Passengers on select Qantas international flights arriving in Melbourne from Auckland and Queenstown can complete their Incoming Passenger Card digitally from today, via the Qantas app up to 72 hours before travel.
Additional international Qantas flights into Melbourne will be added in the coming weeks.
The Australian Travel Declaration trial is being delivered in partnership with the Australian Government, Australian Border Force (ABF) and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF).
Once completed, a digital pass containing a unique QR code is sent to their nominated email address to be presented to ABF and DAFF officers upon arrival without need to fill out an incoming passenger card. The pilot program has had an uptake of more than 380,000 passengers since its launch.
The pilot is an important step toward a faster, smoother experience for travellers, while still supporting Australia’s important border and biosecurity requirements.
“The international arrivals process is one of our biggest passenger pain points, so we’re pleased to see this trial being extended to Melbourne Airport,” Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus said.
Melbourne Airport continues to work with the Federal Government, its agencies and airline partners to help streamline arrivals and deliver a better experience for travellers flying into the state.
“Getting rid of the paper arrival card on eligible flights into Sydney and Brisbane has been enormously popular with international travellers,” Assistant Minister for Citizenship, Customs and Multicultural Affairs, Julian Hill, said. The inclusion of Melbourne in this pilot program is the next step in providing a more seamless experience at our borders for Australians and visitor alike.
“The Government is firmly committed to modernising Australia’s airport arrivals, and digitalising the incoming passenger card allows border agencies to engage with passengers prior to travel, helping to ensure security and biosecurity risks remain offshore.”
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins said the expansion of the digital Australia Travel Declaration system is an important step in improving and streamlining biosecurity compliance and enforcement.
“Including Melbourne Airport in this pilot will continue to help simplify traveller clearances while ensuring strong protections are in place at Australia’s border,” Minister Collins said.
“The expansion is a win for all incoming travellers, and a win for Australia’s world-renowned biosecurity system.”
Qantas chief technology, AI and Transformation Officer Rachel Yangoyan said the Australia Travel Declaration is another way Qantas is improving the arrival experience.
“Since launch, we’ve now seen over 380,000 digital declaration submissions through the Qantas app, and the response has been incredibly positive,” Yangoyan said.
“Qantas is the only Australian airline offering this capability and we look forward to continuing to work with the Federal Government to expand access to more flights and more ports.”
