staying?”
• “How long are you here?”
• “What’s the purpose of your trip?”

Be honest and keep it simple.

Example answer:
🗣️ “I’m staying at the Ibis in Melbourne for one week to visit friends.”

📱 4. Save All Travel Info on Your Phone

Don’t rely on internet access at the airport. Screenshot the important stuff:

✅ Flight details
✅ Hotel or Airbnb confirmation
✅ Passport photo (just in case)
✅ Return ticket
✅ Emergency contact

Tip: Save these in your phone gallery so you can open them even without Wi-Fi.

🧘 5. Stay Cool and Be Polite

Australian immigration officers are professional but direct. They’ll ask what they need to know — just answer clearly.

So:
🕐 Arrive early at the airport (at least 3 hours before departure if you're flying to Australia).
😊 Stay calm, be respectful, and follow instructions.
📂 Keep your papers and phone ready — no digging through bags while at the counter.

🌏 Start Your Australia Trip Right

Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast — wherever you’re headed, Australia isn’t just a destination. It’s beaches, coffee culture, road trips, and wildlife you won’t see anywhere else.

But before the fun starts, make sure you’re ready for arrival.

Here’s how to kick off your Aussie adventure smoothly:

✅ Fill out the Australia Arrival Card – Usually handed out during the flight. Have your passport, flight number, and accommodation info ready so you can fill it in fast.
✅ Make sure you have a valid visa – Filipinos need a tourist visa before flying. Don’t risk it — apply early and make sure it’s approved before your trip.
✅ Keep your flight and hotel details handy – Immigration may ask where you’re staying and how long you’ll be in Australia.

✈️ Book your flight to Australia early – Promo fares from Manila to Sydney or Melbourne can disappear fast.
🏨 Reserve your hotel or Airbnb in Australia – You’ll need the address for both the arrival card and immigration questions.

Sort everything before your flight, and you’ll breeze through arrival with no stress.

Ready na? Let’s go — Australia, here we come! 🇦🇺🦘