Visitors from Iran Banned from Entering Australia

Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East conflict, the Australian government has decided to ban visitors from Iran. The measure is temporarily in place for six months.

According to detikNews, Australia assesses that the war between the United States and Israel against Iran increases the risk that Iranian passport holders may refuse or be unable to fly home after their short-term visitor visas expire.

The Australian Department of Home Affairs states that the rule applies for six months in the “national interest amid rapidly changing global conditions”.

“The conflict in Iran has increased the risk that some temporary visa holders may be unable or unwilling to leave Australia when their visas expire,” the Australian Department of Home Affairs said in a statement, as reported by Al-Jazeera media on Thursday (26/3/2026).

“This step gives the Government time to properly assess the situation, while still providing flexibility in limited cases,” the department added in a statement released on Wednesday (25/3/2026).

The ban applies to Iranian citizens outside Australia, including those who already have visitor visas for work or tourism but are still outside Australia.

Exemptions to the rule apply to Iranian citizens already in Australia, those currently transiting to Australia, spouses or dependants of Australian citizens, and those with permanent visas. Exemption considerations are also assessed on a case-by-case basis, such as for parents of Australian citizens.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said the government decides who can stay in Australia. He hopes it does not become an “arbitrary consequence of who books a holiday”.

“Many visitor visas were issued before the conflict in Iran that might not be issued if applied for now,” he said.

Burke added that the government is monitoring developments and “will adjust arrangements as needed to ensure Australia’s migration system remains orderly, fair, and sustainable”.