Travelling between New Zealand and Australia has gone digital on some flights thanks to a new digital travel declaration pilot process launched on 21 October.

Eligible passengers can now submit their Australia Travel Declaration (ATD) up to 72 hours before travelling. Providing their declarations electronically gives compliant and low-risk travellers streamlined biosecurity and customs clearances on arrival.

The first passengers to trial the digital forms arrived in Brisbane from Auckland on Monday 21 October, with additional flights from Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown coming on board in the next two weeks.

Deputy Secretary of Biosecurity, Operations and Compliance, Justine Saunders, said it removes the compliant, low risk passengers from the system.

“This new digital process helps streamline arrivals for travellers, and it allows our biosecurity officers to increase their focus on detecting non-compliance and managing risky goods,” Ms Saunders said.

“We look forward to travellers being better informed about biosecurity requirements when packing, and choosing to leave high risk goods offshore to enable a low-touchpoint clearance at the border.

“Travellers will still be referred to biosecurity screening if they are carrying high risk biosecurity goods to ensure effective management of biosecurity risks and protect Australia’s unique environment, our way of life and agriculture businesses.

“We collaborated with Australian Border Force (ABF), Qantas and Brisbane Airport Corporation to make international arrivals easier for passengers.”

ABF Commissioner Michael Outram said the pilot was the first step toward a future of easier and more efficient travel, both in and out of Australia.

“There’s been collaboration with partner agencies and across the aviation and tourism sectors, and we are all committed to improving the traveller experience,” Commissioner Outram said.

“As we prepare to welcome the world to Brisbane for the 2032 Olympics, it is important that government and industry work together – co-designing initiatives that will modernise our border.

“The Australia Travel Declaration lays the foundations for contactless travel and we are excited by the possibilities it can bring for the future.”

For more information on biosecurity requirements when entering Australia, visit: Travelling to Australia - DAFF