Australia Expands Digital Passenger Card Trial To Qantas Melbourne Arrivals
Synopsis
Travellers arriving in Melbourne on selected Qantas flights from New Zealand can now complete customs and arrival declarations digitally before departure.
The Department of Home Affairs has expanded its Digital Incoming Passenger Card (IPC) pilot to selected Qantas flights arriving at Melbourne Airport from New Zealand. From May 27, passengers travelling on QF154 and QF178 services from Auckland and Queenstown can complete customs and arrival declarations through the Qantas app before boarding.
Key highlights
- Australia expanded its Digital Incoming Passenger Card pilot
- Trial now includes selected Qantas flights into Melbourne
- Travellers can complete declarations up to 72 hours before departure
- Officials say processing times have fallen by 40%
- Qantas plans wider rollout across international routes
Border Process Goes Digital
The new system allows travellers to submit customs, health and visa information up to 72 hours before departure, replacing traditional paper arrival cards.
Australian authorities say the digital process enables border agencies to assess passenger information before flights depart, improving screening and reducing processing delays on arrival.
The initiative forms part of Australia’s broader push to modernise border operations and streamline passenger processing.
Faster Processing Times
Officials said early trial results showed a 40% reduction in primary border processing times.
Authorities also reported an increase in biosecurity interceptions due to earlier screening of declared goods through the digital system.
The Digital IPC connects directly with Australia’s Advanced Passenger Processing system used by the Australian Border Force and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
Qantas Eyes Wider Rollout
Qantas has indicated it wants to expand the feature across its international network later this year, subject to regulatory approval.
Melbourne Airport said fully digital arrivals could also reduce congestion by freeing smart-gate kiosks for other inbound flights during peak periods.
Traveller Requirements
Passengers travelling on eligible routes will need to download or update the Qantas mobile app, verify their identity and submit required information before travel.
Travellers who do not complete the digital process may still need to use manual arrival channels at the airport.
Privacy Considerations
The report said passenger information collected through the system may be stored on government servers for up to 90 days and shared between agencies under Australia’s Migration Act.
Businesses managing corporate travel programmes may also need to update privacy and travel guidance for staff using the system.
FAQs
Q1: What is the Digital Incoming Passenger Card?
It is Australia’s digital replacement for traditional paper arrival cards used by international travellers.
Q2: Which flights are included in the pilot?
The trial currently applies to selected Qantas flights arriving in Melbourne from Auckland and Queenstown.
Q3: When can passengers complete the form?
Travellers can submit their details up to 72 hours before departure through the Qantas app.
Q4: What are the benefits of the digital system?
Authorities say it reduces airport processing times and improves biosecurity screening.
Q5: Will the programme expand further?
Qantas plans to extend the feature across more international routes pending regulatory approval.
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