WANA (Mar 25) – Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke announced today that the government has issued an “Arrival Control Determination” to temporarily halt the entry of Iranian citizens traveling on Visitor (Subclass 600) visas.

 

The suspension, which takes effect tomorrow, March 26, 2026, will remain in place for an initial period of six months. Minister Burke stated that the decision was driven by concerns that the ongoing conflict in Iran has increased the risk of visa holders being unable or unwilling to return home after their authorized stay expires.

 

The Minister emphasized that decisions regarding permanent residency should be deliberate government actions rather than a “random consequence” of existing travel plans. The order applies specifically to visa holders currently outside of Australia.

 

However, exemptions are in place for the spouses, de facto partners, and dependent children of Australian citizens or permanent residents, as well as for parents of children under 18 already residing in Australia.

 

While the measure blocks current travel for most tourist visa holders, officials clarified that it does not prevent individuals from applying for new visas, which will continue to be assessed on their individual merits.

 

The government maintains that the move is a necessary step to protect the integrity of the national migration system amid rapidly changing global conditions.