Faster and more efficient travel could be on the horizon as Australian border authorities trial a digital incoming passenger system.
Passengers have previously had to fill out a physical incoming passenger card (ICP) when they arrive in Australia in order to identify themselves and provide details regarding baggage, their previous location and more.
Now, Qantas travellers between Australia and New Zealand will be able to fill out these details through their mobile phones.
Passengers will provide their details in the Qantas app and once completed will receive a digital pass through their nominated email, which will include a QR code that can be shown to Australian Border Force (ABF) officers.
Travellers will also be able to complete the Australian Travel Declaration up to 72 hours before their arrival.
The trial is part of the Future of seamless trans-Tasman travel group initiative and will begin later this year with the potential for expansion to other airlines.
👏 Goodbye paper arrival cards! We're thrilled travellers arriving in Australia will enjoy an easier, smoother experience under a new trial of digital incoming passenger cards announced today. A major win for the tourism industry! Read our media release at https://t.co/QNKNCxuzAI pic.twitter.com/18NVTTq4jM
— Tourism & Transport Forum Australia (@TTFAus) August 16, 2024
“We’re proud to partner with the Australian Government and industry to be the first airline to facilitate a pilot of the digital Australia Travel Declaration,” Qantas Group Chief Customer and Digital Officer, Catriona Larritt said.
“As a member of the Trans-Tasman Seamless Travel Group, we’re always looking at ways to innovate and create a more efficient travel experience for our customers”.
Margy Osmond, chief Executive of the Travel and Tourism Forum, said the program would lead to more efficient travel.
“Finally, passengers landing in Australia won’t have to fill out a paper arrival card with a pen! The paper cards are a relic of the past and we can do much better in the digital age,” she said.
“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”.
Prime Ministers of Australia and New Zealand have endorsed this trial in order to align with other countries who have already adopted a digital system whilst also ensuring that Australia still has the highest levels of security at our borders.
