Australia to introduce digital incoming passenger cards for travellers
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Australia is on the brink of a transformative change in how international visitors step onto its shores.
Fumbling with pens and papers upon landing might soon be a thing of the past as the country took a significant leap towards a more digital approach.
This innovative step is a nod to the digital age and a move that could streamline the entire entry process for travellers.
The Australian Border Force (ABF) announced an upcoming trial in partnership with Qantas, signalling the end of the traditional Incoming Passenger Card (IPC).
This physical document has long been criticised for being time-consuming and challenging, especially for travellers not proficient in English.
The tourism industry, which has been advocating for this change, received the news with open arms.
Australian Travel Industry Association's CEO Dean Long hailed the trial as a 'really good first step'.
'Those passenger cards have had an important role to play previously, but this is really bringing us into the early 2000s with the rest of the world, where we won't need to fill in paper forms,' Mr Long stated.
The trial, set to commence later this year, will involve eligible adult passengers travelling on select Qantas flights from New Zealand to Australia.
The selected travellers will complete their declarations using the Qantas app for up to 72 hours before arrival.
The digital form will request similar information to the IPC, such as passport details, country of origin, and biosecurity risks.
Upon completion, passengers should receive a digital pass with a QR code sent to their nominated email.
The digital pass should also be accessible through the Qantas app.
This code will then be presented to ABF officers upon arrival, replacing the need for a physical card.
Transport and Tourism Forum CEO Margy Osmond expressed her support for the move, describing paper cards as 'a relic of the past'.
'These reforms will improve the airport experience for travellers when they arrive whilst prioritising border security through a more modern, efficient process,' Ms Osmond said.
The ABF indicated that the trial will expand to include other airlines as the program progresses.
The final version of the Australia Travel Declaration should be independent of any airline's ecosystem.
This ensures that all travellers, regardless of carrier, could benefit from the digital system.
As we await the full rollout of this digital arrival declaration, it's clear that Australia is embracing the future with open arms.
This change is not just about keeping up with the digital age; it's also about enhancing the travel experience for millions of residents and visitors.
It's a testament to the country's commitment to innovation and its willingness to adapt to the ever-evolving demands of global travel.
What are your thoughts on this digital shift? Are you excited about it, or do you have reservations? Share your opinions with us in the comments below!
Fumbling with pens and papers upon landing might soon be a thing of the past as the country took a significant leap towards a more digital approach.
This innovative step is a nod to the digital age and a move that could streamline the entire entry process for travellers.
The Australian Border Force (ABF) announced an upcoming trial in partnership with Qantas, signalling the end of the traditional Incoming Passenger Card (IPC).
This physical document has long been criticised for being time-consuming and challenging, especially for travellers not proficient in English.
The tourism industry, which has been advocating for this change, received the news with open arms.
Select Qantas passengers will participate in a trial to test out the digital arrival cards. Image Credit: Pexels/Sohel Patel
Australian Travel Industry Association's CEO Dean Long hailed the trial as a 'really good first step'.
'Those passenger cards have had an important role to play previously, but this is really bringing us into the early 2000s with the rest of the world, where we won't need to fill in paper forms,' Mr Long stated.
The trial, set to commence later this year, will involve eligible adult passengers travelling on select Qantas flights from New Zealand to Australia.
The selected travellers will complete their declarations using the Qantas app for up to 72 hours before arrival.
The digital form will request similar information to the IPC, such as passport details, country of origin, and biosecurity risks.
Upon completion, passengers should receive a digital pass with a QR code sent to their nominated email.
The digital pass should also be accessible through the Qantas app.
This code will then be presented to ABF officers upon arrival, replacing the need for a physical card.
Transport and Tourism Forum CEO Margy Osmond expressed her support for the move, describing paper cards as 'a relic of the past'.
'These reforms will improve the airport experience for travellers when they arrive whilst prioritising border security through a more modern, efficient process,' Ms Osmond said.
The ABF indicated that the trial will expand to include other airlines as the program progresses.
The final version of the Australia Travel Declaration should be independent of any airline's ecosystem.
This ensures that all travellers, regardless of carrier, could benefit from the digital system.
As we await the full rollout of this digital arrival declaration, it's clear that Australia is embracing the future with open arms.
This change is not just about keeping up with the digital age; it's also about enhancing the travel experience for millions of residents and visitors.
It's a testament to the country's commitment to innovation and its willingness to adapt to the ever-evolving demands of global travel.
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