Qantas change to impact millions of Australian travellers

Qantas is trialling a new digital declaration system that could replace the physical cards that travelers currently have to complete before entering Australia.

The Incoming Passenger Card has long been the form that foreign visitors and returning residents must complete before entering the country.

The IPC is used to declare goods such as food, currency, alcohol and gifts valued at more than $900AUD.

However, the physical paper map could soon be a thing of the past as Qantas is testing a digital alternative called the Australian Travel Declaration with the Australian Border Force.

The pilot program will start on Qantas flights between New Zealand and Australia.

‘Eligible adult passengers’ on selected flights will provide their details via the Qantas app before receiving a QR code to show to border guards.

Although the paper cards are usually handed out during the flight to Australia, travelers can complete the digital declaration up to 72 hours before arrival.

The Australian Border Force said digitizing the declaration process would create a more effective and convenient experience for travellers.

Inbound passenger declaration cards could soon be a thing of the past as the Australian Border Force, along with Qantas, trial a digital system

“Digitising the inbound passenger card provides opportunities to streamline processes, improve data quality and provide users with a seamless experience,” the Australian Border Force said in a statement.

“Testing the Australia Travel Declaration will allow us to gain valuable passenger feedback that will help refine the product and inform future expansion.”

The ABF added that Qantas had been selected as the first partner airline for the program, but explained that the trial will “expand to other airlines” after the trial.

The initiative is the first from the Trans-Tasman Seamless Travel Group – which was formed following commitments from the Australian Prime Minister and the Prime Minister of New Zealand to make travel between the countries easier.

ABF Commissioner Michael Outram said the initiative demonstrates the “power” of a joined-up approach to modernizing and improving the traveler experience.

Mr Outram added feedback from travelers during the trial to refine the process for further expansion.

‘Eligible adult passengers’ on Qantas flights between Australia and New Zealand will be asked to complete a digital declaration via the airline’s app

“A successful Australia Travel Declaration will provide an important foundation for the future of streamlined and contactless travel,” Mr Outram said.

“We are excited about the possibilities this pilot program can bring to the future traveler experience – both within and outside Australia – as we prepare to welcome the world when Brisbane hosts the Olympic Games in 2032.

Margy Osmond, CEO of the Travel and Tourism Forum, said it was time to digitize the process and ditch paper maps.

‘Finally, passengers landing in Australia no longer have to fill out a paper arrival card with a pen! The paper maps are a relic of the past and we can do much better in the digital age,” Ms. Osmond said in a statement.

“These reforms will improve the airport experience for travelers when they arrive, while prioritizing border security, through a more modern and efficient process, which we have long advocated.”

“We are pleased that the pilot will eventually be expanded to other airlines as the program progresses.”