From today, Qantas passengers flying from Auckland and Queenstown to Sydney can skip the paper incoming passenger card and complete their declaration digitally through the Qantas app before they fly.
“We’re proud to support the digital incoming passenger card trial in partnership with Australian Border Force and Qantas,” said Scott Charlton, Sydney Airport CEO.
“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.”
Upon landing at Sydney Airport, eligible passengers will receive a digital pass with a QR code, which they can simply show to border and biosecurity officers before making their onward journey.
Cam Wallace, Qantas International & Freight CEO (watch below), said being the first Australian airline to introduce a digital replacement for the card was part of their commitment to creating a smoother travel experience for 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.”
The latest trial is a key initiative of the Trans-Tasman Seamless Travel Group, which is working towards a future of contactless travel using digital credentials and facial recognition to streamline passenger journeys.
Tony Burke, Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration, said the move would be welcomed 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.”
The trial forms part of broader efforts to improve the arrival experience at Sydney Airport, including the recent installation of eight new ABF SmartGate kiosks at T1, boosting processing capacity by 640 passengers per hour.
By early 2026, a further 32 new SmartGate kiosks will be deployed across the international precinct, doubling the total number of kiosks in the terminal.
