An improved border pass system to speed up the process of entering Queensland for frustrated travellers is set to be introduced tomorrow.
With Queensland border restrictions on COVID-19 hotspots of Greater Sydney and Victoria remaining in place, Queensland Police are reminding all travellers to Queensland to apply well in advance for a border declaration pass.
Deputy Commissioner Steve Gollschewski said the revamped system was designed to streamline processes while ensuring compliance with border restrictions was maintained.
“This is an automated system to remove confusion and assist in speeding up processing at the border,” Deputy Commissioner Gollshewski said.
“The improvements to the system will further reduce the risk to Queenslanders by strengthening enforcement measures on those who seek to enter our state with false declarations.
“While most people coming into Queensland do the right thing, there have been a number of instances of people attempting to blatantly disobey the directions and make false declarations.
He said the online application process would remove confusion around pass types by auto-selecting passes for applicants based on the information they provide.
All applicants will need to upload supporting documents for validation which may take up to three business days to be processed.
Police say travellers should still bring their hard copy documents to border control points while the new system is phased in.
The Deputy Commissioner said there was no need for people with existing Queensland Border Declaration Passes to re-apply, as all valid passes would be honoured.
“The new improvements address concerns and give a very clear message that if you don’t have a valid border pass, you will not be granted access into Queensland,” he said.
“We urge everyone coming into Queensland to plan ahead and make sure you apply for a border pass before your travel.”
For more information and to apply for a border declaration pass visit www.qld.gov.au/border-pass.
