Qantas passengers arriving from New Zealand will be the first to experience a streamlined, paperless arrival process into Australia, thanks to a new partnership between the airline and the Australian Government.
Qantas is leading the way by piloting the Australia Digital Travel Declaration (ATD), a digital alternative to the traditional paper-based Incoming Passenger Card. Initially available on flights from Auckland to Brisbane, the program will first launch on Flight QF126, with plans to expand to other Auckland–Brisbane services in the coming days. This initiative aligns with Qantas’ broader strategy to simplify international travel, with further Australian cities expected to adopt the technology early next year.
Qantas Chief Customer and Digital Officer, Catriona Larritt, highlighted that the paperless system was developed to enhance the customer experience:
“We are constantly working to make travel easier and smoother for our passengers,” Larritt said.
“The digital declaration eliminates the hassle of filling out forms mid-flight and hunting for a pen.”
Eligible Qantas passengers can complete the ATD up to 72 hours before departure through the Qantas app, receiving a QR code for quick border clearance upon arrival in Australia. While currently limited to adult passengers on single bookings, the program will expand to include bookings with children and groups by mid-2025. The traditional paper declaration will still be available for those who prefer it.
This trial follows other digital upgrades to the Qantas app, such as flight tracking, baggage tracking, passport scanning, and a direct call feature. Qantas plans to roll out the ATD on more international routes in the coming months.
