Australia’s Department of Home Affairs has temporarily barred visitors from Iran, a move it says is in the “national interest, given the rapidly changing global conditions.” The ban comes as concerns keep building that Iranian passport holders may be unable, or even unwilling, to return home once their short-term visas expire, following the United States–Israeli conflict in the region.

In an update released on 25th March, an Arrival Control Determination, effective from 26 March 2026, will remain in force for six months. “The conflict in Iran has increased the risk that some temporary visa holders may be unable or unlikely to depart Australia when their visas expire,” the department noted in the update, adding that “The measure gives the Government time to assess the situation properly, while still allowing flexibility in limited cases.” 

Holders of an Australian Visitor (Subclass 600) visa who are outside Australia and who provided a passport issued by the Islamic Republic of Iran when they applied will find their visitor visas temporarily suspended under the new update with exceptions to Iranian citizens already in Australia, those currently in transit, spouses, de facto partners, dependent children of Australian citizens, and holders of permanent visas. 

“Decisions on who can remain permanently in Australia should be made by the government and should not be the random consequence of who booked a holiday,” Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said during a recent House of Representatives meeting, pointing out that many visitor visas issued before the conflict might not have been granted if applied for today. “We are monitoring developments and will adjust settings as required to ensure Australia’s migration system remains orderly, fair and sustainable,” he added. 

This development comes after US President Donald Trump urged Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to offer asylum to the Iranian women’s football team, amid fears players could face repercussions for not singing their national anthem during a Women’s Asian Cup 2026 match in Queensland earlier this month. 

The Department of Home Affairs made it clear that the temporary ban doesn’t block new visa applications from Iranian citizens. “Applications already lodged, as well as new applications, will continue to be assessed against the legal requirements, including health, character and security criteria,” the department said.  

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TechloyDavid Adubiina