Joint media release: Digital incoming passenger card expanded to eligible Melbourne-bound international travellers

The Hon Julie Collins MP, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
The Hon Julian Hill MP, Assistant Minister for Citizenship, Customs and Multicultural Affairs

The Australian Travel Declaration (ATD) pilot program has expanded to include eligible passengers on selected Qantas flights arriving into Melbourne Airport from today, Tuesday 26 May 2026.

The latest expansion marks the third phase of the pilot program which launched in October 2024, providing eligible travellers flying into Brisbane, and Sydney (from August 2025), a streamlined, digital clearance process through border controls and biosecurity.

Eligible passengers flying into Melbourne Airport aboard Qantas flights QF154 and QF178 from Auckland and Queenstown respectively, will be invited to complete the ATD through the Qantas app.

Passengers will be able to complete the declaration up to 72 hours prior to travel.

Once completed, a digital pass containing a unique QR code is sent to their nominated email address to be presented to Australian Border Force (ABF) and Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) officers upon arrival without need to fill out an incoming passenger card.

The pilot program, led by ABF, in partnership with the DAFF and Qantas, has had an uptake of more than 380,000 passengers since its launch.

Additional international Qantas flights arriving in Melbourne will be added in the coming weeks and the ABF will work closely with DAFF and Melbourne airport over the course of the pilot program.

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Citizenship, Customs and Multicultural Affairs, Julian Hill
“Getting rid of the paper arrival card on eligible flights into Sydney and Brisbane has been enormously popular with international travellers. The inclusion of Melbourne in this pilot program is the next step in providing a more seamless experience at our borders for Australians and visitor alike.

“The Government is firmly committed to modernising Australia’s airport arrivals, and digitalising the incoming passenger card allows border agencies to engage with passengers prior to travel, helping to ensure security and biosecurity risks remain offshore.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry the Hon Julie Collins

“This expansion of the digital Australia Travel Declaration system is an important step in improving and streamlining biosecurity compliance and enforcement. 

“Including Melbourne Airport in this pilot will continue to help simplify traveller clearances while ensuring strong protections are in place at Australia’s border. 

“The expansion is a win for all incoming travellers, and a win for Australia’s world-renowned biosecurity system.”

Quotes attributable to Rachel Yangoyan, Qantas Chief Technology, AI and Transformation Officer

"Melbourne is one of our busiest international ports and offering the Australia Travel Declaration here is another way we are improving the arrival experience for our customers. 

“Since launch, we’ve now seen over 380,000 digital declaration submissions through the Qantas app, and the response has been incredibly positive.

"Qantas is the only Australian airline offering this capability and we look forward to continuing to work with the Federal Government to expand access to more flights and more ports."

Quotes attributable to Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus

"The international arrivals process is one of our biggest passenger pain points, so we're pleased to see this trial being extended to Melbourne Airport.

"We're committed to working with the Federal Government, its agencies and the airlines to streamline the arrivals process and deliver a seamless border experience for travellers."