Sydney trial puts Australia’s paper incoming passenger card on notice

Australia begins phasing out the paper Incoming Passenger Card as a large digital declaration trial opens at Sydney Airport on August 6, 2025, starting with select Qantas flights from New Zealand and promising faster, simpler arrivals.

Passengers on QF144 (Auckland–Sydney) and QF122 (Queenstown–Sydney) complete their details in the Qantas app before departure, then show a QR code on arrival for border and biosecurity checks.

What’s changing at Sydney Airport

• Launch date: August 6, 2025
• Eligible flights: Qantas QF144 (Auckland–Sydney) and QF122 (Queenstown–Sydney)
• How it works: Complete a digital declaration in the Qantas app; receive a QR code by app and email; present it to Australian Border Force (ABF) and Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) officers on arrival
• Goal: Replace the paper Incoming Passenger Card (IPC) with a faster, app-based process and speed up the arrivals hall

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the move follows a successful Brisbane pilot that started in October 2024 and has already logged more than 70,000 digital submissions.

How the trial works, step by step

1. Book QF144 or QF122 to Sydney.
2. Before departure, open the Qantas app and complete the digital declaration.
3. Receive your digital pass with a QR code in the app and by email.
4. On arrival at Sydney Airport, present the QR code to ABF and DAFF officers for border and biosecurity clearance.

Travelers on these flights no longer fill out the paper card on the plane or in the terminal — you can put the pen away.

Who’s involved and what they say

• The pilot is run by ABF, DAFF, and Qantas in partnership with Sydney Airport.
• Scott Charlton, Sydney Airport CEO, says the new process supports growth, noting each international service brings in about $130 million a year and supports around 1,200 full-time jobs.
• ABF Commissioner Gav Reynolds described the effort as a coordinated push to create a seamless, modern arrivals experience.
• Cam Wallace, Qantas International & Freight CEO, says the airline is focused on making arrival simpler and that Brisbane feedback has been strongly positive.

Key takeaway: Multiple agencies and the airline are collaborating to reduce friction on arrival while protecting border and biosecurity interests.

What this means for travelers

• No paper IPC for eligible flights: Complete the form digitally before you fly and scan a QR code on arrival.
• Faster lines: ABF officers can focus on travelers who need extra help or additional checks.
• Keep your device handy: Ensure your phone is charged so you can show your QR code. If your phone battery dies, access the emailed QR code on a backup device or print it if possible.
• Accessibility matters: Officials say the system will expand carefully. For travelers without smartphones or who prefer paper, legacy options may remain during the trial.

Tip: Complete the digital declaration as soon as the app prompts you. Double-check your answers — errors can slow you down at the gate.

Impact on border agencies and the economy

Sydney’s T1 terminal has installed eight new ABF SmartGate kiosks, boosting capacity by about +640 passengers per hour. Officials plan to double the number of kiosks by early 2026, which, paired with digital declarations, is designed to clear flights more quickly and reduce peak-time congestion.

For ABF and DAFF, the digital system shifts officer time toward higher-risk assessments and travelers needing personal assistance, rather than sorting through paper. That helps protect Australia’s borders and biosecurity while improving the traveler experience.

Background: From paper to phone

The paper Incoming Passenger Card has been part of Australia’s border entry for decades. It collects basic identity, travel history, customs, and biosecurity information.

For official information on the IPC and passenger cards, visit the Australian Border Force page: ABF: Passenger cards and arrival process. This page serves as the official reference for the paper card while the trial progresses.

The shift began with Brisbane’s digital pilot in October 2024. Passengers there reported the app-based form was easier to complete and reduced stress after long flights. Sydney is now the second major hub to roll out the system, with plans to broaden to more routes and airlines later in 2025.

Case study: A smooth arrival from Auckland

Mia, a New Zealander flying QF144 to Sydney to start a job, completes the digital declaration the night before her flight. When she lands, she opens the Qantas app, pulls up the QR code, and heads to the arrivals hall. An officer scans it, confirms her responses, and directs her to the SmartGate. She clears the airport faster than on earlier trips that required finding a pen, filling out the paper IPC, and queuing for manual checks.

For new hires, students, and families with tired children, these minutes saved can make a real difference.

What’s next: Expansion and timelines

• More routes and airlines later in 2025: The program is expected to grow beyond QF144 and QF122 and involve other carriers.
• By early 2026: ABF expects a full SmartGate rollout at T1 and broader digital coverage. If the trials meet targets, the paper IPC could be retired nationwide.
• Watch for updates: Authorities will monitor accessibility, privacy, and system reliability as expansion proceeds.

Officials note that traveler feedback will guide the rollout pace. The goal is a system that works for frequent flyers and first-time visitors alike.

Practical tips before you fly

• Update the Qantas app and allow notifications.
• Complete the digital declaration early; don’t wait until boarding.
• Keep a copy of your QR code in your email in case of app issues.
• Bring a portable charger if your phone battery is weak.
• Pack truthfully: biosecurity rules are strict. Declare risk items even if you’re unsure.

Key numbers at a glance

Official contacts and support

• Australian Border Force Media: (02) 6264 2211
• Sydney Airport Corporate Newsroom: available via the airport’s corporate site
• Qantas Customer Service: via the Qantas app or main site
• Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry: general biosecurity information available on the department’s website

If you’re unsure whether your flight is included, check your Qantas booking and look for an in-app prompt.

The bottom line

• If you’re on QF144 or QF122 into Sydney, use the digital declaration and be ready with your QR code.
• Expect faster lines and fewer paper forms.
• More routes will join later in 2025, with broader rollout by early 2026 if trials continue to succeed.

This is a major step toward a fully digital, mobile-first border experience in Australia — starting at Sydney Airport and likely spreading nationwide as results continue to come in.