More passengers flying into Australia will be able to complete their travel declaration forms digitally as a trial is extended. 

The Australian Border Force and Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) have been trialling the digital Australia Travel Declaration forms on select flights since October. 

Use of the digital forms, which replace the traditional Incoming Passenger Cards, will be expanded from Wednesday. 

Initially, travellers on single-passenger bookings from New Zealand were able to complete the travel declarations in the Qantas app.

The trial was then expanded to travellers arriving on flights from Los Angeles. 

The digital travel declaration trial has now been extended to single and multi-passenger bookings on all Qantas flights arriving into Brisbane Airport.

Passengers complete an online form and receive a QR code through the Qantas app or email, which they then show Border Force officers upon arrival. 

The form is also immediately shared to the federal government. 

Australia will expand a trial of digital incoming passenger cards for Qantas passengers

Use of the digital forms, introduced to replace traditional paper Incoming Passenger Cards, will be expanded from Wednesday

The streamlined travel declarations can be completed in the Qantas app up to 72 hours before departure to Australia. 

ABF commissioner Gavin Reynolds told The Australian the phasing out of the paper passenger card was one of the first steps toward a digital Australian border. 

‘The positive feedback so far has demonstrated a clear demand for a more efficient and user-friendly approach,’ Mr Reynolds said.

‘As we prepare for global events like the 2032 Olympics, the ABF is committed to using technology to create a seamless travel experience while maintaining high standards of security and compliance.’ 

DAFF deputy secretary of biosecurity Justine Saunders said the trial indicated online forms made the customs process more efficient. 

‘Trial findings so far have demonstrated a more seamless traveller experience while allowing biosecurity officers to increase their focus on detecting non-compliance and managing risky goods,’ she said.