Visitor Identification CardsInformation for visitors to secure areas of airports

Identity Security Section

Office of Transport Security (OTS)

What is a Visitor Identification Card?

• A Visitor Identification Card (VIC) must be worn by visitors to the secure areas of airports.

• VIC holders must be escorted at all times by the holder of an Aviation Security Identity Card (ASIC).

• Not intended for frequent visitors.

• Frequent visitors should consider applying for an ASIC.

Enhancements to the VIC scheme

• From 21 November 2011 new requirements will apply to VICs.

• VICs will only be issued by:

the operator of the airport (and its agents)

national airline operators approved by OTS to issue VICs

Customs and Border Protection (government officials only)

• Visitors will only be allowed to enter a security controlled airport with a VIC for a maximum of 28 days in a 12 month period. This is known as the 28 Day Rule.

The 28 Day Rule

• Visitors can be issued a VIC to access the secure area of a security controlled airport for a maximum of 28 days within a 12 month period.

• Separate 28 day limit for each airport.

• National airlines approved to issue VICs can only issue a VIC to a visitor for a maximum of 28 days within a 12 month period across all airports.

• VICs issued by an airline for a particular airport will count towards the 28 days the visitor may visit that airport.

• It does not matter whether an airport or airline issues you a VIC – you are still limited to a maximum of 28 days within a 12 month period at each airport.

• A visitor may ask their VIC issuer how many days they have had a VIC in the last 12 months.

The 28 Day Rule (continued)

Example

John, within a 12 month period is issued the following VICs:

• John has been issued a total of 25 days of VICs by Aussie airlines, and may be issued only 3 more VIC days by Aussie airlines within the 12 months.

• If John wants further VICs at Blue Airport, he can be issued 12 days worth by Blue Airport (as he has had a total of 16), but only 3 days worth by Aussie Airlines.

Airport VIC Issuer No. of Days

Blue Airport Blue Airport 6

Blue Airport Aussie airlines 10

Green Airport Aussie airlines 15

How do I obtain a VIC?

• A VIC may be issued by an airport operator, approved national airline operators or by an authorised agent of the airport or airline.

• Customs may also issue VICs to government officials.

• To be issued a VIC a visitor must have a valid reason for needing the VIC.

• A visitor must also provide:

• their name, date of birth and address

• proof of their identity

• declaration they have not had an ASIC refused/cancelled/suspended

• declaration they will not be in breach of the 28 Day Rule

Meeting identification requirements

• Proof of identity may be satisfied through providing:

• one form of official identification with a recent photograph of the visitor;

Examples: a current passport, driver’s licence, government employee identification or student identification

• two forms of identification issued by either a government or a financial institution – one of which has a signature on it which can be replicated by the VIC applicant

Examples: a Medicare card, credit card, birth or citizenship certificate, title to land or an extract from the electoral role.

What are the responsibilities of a VIC holder?

• VIC holders while in the secure area of an airport must:

• wear and display their VIC at all times

• be supervised at all times by an ASIC holder

• VIC holders must return their VIC to the issuer within 7 days of its expiry

• VIC holders must follow any conditions imposed by the issuer.

• A visitor breaching the requirements of a VIC may be fined up to $3400.

Further Information

Further information can be found from the Department of Infrastructure of Transport website www.infrastructure.gov.au/asic