The Australian government has introduced a six‑month travel ban on certain Iranian visitors under subclass 600 (Visitor visa) effective 26 March 2026. The measure is part of the Migration Amendment (2026 Measures No 1) Act 2026, which adds an “arrival control determination” power to the Migration Act 1958. The Minister can issue the determination with written agreement from the Prime Minister and the Minister responsible for the Diplomatic Privileges and Immunities Act 1967, but it cannot remain in force for longer than six months.
Who is affected
- Subclass 600 visa holders who supplied a passport issued by the Islamic Republic of Iran at the time of application and are currently outside Australia.
- Their visas are automatically cancelled for the duration of the determination, meaning they cannot travel to Australia unless they obtain a permitted travel certificate.
Exemptions
The determination does not apply to:
- Temporary Protection Visa holders
- Temporary Safe Haven Visa holders
- Subclass 786 (Temporary – Humanitarian Concern) visa holders
- Bridging visa holders linked to any of the above visas
- Any non‑citizen already in Australia
- Spouses, de facto partners or dependent children of Australian citizens, permanent visa holders, or usual residents whose stay is not time‑limited
- Parents of a child under 18 who is in Australia
- Holders of a permitted travel certificate that is in force
A permitted travel certificate is the primary route for exemption; it demonstrates a valid reason (e.g., being a spouse of an Australian citizen) to enter Australia despite the ban.
Application process
- Travellers already en route to Australia and transiting through a third country for less than 24 hours are expected to receive a permitted travel certificate automatically, without a formal application.
- All other applicants must submit a request for a permitted travel certificate between two months and two weeks before their intended arrival date.
- The Department of Home Affairs notes that parents of Australian citizens will be considered for a certificate.
Applications are made through the same portal used for COVID‑19 travel permits: https://acdchecks.homeaffairs.gov.au/tep.
Practical considerations
- The ban applies only to Iranian passport holders; other nationalities with subclass 600 visas are unaffected.
- The six‑month period may be extended only by issuing a new arrival control determination; otherwise the ban expires automatically.
- Visa holders who obtain a permitted travel certificate will have their subclass 600 visa reinstated for the purpose of entry.
- The exemption list includes several humanitarian and family‑related categories, so applicants should verify eligibility before applying.
This temporary measure aims to mitigate the risk that Iranian visitors might be unable or unwilling to leave Australia when their visas expire, given the ongoing conflict in the region.
Source article: www.peakmigration.com.au
