Australia Trials Digital Arrival Declarations for Qantas

Travellers arriving at select Australian airports can now complete border declarations digitally using the Qantas application.

Updated on Oct. 19, 2026 in Australia and New Zealand

Australia Trials Digital Arrival Declarations for Qantas

Live Poll

Do you find that digitizing government border declarations makes your international travel easier?

Qantas passengers flying into Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane can now replace paper incoming passenger cards with a new digital travel declaration. The pilot programme allows travellers to submit required information three days before arrival to generate a QR code for border controls.

Why it matters

This digital shift aims to streamline the arrival process for international travellers by integrating border requirements directly into the Qantas mobile application. The initiative represents a new approach to replacing traditional paper cards with mobile-integrated technology.

Passengers may complete their digital declarations up to 3 days prior to flight arrival. The system is currently available only for specific Qantas flights to Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.

The players

Qantas

This is the flag carrier airline of Australia that is integrating the digital declaration platform into its mobile application.

Australian Border Force

This federal law enforcement agency is responsible for managing border control operations at Australian international airports.

Accenture

This is a global professional services company that developed the previous Digital Passenger Declaration platform.

The details

The Australia Travel Declaration platform pre-fills forms with existing passenger data, which is then presented as a QR code to Australian Border Force officers. This system succeeds the previously scrapped Digital Passenger Declaration platform, which cost $60 million and operated for only 5 months.

February 2022: The initial Digital Passenger Declaration platform launched.
July 2022: The previous digital platform ceased operations.
October 2024: The new Australia Travel Declaration pilot programme launched.
End of 2026: The digital declaration will roll out to all inbound Qantas flights.
Mid-2028: The system will be phased in at all Australian international airports and seaports.

Travel Outlook

The transition from paper-based entry requirements to digital declarations reflects a global shift toward automated border processing. This move mirrors efforts by other nations to replace legacy physical documentation with integrated, mobile-first passenger screening systems.

Travellers currently limited to Qantas flights should check the airline app three days before their flight to see if they are eligible for the digital submission. Ensure your mobile device is charged upon arrival, as you will need to present your digital QR code to border officials.

The takeaway

Using the digital declaration could save time at the border by reducing the need for manual paperwork. Always verify your eligibility before your flight to ensure a smooth transition through Australian border controls.