Permitted Travel Certificate Australia: How to Enter When Your Visa Is Paused

If you are unfamiliar with how Arrival Control Determinations work, read our companion guide: Australia Can Now Pause Your Visa at the Border.

What Is a Permitted Travel Certificate?

A Permitted Travel Certificate is an individual exemption that allows a person to travel to Australia despite an active Arrival Control Determination (ACD) affecting their visa class. It was created by the Migration Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) Act 2026 and operates as the remedial mechanism within the ACD framework.

Think of it this way:

Once granted, a PTC re-activates your visa for travel purposes - allowing you to board your flight and enter Australia within your visa's original validity period.

Who Doesn't Need a PTC? (Automatic Exemptions)

Before applying, check whether you are already exempt from the ACD. The following groups are protected by legislation and do not need a Permitted Travel Certificate:

• Spouses or de facto partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or certain NZ citizens
• Dependent children of Australian citizens or permanent residents
• Parents of a child under 18 who is already residing in Australia
• Holders of protection (humanitarian) visas or temporary safe haven visas
• Anyone already in Australia when the ACD took effect
• Anyone who began their journey to Australia before the ACD commenced (including transit passengers with layovers under 24 hours)

Grounds for a Permitted Travel Certificate

PTC requests are assessed against compelling or compassionate circumstances. Based on the Department of Home Affairs guidance, these include:

How to Apply: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before lodging a request, confirm:

• ✅ You hold a valid Australian visa (or have applied for one)
• ✅ Your visa class is subject to an active Arrival Control Determination
• ✅ You are not in one of the automatically exempt categories listed above
• ✅ You have a compelling or compassionate reason for travel

Step 2: Access the ACD Portal

Lodge your request through the Department of Home Affairs' secure online Arrival Control Determination Portal. This is separate from ImmiAccount. Visit homeaffairs.gov.au and navigate to the Arrival Control Determination section.

Step 3: Prepare Your Documentation

You will need to provide:

Personal details:

• Full name, date of birth
• Visa type and visa grant number
• Passport number and nationality

Contact information:

• Your proposed residential address in Australia
• Phone number in Australia (if available)

Reason for request:

• A clear, brief statement explaining why you need to travel to Australia
• This must address the compelling or compassionate grounds

Supporting evidence (all documents must be in English or translated):

• Marriage, birth, adoption, or death certificates
• De facto or civil partnership registration
• Court documents for legal guardianship
• Proof of relationship or residence (shared tenancy, utility bills, joint bank accounts)
• Medical reports, hospital admission letters, or funeral notices
• Travel itinerary (if already booked)

Step 4: Submit and Wait

After submitting your request through the ACD Portal:

1. You will receive a confirmation that your request has been received
2. Track your request through the same portal
3. Wait for an email confirmation before making any travel arrangements

Step 5: Travel With Your Certificate

Once your PTC is issued, it re-activates your visa for travel. The airline's "arrival OK" system will reflect your updated status, allowing you to board and enter Australia.

Key Facts About Permitted Travel Certificates

The Current ACD: Who Is Affected Right Now?

As of 26 March 2026, the first and only Arrival Control Determination in effect targets:

• Visa type: Subclass 600 (Visitor)
• Nationality: Iranian passport holders
• Location: Offshore (outside Australia) at the time the ACD took effect
• Duration: 6 months from 26 March 2026

This means Iranian nationals who hold a valid Subclass 600 visa but are currently outside Australia cannot board a flight to Australia - unless they obtain a Permitted Travel Certificate or fall within the automatic exemptions.

If you hold a different visa type, or you are an Iranian national with a different visa subclass (such as a student visa or employer-sponsored visa), you are not currently affected by this ACD. If your visa status is uncertain, a bridging visa may apply while matters are resolved.

Could Future ACDs Affect Other Visa Holders?

Yes. While the current ACD targets only Subclass 600 holders with Iranian passports, the legislation allows the Minister to make determinations targeting any class of temporary visa holders in response to international events. This could theoretically include:

• Student visa holders (Subclass 500) from specific countries
• Working holiday makers (Subclass 417/462)
• Employer-sponsored workers (Subclass 482/494)

If you hold any temporary visa, it is worth understanding how this mechanism works - even if you are not currently affected. Check your visa conditions to understand your existing travel rights and restrictions. For a broader understanding of Australia's new border powers, see our guide on what the Arrival Control Act means for your visa. If you are currently inside Australia and considering your options, our visa switching guide explains which visas you can apply for onshore.

How First Migration Can Help

Navigating a Permitted Travel Certificate application requires understanding the legal framework, preparing the right evidence, and presenting your case effectively through the ACD Portal. At First Migration Service Centre, our registered migration agents can:

• Assess whether you need a PTC or qualify for an automatic exemption
• Prepare your application with properly translated and organised evidence
• Advise on the strongest grounds for your specific situation
• Monitor ongoing ACDs and alert you to new determinations

Ready to take the next step? We invite you to submit a free visa assessment so we can understand your situation and provide tailored advice.