Iranian Visa Australia Ban (Temporary Travel Restriction Explained)

Mar 26
5 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

Iranian Visa Australia Ban (Temporary Travel Restriction Explained)

Last Updated: 26 March 2026

The Iranian Visa Australia Ban refers to a temporary measure introduced by the Australian Government affecting certain Visitor visa (Subclass 600) holders.

From 26 March 2026, an Arrival Control Determination is in force for six months, applying to specific visa holders linked to Iranian passports who are outside Australia.

This measure has also been widely referred to as an “Iranian visa ban” in Australia, although it is officially a temporary travel restriction.

What Is the Iranian Visa Australia Ban?

The Iranian Visa Australia Ban is implemented through an Arrival Control Determination under the Migration Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) Act 2026.

According to Tony Burke, the restriction is temporary and subject to change depending on global developments.

It applies only to:

Visitor visa (Subclass 600) holders
With an Iranian passport
Who are outside Australia

If the determination applies, the visa is temporarily not in effect for travel purposes, unless an exemption or a Permitted Travel Certificate applies.

Who Is Affected?

The Iranian Visa Australia Ban applies if:

You hold a valid Visitor visa (Subclass 600)
Your visa is linked to an Iranian passport
You were outside Australia when the determination commenced

If these conditions apply:

You cannot travel to Australia while the determination is in force
Unless you are granted a Permitted Travel Certificate (PTC)

Who Is Not Affected?

The restriction does not apply to:

People already in Australia when the determination commenced
The spouse, de facto partner, or dependent child of:
- An Australian citizen
- An Australian permanent resident
- An eligible New Zealand citizen
Parents of a child under 18 in Australia
Individuals holding another visa type
People granted a valid Permitted Travel Certificate (PTC)

Travellers who began their journey before the restriction commenced, including those transiting for less than 24 hours, will generally be allowed to travel.

Before travelling, it is recommended to check whether your Visitor visa is impacted by submitting a request through the Department of Home Affairs Arrival Control Determination portal.

What Happens to Your Visa?

If the Iranian Visa Australia Ban applies to you:

Your visa has temporarily ceased to be in effect for travel while the determination is active

After the restriction:

If your visa is still valid → it will come back into effect
If your visa expires → you must apply for a new visa

What Is a Permitted Travel Certificate (PTC)?

A Permitted Travel Certificate (PTC) allows a limited number of affected individuals to travel to Australia despite the restriction.

Key points:

Applications are assessed case-by-case
Only granted in limited circumstances
Requests are submitted through the Department of Home Affairs

In limited cases, a certificate may be granted where the applicant can demonstrate a genuine intention to stay in Australia temporarily.

Sympathetic consideration may be given in certain family-related circumstances.

Can Iranian Nationals Still Apply for a Visa?

Yes. The Iranian Visa Australia Ban does not prevent visa applications.

New applications can still be lodged
Existing applications continue to be processed
All applications are assessed under standard legal criteria

However, holding a visa does not guarantee travel while the restriction is in place.

Are Visa Fees Refunded?

Visitor visa application fees are generally not refunded due to the temporary travel restriction, unless specific refund criteria are met.

Why Has This Measure Been Introduced?

The Australian Government has stated that the measure is necessary due to:

Rapidly changing global conditions
The increased risk that some temporary visa holders may be unable or unlikely to depart Australia when their visas expire

The policy aims to ensure that Australia’s migration system remains:

Orderly
Fair
Sustainable

Official Statement

Minister Tony Burke stated:

“Decisions about permanent stays in Australia should be deliberate decisions of the Government, not a random consequence of who had booked a holiday.”

He also confirmed that the Government will continue monitoring the situation and may adjust settings if required.

Latest Update: MIA Notice (27 March 2026)

According to the Migration Institute of Australia (MIA Notice 51), the restriction is implemented under:

Migration (Arrival Control) Determination 2026 (LIN 26/040)

This determination commenced on 26 March 2026 and remains in effect for six months.

It applies specifically to:

Visitor visa (Subclass 600) holders
Who used an Iranian passport for their application
And were outside Australia when the determination commenced

This measure does not apply to all Iranian visa holders. It does not affect:

Individuals who were already in Australia on 26 March 2026
Iranian nationals holding other visa subclasses
Visitor visa holders who meet exemption criteria

Additional Clarifications

Affected visas will temporarily cease to be in effect while the determination is active
No refunds are provided unless the criteria under regulation 2.12F are met

Permitted Travel Certificate (PTC)

Requests for a Permitted Travel Certificate (PTC) are assessed on a case-by-case basis and granted only in limited circumstances.

A request should:

Be submitted at least 2 weeks before intended travel
Be lodged no more than 2 months prior to the travel date

Applicants must provide strong supporting evidence. In limited cases, a PTC may be granted where the applicant:

Is the parent of an Australian citizen, or
Can demonstrate a genuine intention to stay in Australia temporarily

Before Travelling

Travellers should check whether their visa is affected by submitting a request through the Department of Home Affairs Arrival Control Determination portal before travelling.

How RACC Can Help

Changes to migration settings can create uncertainty, particularly if you have travel plans or a visa application in progress.

RACC’s registered migration agents (MARN1572962, MARN1172003) monitor official updates and can help you understand how these changes may apply to your individual circumstances.

We can assist with:

Understanding how recent migration measures may affect your ability to travel
Reviewing your visa conditions and any current travel limitations
Providing general guidance on visa application timing during changing conditions
Keeping you informed of relevant updates from the Department of Home Affairs
Discussing possible options if your travel plans are impacted
Supporting you in navigating complex or changing migration situations