Australian Tourist Visas for Iranian Citizens Since the Iran War: 2026 Update
27 August 2026 | Author: Youssef Haddad
The environment for Iranian citizens applying for Australian Tourist visas has changed significantly since the outbreak of the Iran conflict in 2026.
Before the conflict, official Department of Home Affairs statistics showed that approximately three-quarters of finalised Iranian Tourist stream applications were granted. Since the conflict began, however, the Australian Government has publicly confirmed increased caution in assessing Iranian Visitor visas and has introduced temporary travel restrictions affecting many Iranian passport holders.
Importantly, Australia has not stopped accepting or processing Tourist visa applications from Iranian citizens.
Iranian Tourist Visa Statistics Before the War
The most comprehensive official statistics currently available from the Department of Home Affairs cover the period from 1 January 2020 to 30 June 2025.
For Iranian citizens applying under the Tourist stream of the Visitor (Subclass 600) visa:
1 January 2020 – 30 June 2025 | Number |
Applications lodged | 35,497 |
Visas granted | 26,620 |
Applications refused | 8,450 |
Grant rate | 75.91% |
Refusal rate | 24.09% |
For comparison, the Tourist stream grant rate for non-Iranian applicants over the same period was approximately 78.30%.
These figures show that Iranian citizens were being granted Australian Tourist visas in substantial numbers before the present conflict.
They should not, however, be interpreted as the current grant rate in 2026. The Department has not yet published sufficiently detailed Tourist-stream statistics for Iranian citizens since the conflict began.
What Changed in 2026?
On 11 March 2026, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke publicly confirmed that the Department had become more cautious when assessing Visitor visas for Iranian citizens.
The Minister indicated that some people who may previously have been able to obtain Visitor visas were no longer able to do so. He also stated that approximately 7,000 Iranian Visitor visa holders were outside Australia at that time.
The reason for increased scrutiny is particularly relevant to Tourist visas. A central requirement of a Visitor visa application is satisfying the Department that the applicant genuinely intends to remain in Australia temporarily.
The conflict may affect that assessment because circumstances in Iran can influence the Department's assessment of whether an applicant is likely to return after visiting Australia.
The Arrival Control Determination
The Government introduced a further significant measure on 25 March 2026.
An Arrival Control Determination commenced on 26 March 2026 affecting certain Iranian passport holders outside Australia who hold Visitor (Subclass 600) visas.
The Government explained that the conflict had increased concerns that some Visitor visa holders could become unable or unlikely to leave Australia when their visas expired.
This does not amount to a ban on Iranian citizens applying for Australian Tourist visas. Applications continue to be accepted and processed.
However, an Iranian citizen may now face two separate considerations:
whether Home Affairs will grant the Tourist visa; and
whether the person can travel to Australia while the Arrival Control Determination remains in operation.
Are There Exemptions?
Yes.
The Arrival Control Determination does not apply to certain people, including specified immediate family members of Australian citizens and permanent residents and people who were already in Australia when the Determination commenced.
There is also a Permitted Travel Certificate process for some affected visa holders.
Importantly for Iranian families in Australia, Home Affairs identifies the parent of an Australian citizen as one of the circumstances that may be considered for a Permitted Travel Certificate. The Government has also indicated that particular care will be taken with cases involving parents of Australian citizens.
The availability of an exemption or Permitted Travel Certificate needs to be assessed against the individual circumstances of the visa holder.
Can Iranian Citizens Still Apply for Australian Tourist Visas?
Yes.
There is currently no blanket prohibition on Iranian citizens applying for a Visitor (Subclass 600) visa. However, the historical 75.91% grant rate should not be treated as an applicant's current chance of success.
Home Affairs has not yet released sufficiently detailed statistics showing the Tourist stream grant and refusal rate for Iranian citizens since the conflict began. What we do know is that the Australian Government has publicly acknowledged greater caution in Iranian Visitor visa decision-making.
What Is Important in a Tourist Visa Application Now?
For an Iranian applicant, the evidence supporting the temporary nature of the proposed visit is particularly important.
Depending on the applicant's circumstances, this may include evidence of:
employment or business commitments;
spouse, children or other family responsibilities;
financial circumstances;
property and assets;
previous international travel and immigration compliance;
caring responsibilities;
the reason for visiting Australia; and
the intended duration of the visit.
Having children, grandchildren or other close relatives in Australia provides a genuine reason to visit, but the application should also properly explain the applicant's circumstances in Iran and why the proposed stay in Australia is temporary.
What If You Have Previously Been Refused?
A previous Australian Tourist visa refusal does not necessarily mean that another application will also be refused. However, simply lodging the same application again without addressing the reasons for the previous refusal can lead to the same outcome.
The previous refusal should be examined carefully to determine what concerns were identified by Home Affairs and whether those concerns can genuinely be addressed through changed circumstances, additional evidence or a better explanation of the applicant's situation.
The Position as at 27 August 2026
The current position can be summarised simply:
Can Iranian citizens apply for Australian Tourist visas? | Yes |
Is Home Affairs processing applications? | Yes |
Has Australia banned Tourist visas for Iranians? | No |
Historical Tourist stream grant rate, Jan 2020–Jun 2025 | 75.91% |
Historical refusal rate | 24.09% |
Official Tourist grant rate since the 2026 conflict began | Not yet published |
Has Home Affairs acknowledged increased caution? | Yes |
Arrival Control Determination commenced | 26 March 2026 |
Are exemptions available? | Yes |
Can some affected visa holders seek permission to travel? | Yes – Permitted Travel Certificate |
Australian Tourist Visa Advice for Iranian Citizens
The historical statistics demonstrate that Iranian citizens have been granted Australian Tourist visas in substantial numbers.
However, applications made in 2026 are being assessed in a very different environment from applications decided before the Iran conflict.
Iranian citizens can still apply for Australian Tourist visas, but the applicant's individual circumstances, reasons for travel and evidence supporting their intention to visit Australia temporarily require careful consideration.
ILM Australia assists Iranian citizens and their Australian family members with Visitor (Subclass 600) visa applications, including applications involving previous refusals and complex circumstances.
If you are considering inviting a parent, family member or friend from Iran to Australia, obtaining advice before lodging the application may help identify potential issues and ensure the application properly addresses the applicant's individual circumstances.
Need Australian Migration Advice?
ILM Australia assists individuals and families with Australian visa and migration matters, including Visitor visa applications, previous visa refusals and complex circumstances.
Youssef Haddad
Principal Director | MARN 1278455
Immigration Law Matters Australia
📍 Melbourne Office, Level 4, 256 Queen Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
☎️ (03) 9606-0674
ILM Australia
Solving The Australian Immigration Puzzle.
Sources
Official Departmental statistics for Iranian Visitor visa applications covering 1 January 2020 to 30 June 2025, including Tourist stream lodgements, grants, refusals and grant/refusal rates.
Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke – Press Conference, Canberra — 11 March 2026
Ministerial comments concerning the changed approach to Iranian Visitor visas following the conflict, including increased caution by the Department and approximately 7,000 Iranian Visitor visas held by people outside Australia at that time.
Minister for Home Affairs – Protecting the Integrity and Sustainability of Our Migration System — 25 March 2026
Official Government announcement of the temporary Arrival Control Determination affecting Iranian Visitor (Subclass 600) visa holders outside Australia, commencing 26 March 2026.
Current Departmental guidance explaining who is affected, exemptions, Permitted Travel Certificates, continued visa processing and the operation of the Determination.
Australian Department of Home Affairs – Iran–Middle East Conflict Visa Information
Current Departmental information concerning Australian visa applications from Iran, including processing impacts arising from the security situation and internet connectivity.
Source note
The historical Tourist visa statistics cited in this article cover 1 January 2020 to 30 June 2025. As at 27 August 2026, sufficiently detailed official Department of Home Affairs statistics have not been published to establish a reliable Tourist stream grant or refusal rate for Iranian citizens specifically since the commencement of the 2026 Iran conflict.
This article provides general information only and does not constitute migration advice. Australian migration law, policy and travel restrictions can change quickly. Current Australian Government requirements should always be checked before applying or travelling.
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