Effective March 26, 2026, the government has temporarily restricted Iranian Visitor (Subclass 600) visa holders who are outside the country from travelling into the country.
An Arrival Control Determination will be in force from March 26, 2026 for six months, made possible under the Migration Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) Act 2026 that passed Parliament earlier this month. The Government is acting in the national interest amid rapidly changing global conditions.
In a media release, the Minister for Home Affairs stated that the conflict in Iran has increased the risk that some temporary visa holders may be unable or unlikely to depart Australia when their visas expire. This aims to give the government time to assess the situation properly, while still allowing flexibility in limited cases.
The Arrival Control Determination only applies to people outside Australia who have a Visitor (Subclass 600) visa linked to an Iranian passport. The determination does not apply to:
- people in Australia when the Arrival Control Determination commenced
- the spouse, de facto partner, or dependent child of Australian citizens, an Australian permanent visa holder, or an Australian resident who is not subject to a time limitation (such as a New Zealand citizen)
- parents of a child under 18 already in Australia
- a person who has been issued with a Permitted Travel Certificate that is in force
- a person holding any other visa.
The Arrival Control Determination does not prevent people outside of Australia from applying for a new visa. Applications already lodged, as well as new applications will continue to be assessed on their merits in line with existing visa criteria and processes.
There will be a small number of impacted people who will still be able to travel to Australia if they are issued with a Permitted Travel Certificate. Requests are considered on a case-by-case basis and will only be issued in limited circumstances. Requests can be made through the Arrival Control Determination Portal on the Home Affairs website.
Sympathetic consideration will be given to cases involving parents of Australian citizens.
Impacted travelers who began their trip to Australia before the Arrival Control Determination came into effect, including those who are transiting in a third country for less than 24 hours, will generally be issued a Permitted Travel Certificate. They do not need to apply for a certificate in these circumstances.
Before travelling, users can find out whether their Visitor visa has been affected by requesting an Arrival Control Determination check through the Department of Home Affairs’ secure online Arrival Control Determination Portal.
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