Travel between New Zealand and Australia has taken a digital turn on selected flights, thanks to a new digital travel declaration pilot process in October.
Eligible passengers can now submit their Australia Travel Declaration (ATD) up to 72 hours before their journey. By providing their declarations electronically, low-risk and compliant travellers can enjoy faster biosecurity and customs clearances upon arrival.
The first passengers to trial the digital forms arrived in Brisbane from Auckland on Monday 21 October. Flights to Brisbane from Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown have also been included in the trial. Feedback has been very positive, with travellers highlighting the ATD’s ease of use.
This pilot aims to improve efficiency and strengthen targeted biosecurity measures at Australia’s international airports. It enables more focused regulation of the border, while supporting a streamlined approach to manage the challenges of increasing traveller numbers.
Deputy Secretary of Biosecurity, Operations and Compliance, Justine Saunders, emphasized the benefits of the digital 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,” said Ms Saunders.
“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, Qantas and Brisbane Airport Corporation to make international arrivals easier for passengers.
For more information about the Australia Travel Declaration and biosecurity requirements visit: Travelling to Australia.
