***Vision and stills demonstrating the ATD in the Qantas app are available to download***
The next phase of passengers to trial Australia's digital alternative to the paper incoming passenger card (IPC) is here - with travellers on select Qantas flights arriving into Sydney Airport from New Zealand now eligible to use the technology.
The pilot initiative has been a huge success since its introduction at Brisbane International Airport in October 2024. To continue the popular rollout, passengers on two inbound Qantas flights - QF144 from Auckland, and QF122 from Queenstown - will now be eligible to complete the digital form in the Qantas app prior to travelling.
After completing the declaration, passengers receive a digital pass with a QR code through the Qantas app and to their nominated email, which is shown to ABF and DAFF officers for streamlined swift clearance through biosecurity and border controls.
The Australian Border Force (ABF), in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) and Qantas, leads the pilot program.
Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration Tony Burke said the move would be welcome by passengers.
"When people arrive in Sydney, I want them out of the airport and experiencing the city as fast as possible.
"Extending the trial to Australia's busiest airport means every day, hundreds more passengers will have a more seamless travel experience."
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins said the expansion of the trial was another exciting step forward.
"This pilot is helping simplify traveller clearances while ensuring strong biosecurity protections at Australia's borders.
"Expanding the pilot is a win-win for incoming travellers to Australia and for Australia's proud agricultural industry which is protected by our world-renowned biosecurity system."
ABF Commissioner Gav Reynolds said having the digital incoming passenger card pilot now at Sydney Airport is a huge step forward for industry and passengers alike.
"Australia's border agencies are striving towards efficient and modernised trade and travel.
"A significant amount of collaborative work between industry and government, has gone into this pilot program. It is now entering the next phase as we continue to enhance the passenger experience, creating a seamless travel capability."
Qantas International & Freight CEO, Cam Wallace said being the first Australian airline to introduce a digital replacement for the incoming passenger card is part of our commitment to creating a smoother travel experience for our customers.
"This is a significant step forward in simplifying the arrival process into Australia and the overwhelmingly positive response from our customers in Brisbane has demonstrated just how much demand there is for this innovation."
Scott Charlton, Sydney Airport CEO said the airport is proud to support the digital incoming passenger card trial in partnership with Australian Border Force and Qantas.
"Every international service brings in $130 million in annual economic benefit and supports 1,200 full time jobs, so making our border processes more efficient is an important investment in boosting national productivity.
"I want to thank Minister Burke for backing this important initiative, as well Australian Border Force, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, and Qantas for their collaboration and hard work bringing this trial online."
More than 70,000 passengers have taken up the digital Australia Travel Declaration (ATD) since it began in Brisbane in October 2024.
The ABF will work with DAFF and Sydney Airport on expanding the trial over the coming months to include additional Qantas flights.
