Iranian Visitor (Subclass 600) holders lose entry to Australia until Sept. 25
How the arrival control determination works
Australia barred most Iranian passport holders outside the country from entering on a Visitor (Subclass 600) visa for six months starting March 26, 2026, under the Migration (Arrival Control) Determination 2026. The restriction runs until roughly Sept. 25, 2026, unless revoked or extended.
The Department of Home Affairs confirmed affected visas have "temporarily ceased to be in effect" rather than being cancelled. The underlying power comes from section 84B of the Migration Act, added by the Migration Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) Act 2026, which took effect March 14.
If a 600 visa expires during the six-month window, the holder must apply for a new visa to travel later. No automatic refunds apply outside the narrow grounds in regulation 2.12F.
Who gets blocked and who walks through
Three conditions trigger the bar: the traveler was offshore on March 26, holds any stream of the Visitor 600 visa and applied using an Iranian passport recorded against the visa. Tourists, family visitors, short-stay business travelers and remote workers using the 600 as a base all fall inside the net.
Several groups are carved out:
- Iranian 600 holders who were inside Australia on March 26
- Spouses, de facto partners and dependent children of Australian citizens, permanent residents or non-time-limited residents
- Parents of a child under 18 who's in Australia
- Holders of a valid Permitted Travel Certificate (PTC)
- Holders of other visa subclasses, including student, work, permanent and humanitarian visas
Exempt travelers should carry proof of relationship, the child's status or their PTC to show airlines and border officers, the department said.
Checking status and requesting a PTC
Travelers who think they fall outside the bar can request an Arrival Control Determination check through the department's secure portal. Home Affairs recommends submitting the request at least two weeks before travel and no more than two months out.
Those covered by the determination but with compelling reasons to travel can apply for a Permitted Travel Certificate through the same portal. Iranians already in Australia keep their existing visa conditions and stay periods.
For more on entry rules and visa options, read our full Australia guide or browse the latest visa updates.
Frequently asked questions
Who is blocked from entering Australia on a Visitor (Subclass 600) visa?
How long does the Australian travel restriction on Iranian Visitor 600 holders last?
Can Iranian Visitor 600 holders already in Australia stay?
What happens if a Visitor 600 visa expires during the six-month restriction?
Who is exempt from the Iranian Visitor 600 travel bar?
How can I check if I am affected by the arrival control determination?
How do I get permission to travel to Australia during the restriction?
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