Temporary travel restrictions for Iranian visitor visa holders in effect

The Australian Government has introduced temporary travel restrictions affecting certain Iranian passport holders who hold Australian visitor visas. The measures were announced by the Minister for Home Affairs and take effect through an Arrival Control Determination made under recently enacted migration legislation.

Under the determination, most people outside Australia who hold a Visitor (subclass 600) visa linked to an Iranian passport will be temporarily barred from travelling to Australia. The restriction is intended to apply for up to six months, subject to ongoing review by the government.

Who is affected?

The restrictions apply only to a specific and narrow group:

People outside Australia:

Who hold a Visitor (subclass 600) visa
Where that visa is linked to an Iranian passport

If all three of these conditions are met, travel to Australia may be refused for the duration of the determination

Who is exempt?

Importantly, the determination does not affect all Iranian nationals. Exemptions apply in several circumstances, including:

Iranian passport holders who are already in Australia
Those already travelling to Australia or in transit
Spouses or dependent children of Australian citizens or permanent residents
Certain applicants who are granted a Permitted Travel Certificate on a case‑by‑case basis

The Minister has indicated that consideration may be given in limited situations, including family‑related circumstances, where a permitted travel certificate is sought.

What visas are not affected?

The determination is currently limited to visitor visas. It does not apply to:

Permanent visas
Skilled visas
Student visas
Partner visas
Humanitarian or protection visas

Each visa category is assessed under its own legislative framework, and no broader suspension of Iranian nationals’ access to the migration program has been announced.

Permitted Travel Certificate (PTC)

Applications for a Permitted Travel Certificate (PTC) are considered on a case-by-case basis and will only be issued in extremely limited circumstances.

This may include individuals who:

are the parent of an Australian citizen, or
can show that they genuinely intend to stay in Australia temporarily.

Summary

This is a temporary and targeted measure, but it has immediate consequences for Iranian visitor visa holders. Anyone impacted should obtain specific legal advice before travelling or making further visa applications, particularly given the rapidly changing global and policy environment.

If you are a parent of an Australian citizen or can show that you genuinely intend to stay in Australia temporarily, a permitted travel certificate may be available. Please contact our office for further information.