On 25 March 2026, the Australian Government announced the first use of new powers under the Migration Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) Act 2026. An Arrival Control Determination (ACD) has been put in place, effective from 26 March 2026 for a period of six months.

This measure temporarily suspends the travel rights of most people outside Australia who hold a Visitor (Subclass 600) visa linked to an Iranian passport.

Who is Affected?

The restrictions apply to individuals who meet all of the following:

• Are outside Australia as at 26 March 2026
• Hold a valid Visitor (Subclass 600) visa
• Used a passport issued by the Islamic Republic of Iran when applying for that visa

In these cases, the visa temporarily ceases to be in effect for the purpose of travel to Australia while the determination is active. This means affected individuals cannot use their visa to enter Australia during this period.

Important: The visa itself is not cancelled. The original expiry date remains unchanged, and the visa may become active again once the determination ends (or if the person is no longer captured by it).

Who is NOT Affected? (Exemptions)

The ACD does not apply to the following groups:

• Anyone who was already in Australia when the determination commenced on 26 March 2026
• The spouse, de facto partner, or dependent child of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent visa holder, or an Australian resident whose stay is not subject to a time limit (eg certain New Zealand citizens)
• The parent of a child under 18 years old who is currently in Australia
• Anyone issued with a Permitted Travel Certificate (PTC) that is in force
• The restrictions also do not apply to holders of any other visa types or to permanent visa holders.

Permitted Travel Certificates

In limited circumstances, the Minister can issue a PTC on a case-by-case basis. This allows the individual to travel to Australia despite the determination.

Sympathetic consideration is expected for compelling cases, such as:

• Parents of Australian citizens
• Situations where the applicant can clearly demonstrate a genuine temporary stay intention
• Individuals who had already commenced their journey to Australia before 26 March 2026 (including those in transit for less than 24 hours) will generally be issued a PTC automatically and do not need to apply.

Requests for a PTC can be made through the Department of Home Affairs Arrival Control Determination Portal.

Practical Advice for Affected Visa Holders

• Do not travel to Australia if your visa is suspended under this determination — you are likely to be refused entry at the border.
• Before making any travel plans, check your status via the Arrival Control Determination check on the Department of Home Affairs website, which will allow you to check your ACD status as well as provide evidence to remove yourself from the ACD or request a PTC.
• No automatic refunds will be issued for affected visas unless you meet the standard refund criteria under the Migration Regulations.

Background

The Government states that the measure is necessary to protect the integrity and sustainability of Australia’s migration system. Due to the ongoing conflict in Iran, there are concerns that some visitor visas granted before recent events may no longer align with the genuine temporary entrant requirement.

This is the first time the new ACD power has been used. The determination can last up to six months and cannot be extended (though a new one could be made if the statutory conditions are still met).

Where to Find Official Information

• Department of Home Affairs – Arrival Control Determination page
• Minister for Home Affairs media release (25 March 2026)

We recommend all affected individuals and their families check the official Department website regularly, as situations can evolve.

If you hold an Iranian-linked Visitor visa or are planning travel to Australia and need personalised advice on your options, feel free to contact our team. We can help you understand how these changes may affect your situation and assist with any PTC requests where appropriate.