Australia Outline Plans for Digital Certification System in Preparation for Reopening

The Australian government has outlined plans for its own digital certification system, raising optimism that the country will reopen to foreign tourism more rapidly.

Accenture has been hired by the government to produce the digital passenger declaration (DPD), which is the “next stage in preparation for reopening Australia to international travel at scale,” according to the government.

Based on the most recent medical advice and information on Covid-19 infection rates, Australia extended its restriction on international travel for another three months, until 17th December.

Australia’s present physical passenger card for arrivals, as well as the Covid travel declaration online form, will be replaced by the new DPD.

The DPD, which can be completed on mobile devices or laptops, will include travelers’ immunization status up to 72 hours before boarding their trip.

Karen Andrews, Australia’s minister for home affairs, said the government was “taking proactive actions to ensure the safe reopening of the border at scale when supported by health advice.”

“By supplying digitally validated Covid-19 immunization records, the DPD will facilitate the secure reopening of Australia’s foreign borders,” Andrews noted.

​​“This will help us to welcome home increasing numbers of Australians, and welcome the tourists, travelers, international students, skilled workers, and overseas friends and family we’ve all been missing during the pandemic.”

Later this year, Accenture will assist Australian authorities to “provide the initial operating capability” of the DPD. The program will now undergo testing before being implemented “at scale” at the country’s major airports.