Travellers on Qantas flights between New Zealand and Australia will trial a digital alternative to paper Incoming Passenger Cards this year, as part of a pilot program which aims to later expand to other airlines.

The change comes after multiple attempts by federal governments to digitise the process over recent years, and ahead of thousands of athletes, media organisations, and tourists travelling to Brisbane for the 2032 Olympics.

The current yellow-coloured Incoming Passenger Card is filled out and signed by a traveller to record their entry into Australia, and is handed to authorities on their arrival in the country.

Adult passengers on some Qantas flights from New Zealand will be able to complete their declarations through the Qantas app up to 72 hours before their arrival, according to Australian Border Force (ABF).

“Once completed, passengers will receive a digital pass through the app and to their nominated email, which will include a QR code that can be shown to ABF officers on arrival,” the agency said.

It is unclear when the scheme may be expanded to other airlines and locations.

The new trans-Tasman trial comes after the government accepted a recommendation from the Trans-Tasman Seamless Travel Group to pilot a digital Australian Travel Declaration using digital credentials.

The group, which came together following an agreement between Australia and New Zealand, also involves major airlines, international airports, and tourism organisations.


Some Qantas customers travelling between New Zealand and Australia will trial a digital Australian Travel Declaration this year. Photo: Qantas / Supplied

‘Improve the experience for travellers’

ABF Commissioner Michael Outram said the Australian Travel Declaration sought to “modernise and improve the experience for travellers”.

“We are excited by the possibilities this pilot program can open up for the future traveller experience – both in and out of Australia – and as we prepare to welcome the world when Brisbane hosts the Olympics in 2032,” he said.

“With this in our sights, we are continuing to collaborate with our agency partners and industry to set the global standard for traveller experience."

A passenger filling out a digital form would also give them the chance to leave any goods that are a risk offshore, ABF said.

Margy Osmond, CEO of tourism advocacy group Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF), welcomed the pilot program.

“These reforms will improve the airport experience for travellers when they arrive, whilst prioritising border security through a more modern, efficient process, which we’ve long been advocating for,” she said.

Australia launched a Digital Passenger Declaration app in February 2022 using technology from digital identity firm ForgeRock after IT consulting firm Accenture won the contract for it, but it was later scrapped following negative user experience and feedback.