Qantas Will Trial Digital Incoming Passenger Cards

Qantas has taken the lead in replacing the time-consuming incoming passenger cards with a new digital alternative. In a joint venture with the Australian Border Force, Qantas ‘Project DEXTA’ aims to lay the foundations for seamless arrivals into Australia. While the ultimate goal is a contactless biometric entry experience, allowing travellers to keep their passports in their pockets, for now, it’s the familiar orange card that’s getting the flick.

The initiative is the first from the Trans-Tasman Seamless Travel Group, a collaborative effort that emerged following commitments from the Prime Ministers of Australia and New Zealand to make travel across the ditch even easier. As such, the digital arrival card will initially be restricted to trans-Tasman arrivals.

Later in 2024, eligible adult visitors and returning Australian residents on selected Qantas flights from New Zealand will be invited to complete the new Australia Travel Declaration. The declaration can be filled out within the Qantas App, up to 72 hours before arrival in Australia.

Once completed, passengers will receive a digital entry pass in the Qantas App and to their email address. The pass will include a QR code that can be shown to ABF officers upon arrival, as well as a summary if you have something to declare.

Beyond the pilot stage, the program is expected to expand to include other airlines. In an ideal world, the contact and passport details within your airline booking will autofill the Australia Travel Declaration, allowing you to obtain a QR code with just a few taps.

ABF Commissioner Michael Outram explained that digitising the Incoming Passenger Card would streamline arrival processes and improve data quality.

“We are excited by the possibilities this pilot program could open up for the future traveller experience – both in and out of Australia – as we prepare to welcome the world when Brisbane hosts the Olympics in 2032.”

The ABF also noted that “engaging passengers before they travel will provide them with the opportunity to leave goods that are a risk offshore, potentially improving their experience on arrival”.