Australia launches digital travel declaration, raises visa salary threshold
Australia has started rolling out a digital travel declaration that will replace the paper Incoming Passenger Card for international arrivals. Under a pilot run via the Qantas app, eligible travellers can submit customs, travel and biosecurity details up to 72 hours before departure and receive a QR code for border officers. The system, backed by A$56.1 million over four years, is expected to be nationwide within 12‑18 months, with Perth and Adelaide joining the expanded trial by end‑2026.
At the same time, Australia raised the minimum salary for employer‑sponsored visas to AUD 76,515 (about ₦42 million) for most skilled pathways and confirmed 20,350 places for its 2025/2026 skilled migration programme. The digital declaration does not replace visa or ETA requirements.
Will you use the QR‑code declaration when flying to Australia, or does the higher salary threshold affect your plans to work there?