The first group of Qantas passengers have completed an Australia Travel Declaration – a digital alternative to the paper incoming passenger card (IPC) – after the pilot program was launched for travellers arriving into Australia from New Zealand this week.

The pilot is an initiative of the Trans-Tasman Seamless Travel Group, which was established to deliver on the Australian and New Zealand's Prime Ministers' commitment to explore ways to move closer to seamless travel between the two countries.

Their vision is to work towards 'contactless travel' whereby passengers can rely on digital credentials and facial recognition for quicker and easier progression through key steps at airports.

Following months of planning and development between the ABF, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) and Qantas, the Australia Travel Declaration pilot commenced on Monday (21 October 2024).

Eligible passengers were invited to complete the digital form in the Qantas app prior to travelling on QF126 from Auckland – the first flight of the pilot – which landed at Brisbane Airport about 5pm.

After completing the declaration, those passengers received a digital pass with a QR code through the Qantas app and to their nominated email, which was shown to ABF and DAFF officers for swift clearance through biosecurity and border controls.

ABF Commissioner Michael Outram said it was exciting to be on the way to ditching the paper card – starting with flights across the Tasman.

"A significant amount of work has gone into getting this pilot off the ground, and I'd like to commend the efforts and contribution of Australian and New Zealand agencies and companies to get us to here," Commissioner Outram said.

"This is just one of a number of border modernisation initiatives being co-designed and co-financed by government and industry, and the importance of this opportunity cannot be overstated.

 "As we prepare to welcome the world to Brisbane for the 2032 Olympics, we are striving to be the most innovative leaders at the border, and this is the first of many big steps in the right direction."

DAFF Deputy Secretary of Biosecurity Justine Saunders said biosecurity was a shared responsibility.

"We are pleased to see the biosecurity process becoming more integrated and streamlined while still effectively protecting Australia from harmful biosecurity pests and diseases," Ms Saunders said.

"The success of this pilot program is a step in the right direction towards our shared end goal of achieving streamlined border clearances."

Qantas Group Chief Customer and Digital Officer, Catriona Larritt said "Qantas customers will be the first to experience this great initiative through the Qantas App, in partnership with the Australian Government.

"This is only an initial step as part of a larger project to make the arrival experience more seamless for our customers."

Brisbane Airport CEO, Gert-Jan de Graaff, said "This trial is an important step forward, moving Australia closer to the experience of the world's leading travel hubs.

"We're proud to play a part in shaping the future of seamless travel for everyone."

Eligible passengers – adults, travelling solo, who are Qantas customers and willing to use a SmartGate – on flights to Brisbane from Auckland (initially the afternoon flight) will be invited to complete their declarations through the Qantas app, up to 72 hours prior to departure.

The pilot will expand to flights departing other New Zealand cities – including Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown – to Brisbane in the coming days and weeks. 

This will likely also expand to more Australian airports during the pilot stage, while further international locations and other airlines will be considered as the program progresses beyond the pilot stage.