As of 26 March 2026, the Australian Government has introduced new temporary travel restrictions under an Arrival Control Determination (ACD), impacting certain Visitor (Subclass 600) visa holders linked to Iranian passports.
This restriction will remain in effect for six months and applies to individuals outside Australia.
Affected travellers will not be permitted to enter Australia while the ACD is active unless they obtain a Permitted Travel Certificate (PTC) from the Department of Home Affairs.
What the new ACD means for travellers
If you are an Iranian passport holder with a Visitor (Subclass 600) visa, currently outside Australia, it’s important to verify whether your visa is impacted before booking any travel. You can request an ACD check through the Department of Home Affairs Arrival Control Determination portal.
If your visa is affected, this means you cannot travel to Australia during the ACD period unless you successfully apply for a Permitted Travel Certificate (PTC).
Who is affected
The ACD applies to individuals who:
- are outside Australia as of 26 March 2026, and
- hold a Visitor (Subclass 600) visa linked to an Iranian passport.
Who is not affected
Some Iranian nationals with Visitor visas will not be subject to the ACD if they fall into one of the following categories:
- The spouse, de facto partner, or dependent child of an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
- The parent of a child under 18 who is in Australia.
- Individuals who were in Australia when the ACD commenced.
- Holders of a Permitted Travel Certificate (PTC) currently in force.
Applying for a Permitted Travel Certificate (PTC)
For Iranian passport holders affected by the ACD but wishing to travel to Australia, it may be possible to apply for a Permitted Travel Certificate. All applications are reviewed case‑by‑case, and approvals will only be granted in limited circumstances.
Situations where a PTC may be approved include cases where the applicant:
- Is the parent of an Australian citizen; or
- Can demonstrate a genuine intention to stay in Australia temporarily.
If your PTC application is granted and you hold a valid visa, travel to Australia can resume. Requests for PTCs can be made directly through the Arrival Control Determination portal.
How The Migration Agency can assist
This new ACD introduces an additional layer of compliance that may affect travel, family visits, and business mobility for Iranian nationals. At The Migration Agency (TMA), we understand that visa changes can arise unexpectedly, creating uncertainty for individuals and businesses alike.
Our team is here to help affected clients:
- Assess whether current visas are subject to the ACD.
- Guide eligible applicants through the Permitted Travel Certificate process.
- Advise employers or family members on how these temporary changes may affect visitor travel plans or arrangements.
If you have employees, who may be affected please contact your Client Services Director or email info@themigrationagency.com.au.
