Qantas began trialling a mobile alternative for the passenger cards handed out on every Australian flight for passengers from New Zealand arriving in Brisbane last year.
The Australian Border Force (ABF) has now announced the Digital Travel Declaration (ATD) trial will be on every international Qantas flight landing in the Queensland capital.
ABF Commissioner Gavan Reynolds described the replacement of the traditional paper Incoming Passenger Card (IPC) as the “next step toward an integrated and fully digital border”.
“The expansion of the Australian Travel Declaration pilot program marks a significant advancement in our mission to modernise border processes and enhance the traveller experience,” Reynolds said.
“The positive feedback so far has demonstrated a clear demand for a more efficient and user-friendly approach.
“As we prepare for global events like the 2032 Olympics, the ABF is committed to using technology to create a seamless travel experience while maintaining our high standards of security and compliance.”
The first phase of the program began in October 2024.
Eligible passengers fill out their details on the Qantas app and it can be completed 72 hours before they fly.
They will then get a QR code to show to Australian Border Force officers instead of the paper card.
However, customers who prefer to use the existing paper incoming passenger card can continue to do so.
Nearly 12,000 passengers have already used the digital passenger card since the trial began.
The program expanded last week for Qantas travellers arriving from Los Angeles (LAX) last week and will now include single and multi-passenger bookings on all international Qantas flights landing in Brisbane.
Passengers reporting on the trial have showered it with compliments, the ABF said.
“It’s about time,” “It made my life easier; I wasn’t reaching for that pen,” and “It was awesome; I’m already out” are among some of the positive comments.
