Australia Imposes Six Month Travel Restrictions On Iranian Passport Holders with Australian Visitor Visa

As of 26 March 2026, the Government has issued an Arrival Control Determination, imposing temporary travel restrictions on Iranian passport holders who hold a Visitor Visa (Subclass 600).

The Department of Home Affairs has formally exercised its powers under section 84B of the Migration Act for the first time. This provision operates as an “arrival pause” mechanism, allowing the Government to temporarily restrict entry to Australia for certain temporary visa holders.

What is Happening?

• Who is Affected: People located outside of Australia who hold a Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) linked to an Iranian passport.
• When does it start: The restriction commenced on 26 March 2026.
• How long does it last: It is currently in force for a period of 6 months.
• What does it mean: Your Subclass 600 visa has temporarily ceased to be in effect. You cannot travel to Australia while this Determination is active, unless you fall under a strict exemption.

Note: Your visa has not been cancelled. If your visa has not expired by the time the Determination ends in six months, it will automatically become valid for travel again.

Why has the Government done this?

The Department of Home Affairs has stated that the ongoing conflict in Iran has increased the risk that some temporary visa holders may be unable—or unlikely—to leave Australia once their visitor visas expire. This temporary pause gives the government time to assess risks and protect the integrity of the migration system.

Who is Affected by the Determination?

Most Iranian passport holders who hold a Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) and were outside Australia on 26 March 2026 (when the Arrival Control Determination officially began) are directly impacted.

If this Determination applies to you, it means:

• Travel is Paused: You cannot use your current Subclass 600 visa to travel to Australia while the Determination is in force (currently a 6-month period)—unless you request and are issued a Permitted Travel Certificate.
• If your visa does not expire during the pause: Once the Determination ends, your visa will automatically come back into effect and be valid for travel again.
• If your visa expires during the pause: If your visa expires while the Determination is in force, you will need to apply for a brand new visa to travel to Australia in the future.

We highly recommend checking your current visa status through the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) system to confirm your expiration date and current standing.

Who is NOT Affected? (The Exemptions)

The Arrival Control Determination does not apply to you if you fall into one of the following categories:

• You were already inside Australia when the Determination commenced on 26 March 2026.
• You are the spouse, de facto partner, or dependent child of an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident, or eligible New Zealand Citizen.
• You are the parent of a child under 18 who is currently in Australia.
• You were in transit to Australia (in a third country for less than 24 hours) when the rule came into effect.

Actionable Advice: Even if you meet one of these exemptions, you must request an Arrival Control Determination check through the Department’s secure online portal and provide evidence of your relationship/status before you attempt to board a flight.

What if I still need to travel? (Permitted Travel Certificates)

If you are affected by the suspension but have an urgent or genuine need to travel, you can apply for a Permitted Travel Certificate (PTC).

If granted, a PTC reactivates your visa and allows you to travel. However, the Department will only issue these in very limited circumstances on a case-by-case basis. You may be eligible if:

1. You are the parent of an Australian citizen (the Minister has noted particular care will be taken for these cases).
2. You can provide strong, undeniable evidence that you genuinely intend to stay in Australia only temporarily.

How to apply: You must submit a request via the Department’s Arrival Control Determination Portal. You will need to provide your personal details, your proposed Australian address, a short explanation of your need to travel, and translated evidence (such as marriage certificates, property ownership in your home country, or return travel itineraries).

Do not book any new flights until you receive an email confirming your PTC has been issued. The Department recommends applying at least two weeks before your intended travel date.

What about new visa applications and refunds?

• New Applications: The Determination does not stop you from applying for a new visa. The Department is still processing Subclass 600 applications against standard health, character, and security criteria.
• Refunds: The government will not issue refunds for affected Subclass 600 visas simply because the travel restriction is in place, unless you meet standard refund criteria.

Need Help Navigating This Crisis?

We know how distressing it is to have your family’s travel plans suddenly paused. Navigating the Arrival Control Determination Portal and proving a “genuine temporary stay” to secure a Permitted Travel Certificate requires precise, high-quality evidence.

If your visa has been suspended and you need to apply for a Permitted Travel Certificate, Book an Appointment with our registered migration agents today. We are here to help you reunite with your loved ones safely and legally.

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