27 June 2025
Recommendations for Individuals in Iran with Family Members Who Are Australian Citizens or Permanent Residents
At present, there are no special visa or travel arrangements for individuals in Iran who have family members who are Australian citizens or permanent residents. The main visa options currently available include:
- Visitor visa (Subclass 600)
- Partner visas (Subclasses 309/100)
- Child visa (Subclass 101)
- Skilled visa streams
We have reported a high refusal rate for visitor visas, particularly due to Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) concerns, with applicants assessed as unlikely to return to Iran. In addition, although the biometrics collection centre in Tehran remains closed, applicants are still receiving requests to provide biometrics. No alternative collection arrangements for individuals in Iran have been announced to date.
This page will be updated as soon as further information becomes available.
19 June 2025
Due to the deteriorating security environment in Iran, the Australian Embassy remains closed. We urge Australians who want to leave Iran to do so now, if it is safe, otherwise shelter in place.
Note from VFS.GLOBAL:
Due to the current uncertain circumstances, the Australian Biometric Collection Centre in Tehran, Iran will remain closed until further notice.
If you’re an Australian citizen or permanent resident in Iran, you can now register on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s crisis registration portal. See the ‘Safety‘ section for details on how to register. Once registered, you will be directly communicated with important updates.
Following military strikes in Iran, Australians should shelter in place and take the advice of local authorities. The security situation could continue to deteriorate rapidly. If you’re in Iran, you should depart when it’s safe to do so. The Australian Government may not be able to assist with your departure.
If you intend to travel by land into a neighbouring country, check the latest public information from local authorities in Iran and your destination on visa and border arrangements. Borders may close without notice. You should consider the risks carefully before attempting to leave by any route and you should make your own assessment whether it’s safe for you to travel in current circumstances. This includes considering the security situation and the potential risks involved. If you are not confident in the safety and reliability of any departure option, shelter in place and follow the advice of local authorities. Transport routes may be disrupted. Roads may be crowded and exposed to security risks such a military action, rocket attacks and terrorism, as may border crossings.
The latest information on border crossing is:
- Türkiye: Border crossings at Gurbulak (Bazargan) in Agri province and Kapikoy (Razi) in Van province remain open to third country nationals holding a valid visa to enter Türkiye (Australians can apply online for e-visas).
- Armenia: The land border with Armenia (at Agarak) is open. Australians do not need a visa for Armenia for stays of up to 180 days.
- Azerbaijan: If you wish to depart at this border we will need to facilitate this through Azerbaijan authorities (See below). Australians require a visa which they should be able obtain online.
- Turkmenistan: to cross this border we will need to facilitate this through Turkmenistan authorities (See below). Onward travel arrangements are best arranged from within Iran.
Türkiye
Border crossings at Gurbulak (Bazargan) in Agri province and Kapikoy (Razi) in Van province remain open to third country nationals holding a valid visa to enter Türkiye (Australians can apply online for e-visas).
Armenia
As of Monday, June 16, the land border with Armenia (at Agarak) was open. Australians do not need a visa for Armenia for stays of up to 180 days per year.
Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan authorities have reopened the crossing on its southern border at Astara for ‘exceptional’ crossing by third country nationals. If you wish to depart at this border we will need to register your details with Azerbaijan authorities for you to obtain a border crossing code (for Australian passport holders). We will communicate details to registered Australians. If accepted, you will still need visas to enter Azerbaijan. Australians require a visa which they should be able obtain online. Some travellers have been able to cross into Azerbaijan at Astara without this code.
Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan authorities have announced border crossings are open to allow the safe transit of foreign citizens from Iran. If you wish to depart at this border you will need to facilitate through Turkmenistan authorities. If approved, you will be issued with a transit visa for a period of up to 5 days. Note internet, telephone and banking services can be unreliable in Turkmenistan, and onward flights and transport arrangements are best arranged from within Iran. Note without prior approval by Turkmenistan authorities you will not be allowed to cross the border.
Do Not Travel to Afghanistan, Iraq or to the regions of Pakistan that border Iran.
Avoid all demonstrations and protests. Terrorist attacks could happen anywhere in Iran, including Tehran or other locations frequented by foreigners and tourists. Foreigners, including Australians, are at a high risk of arbitrary detention or arrest. Kidnapping for ransom is a risk in Iran.
If you need emergency consular assistance, contact the Australian Government’s Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 (if you’re overseas) and 1300 555 135 (in Australia).
HELP AND SUPPORT
Applying for a visa
Apply for an Australian visa online through ImmiAccount. This is the most efficient way to apply. Applicants should not attend an Embassy or an office of the department to lodge a visa application.
If you need help to apply for a visa see Who can help you with your application.
If you are an Australian relative or friend of someone affected by the situation in Iran, you can apply for a visa on their behalf. You will need their permission and details.
You will need a passport to apply for a visa. If you do not have a passport, provide us information and your ID in your application. We can work with you to find other options.
For help with migration agent appointments, you can use our Translating and Interpreting Service.
Meeting visa requirements
You must meet all legal requirements before we can grant you a visa. In some circumstances, you may need to undertake a health examination or provide personal identifiers (biometrics). We will tell you if we need this. Do not attend a collection centre or panel doctor unless we have asked you to do so.
A list of biometric collection centres and panel doctors are available on the department’s Offices and locations page.
The Department continues to monitor availability for both biometrics and medical examinations closely.
Extending your stay in Australia
If the situation has affected you and your family and you wish to extend your stay, there are visa options available. This includes the skilled, family, student and visitor visa programs.
Check your visa expiry date and visa conditions in:
- VEVO
- the myVEVO app, or
- your visa grant letter.
You can download the free myVEVO app from the Apple and Google app stores.
If a ‘no further stay’ condition (8503, 8534, 8535 or 8540) applies to your current visa, you can make a no Further Stay waiver request.
Children travelling with one parent
Australia commits to ensuring the welfare of children. To travel to Australia, a minor must have permission from both parents.
If you cannot give us this consent, you can apply with available documentation. We will contact you to discuss your application.
Smartraveller travel advice
Following military strikes in Iran, Australians in Iran should shelter in place and take the advice of local authorities in affected areas. The security situation could continue to deteriorate rapidly. Flight cancellations and disruptions could continue with little or no notice, including due to airport and airspace closures. If you’re in Iran, you should depart when it’s safe to do so. The Australian Government may not be able to assist with your departure.
If you’re an Australian citizen or permanent resident in Iran, you can now register on the DFAT’s crisis registration portal.
For up-to-date Australian Government travel advice see the Iran travel advice.
Australians should subscribe to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s (DFAT) Smartraveller travel advice to receive the latest updates. When there is an update to a travel advisory you have subscribed to, you will receive an email.
If you need urgent consular help, call DFAT’s 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas or 1300 555 135 in Australia.
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