The Australian Government has introduced a significant and unprecedented temporary travel restriction affecting certain holders of a Visitor (Subclass 600) visa linked to an Iranian passport.
Under an Arrival Control Determination that commenced on 26 March 2026, some affected Visitor visas have temporarily ceased to be in effect for travel to Australia. The Determination is expected to remain in force for 6 months, unless changed or revoked earlier.
For clients, families and businesses planning travel, the key point is this: a valid Visitor visa may not currently be usable for travel if the Determination applies.
Why the Government has introduced this measure
According to the Department, the measure has been introduced in response to the current Iran conflict and concerns that some visa holders may be unable, or unlikely, to depart Australia before visa expiry.
The stated policy objective is to protect the integrity and sustainability of Australia’s migration system while the Government assesses the relevant risks.
Who is affected
The temporary restriction currently applies where a person:
- is outside Australia
- holds a Visitor (Subclass 600) visa
- Departmental records indicate that the person used a passport issued by the Islamic Republic of Iran when applying for that visa.
If all of the above apply, this means you cannot travel to Australia while the Determination is in force – unless you request, and are issued, a Permitted Travel Certificate.
There are some exceptions – discussed below – where the restrictions do not apply.
Who is not affected (exemptions)
The Determination does not apply to the following Visitor visa holders with Iranian passports:
- the spouse, de facto partner or dependent child of an Australian citizen, an Australian permanent resident or an Australian resident who is not subject to a time limitation (such as an eligible New Zealand citizen)
- the parent of a child under 18 who is in Australia
- a person who was already in Australia when the Determination commenced
- a person who has been issued a Permitted Travel Certificate (PTC) that is in force
Even where a person falls within one of these categories, they should be prepared to provide documentary evidence confirming that the restriction does not apply to them before travel.
What is a Permitted Travel Certificates (PTC)?
The Permitted Travel Certificate provides a limited pathway for travel despite the restrictions. However, this pathway is narrow and discretionary.
If a PTC is granted:
- the person’s visa will come back into effect
- travel to Australia may proceed, provided the visa remains valid.
The Department has made clear that PTCs will be granted only in very limited circumstances and on a case by case basis.
Examples given by the Department include individuals who:
- are the parent of an Australian citizen, or
- can demonstrate that they genuinely intend to stay in Australia temporarily.
The Minister has also indicated that particular care will be taken in matters involving parents of Australian citizens.
A request for a PTC can be made on the Department’s Arrival Control determination portal.
Are refunds available?
The Department has stated that refunds will not generally be available for affected Visitor visas, unless the person falls within one of the limited refund categories under the applicable rules.
Can new visa applications still be lodged?
Yes. The Determination does not prevent new visa applications from being made.
Both existing and new applications will continue to be assessed under the usual legal framework.
That said, the existence of this Determination is a reminder that travel planning and visa strategy should be approached carefully, particularly where timing is critical.
Checking visa status before travel
Given the automatic operation of this Determination, affected individuals should not assume that their visa remains valid for travel.
A person whose visa is affected should not make travel plans unless and until they receive confirmation that:
- the Determination does not apply to them, or
- a Permitted Travel Certificate has been issued.
The Department has stated that people should use the Arrival Control Determination Portal to:
- request a check as to whether the Determination applies, and/or
- request a PTC.
The Department recommends lodging a PTC request at least 2 weeks before intended travel.
What this means for Iranian Visitor Visa Holders
For affected individuals and families, the immediate issue is not whether a visa was granted, but whether that visa is currently effective for travel.
You should be particularly alert to the following:
- a valid Subclass 600 Visitor visa may currently be unusable for travel if linked to an Iranian passport and the holder was outside Australia when the Determination commenced
- family based exemptions may apply, but evidence will be required
- a PTC is not automatic and will be granted only in limited cases
- if urgent travel is being considered, checks should be made before booking flights
- if a visa expires during the restriction period, a new visa application may be necessary.
Concluding thoughts
This is a very recent and unprecedented change, and there is not yet a clear body of practice showing how the Government will implement these restrictions in individual cases. Key issues such as exemptions, evidence requirements and the granting of Permitted Travel Certificates are likely to become clearer only as the Department begins applying the Determination in practice.
The position may therefore change quickly. Migration Affairs will continue to monitor the situation and keep clients updated on any further developments. In the meantime, tailored advice is incredibly important for anyone whose travel or visa arrangements may be affected.
Contact us today:
📧 info@migrationaffairs.com.au
🌐 migrationaffairs.com.au/contact
📞 +61 2 8226 8777
Changes to the migration program can occur without notice. The above information is not intended to be legal advice and is correct as of the date of writing this article.
Contact Migrations Affairs to speak with our immigration experts for tailored advice on the circumstances and eligibility.
