New Travel Restrictions for Iranian Passport Holders on Visitor Visas

New Travel Restrictions for Iranian Passport Holders on Visitor Visas

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A summary of key measures and their implications

In response to heightened regional risk, the Australian Government has introduced an Arrival Control Determination that temporarily restricts travel for Visitor (Subclass 600) visa holders who are linked to Iranian passports. This began on 26 March 2026 and will remain in force for six months. During this period, many affected Visitor visas have ceased to be in effect, meaning the holders cannot use them to travel to Australia unless they receive an exemption or a Permitted Travel Certificate. The objective is to manage the risk that some visitors may be unable or unwilling to depart at the end of their stay, thereby protecting the integrity and sustainability of Australia’s migration system.

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Why the restrictions are necessary

The Department of Home Affairs explains that conflict involving Iran has increased the risk that some visa holders might overstay their visas. By temporarily pausing travel for impacted visitors, the Government can assess individual circumstances and ensure that arrivals are genuine short-term visitors. These measures mirror broader efforts to protect the migration program’s integrity, such as rigorous training-visa reforms and other targeted controls.

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Who is affected

The Arrival Control Determination applies to Visitor (Subclass 600) visa holders who satisfy all the following conditions:

• Outside Australia when the Determination commenced (26 March 2026).

• Hold a valid Visitor (Subclass 600) visa.

• Departmental records show the visa is linked to a passport issued by the Islamic Republic of Iran.

If these conditions apply, your Visitor visa is temporarily ceased. You cannot travel to Australia on that visa during the Determination period unless you first obtain a Permitted Travel Certificate.

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Who is not affected

Several categories of Iranian-passport visitors are exempt from the Determination. Specifically, the restrictions do not apply if you are:

• The spouse, de facto partner, or dependent child of an Australian citizen, permanent visa holder or resident (including New Zealand citizens who are not subject to time-limited visas).

• The parent of a child under 18 who is in Australia.

• A person who was already in Australia when the Determination began.

• A person who has been issued a Permitted Travel Certificate that is currently in force.

These individuals may still travel to Australia if they hold a valid visa but must carry evidence showing that the Determination does not apply to them.

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Permitted Travel Certificates (PTCs)

If the Determination applies to you but you still need to travel to Australia, you may request a Permitted Travel Certificate. Key points:

• A PTC reinstates your ceased Visitor visa for a single trip within the visa’s validity period.

• PTCs are granted on a case-by-case basis and will only be issued in limited circumstances, such as parents of Australian citizens or individuals who can show they genuinely intend to stay in Australia temporarily.

• To request a PTC, you must lodge an application through the Department’s secure Arrival Control Determination Portal and await an email confirming approval before making travel plans.

• Individuals who were already travelling to Australia when the Determination took effect (including transiting in a third country for less than 24 hours) will generally be issued a PTC automatically and do not need to apply.
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What you need to request a check or a certificate

Before the Department can determine whether the Arrival Control Determination applies to you or consider issuing a PTC you must hold (or have applied for) an Australian visa. Your request must include:

• Personal details: full name, date of birth, visa type/number, and passport number.

• Proposed residential address and phone number in Australia.

• Short explanation of why you are making the request.

• Supporting evidence in English (or translated into English), which might include marriage/birth certificates, legal guardianship documents, proof of relationship or co-residence, evidence of permanent residence in another country, and a travel itinerary.
• Requests without adequate documentation may be finalised without further consideration.

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Refunds and ongoing visa processing

The Department of Home Affairs states that there are no refunds for Visitor visas affected by the Determination unless you meet specific criteria under the refund policy. Importantly, the Determination does not prevent new visa applications. Applications already lodged, as well as new applications, will continue to be assessed against the normal legal requirements, including health, character, and security checks.

Practical implications for travellers and practitioners

These temporary restrictions require careful planning. Affected visitors should:

• Check their visa status via the VEVO system and determine whether the Determination applies.

• Gather required documents and apply for a Permitted Travel Certificate if they have urgent reasons to travel.

• Avoid booking flights until they receive confirmation of a PTC, as travel without one may result in being denied boarding or entry.

Immigration advisers and travel agents should ensure clients understand that the Determination is time-limited (six months from 26 March 2026) and that travellers may need to consider alternative visa pathways if their Visitor visa expires during this period.

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Conclusion

The Arrival Control Determination is a targeted, time-limited measure aimed at managing travel risks associated with the Iran conflict and maintaining the integrity of Australia’s migration program. If you hold a Visitor (Subclass 600) visa linked to an Iranian passport, it is essential to verify whether the Determination affects you, understand your obligations, and follow the proper channels to request a Permitted Travel Certificate when necessary. Staying informed and compliant will help ensure smooth travel once the determination period ends and your visa resumes normal effect.

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Stay updated

The Department will publish updates, including a list of affected visa groups and guidance on permitted travel certificates, on the Arrival Control Determination page. Regularly checking official sources ensures you receive the latest information and avoids reliance on outdated guidance.

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Updated: 27 March 2026