Home Affairs Department said decision to ban Iranian visitors amid the war on Iran was in Australia’s ‘national interest’.
Australia has temporarily banned visitors from Iran, claiming that the United States-Israeli war on the country has increased the risk that Iranian passport holders could refuse or be unable to fly home once their short-term visitor visas expire.
Australia’s Department of Home Affairs said on Wednesday that the restrictions on Iranian visitors would be for a period of six months, describing the move as in the “national interest amid rapidly changing global conditions”.
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“The conflict in Iran has increased the risk that some temporary visa holders may be unable or unlikely to depart Australia when their visas expire,” the Home Affairs Department said in a statement.
“This measure gives the Government time to assess the situation properly, while still allowing flexibility in limited cases,” it said.
The ban applies to Iranian citizens who are currently outside Australia – even if they have an Australian visitor visa for tourism or work.
Exceptions to the ban include Iranian citizens already in Australia, those currently in transit to Australia, spouses, de facto partners, or dependent children of Australian citizens, and those with permanent visas.
Exemptions will also be considered on a case-by-case basis, such as for the parents of Australian citizens, the department said.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said decisions on who can remain permanently in Australia should be made by the government and should not be the “random consequence of who booked a holiday”.
“There are many visitor visas which were issued before the conflict in Iran that may not have been issued if they were applied for now,” he said.
Burke added that the government is monitoring developments and “will adjust settings as required to ensure Australia’s migration system remains orderly, fair and sustainable”.
The Sydney-based Asylum Seekers Centre said in a post on social media that the ban on Iranian visitors was the result of a “shameful new law” rushed through Australia’s parliament that “threatens the very foundations of Australia’s onshore protection programme” for those seeking safety.
“For years, politicians have been stressing the importance of seeking safety through so-called legal routes,” the group said.
“Now, in the face of an international humanitarian crisis, the government is slamming the door shut and blocking a key pathway for people seeking safety today and in the future,” it said.
Earlier this month, US President Donald Trump called on Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to give the Iranian women’s football team asylum in Australia amid fears that players may face repercussions at home for failing to sing their national anthem before a Women’s Asian Cup 2026 match in Queensland.
Albanese later told reporters that five team members had sought assistance and “were safely located” by Australian authorities.
In total, seven players and officials were granted asylum in Australia, though five team members later reversed their decision to stay in Australia and chose to return home.
The Iranian team had arrived in Australia to participate in the football tournament before the US and Israel launched their attack on Iran on February 28.
According to Australian government figures up to 2024, more than 90,000 Australian residents were born in Iran, and large diaspora communities are present in major cities such as Sydney and Melbourne.
A new ranking compares international tourist numbers to locals in European cities – and one tops the list with a staggering 16,250 visitors for every 100 residents
These destinations are the most crowded in Europe(Image: Alexander Spatari via Getty Images)
Summer is on the horizon, and folks are starting to map out their holiday plans. Being based in the UK, we’re fortunate to have some of the world’s most stunning destinations within easy reach, with iconic cities just a short flight away.
However, many of these sought-after spots are now swamped with tourists – in fact, some now host more visitors than locals. DiscoverCars.com has compiled a new ranking that contrasts the number of international tourists with the local population in European cities. Five of the top holiday hotspots now boast more tourists than residents.
Topping the list is Dubrovnik in Croatia. This breathtaking historical city gained even more fame after serving as the backdrop for King’s Landing in the HBO series Game of Thrones.
Last year, this fortified city welcomed 6.5 million tourists – an astounding figure compared to its 40,000 inhabitants. That equates to 16,250 tourists for every 100 locals.
Taking second place is Reykjavik in Iceland, reports the Express. This Arctic city attracted even more tourists than Dubrovnik, with 7.4 million visitors compared to its 140,000 residents, resulting in 5,286 tourists per every 100 locals.
The city is renowned for its Blue Lagoon thermal baths and, of course, the opportunity to witness the Northern Lights illuminating the sky.
Securing third place is the floating city of Venice in Italy. Arguably one of the most famous cities globally, Venice played host to 10.6 million tourists last year.
Compared to its population of 250,000, that’s a whopping 4,240 international visitors per 100 residents. The city is a hit with tourists for its stunning architecture and the opportunity to glide along its canal streets by gondola.
Switzerland’s Geneva secured fourth place on the list, welcoming 7.8 million tourists in 2025. With a local population of 200,000, this equates to 3,900 visitors per 100 residents.
Renowned for its breathtaking views of the Alps, Geneva serves as an excellent base for day trips into the mountains and exploring the picturesque villages scattered throughout them.
Porto in Portugal claimed fifth place. The city attracted seven million international tourists in 2025, against its population of 250,000.
With 2,800 tourists for every 100 residents, it’s a highly sought-after destination. The narrow streets are adorned with beautiful architecture and striking Portuguese tiles, providing a perfect backdrop for photos.
With the river slicing through the city, you can discover both sides of the city in a day – just remember to bring your walking shoes.
A UK tourist attraction may start charging visitors an entry fee for the first time.
The historic site has cited increasing financial pressures as the reason behind the potential move.
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Worcester Cathedral is currently considering the implementation of an entry fee for the first timeCredit: Alamy
Worcester Cathedral has launched a consultation period to explore whether its annual 250,000 visitors could help with running costs.
The 1,300-year-old building, which is the resting place of historic figures such as King John and Prince Arthur Tudor, is the most visited attraction in Worcestershire.
According to the Worcester Cathedral website, the site is currently free to visit but there is a suggested donation of £7 for adult entry to the site.
Guided tours are also available, priced at around £8 per person, offering visitors additional information on the site’s history and architecture, as well as access to the tower.
Despite these revenue streams and the site’s popularity, the cathedral confirmed that its “current financial position is not sustainable over time”.
Total expenditure for the cathedral was recorded as £4.06million for the 2024-2025 financial year, while the site’s gross income came to £3.08million, leaving a funding gap of roughly £1million.
To tackle this, the cathedral is currently considering a mandatory entry charge, which it said would contribute to costs such as energy bills and maintenance, as well as staffing.
Speaking on the potential fee, Dean Stephen Edwards emphasised the cathedral would always remain a place of worship first and foremost, reports the BBC.
He assured local church-goers that access for prayer, services, and pastoral support would not be affected under any potential changes.
“Through this consultation we explore how we can invite appropriately those who visit primarily for heritage and tourism to contribute fairly towards the cost of maintaining the cathedral and its activities,” he said.
He went on to explain that Worcester Cathedral, like “many historic institutions”, is experiencing a rise in running and maintenance costs.
“While careful financial management and support from our endowment have enabled us to balance budgets in recent years, this has reduced our reserves and increased our reliance on investment income.”
The Dean added that diversifying income streams would help the cathedral to “remain resilient and financially sustainable”.
Worcester Cathedral is currently asking for the public’s views on the proposed entry fee via an online survey, which will remain open until Friday, April 10.
The survey stated that “no decisions have been taken” and did not include a potential price for the entry fee.
Other tourist attractions, including Rome’s Trevi Fountain, have recently brought in entry fees for the first time.
The cathedral explained that entry charges would contribute to everyday running costs of the site (stock image)Credit: Alamy
For a moment, Ireland threatened to run off into the night.
After Jacob Stockdale ended his five-year wait for an international try, Ireland celebrated a second try against Wales just 10 minutes into Friday’s Six Nations game when Jack Conan crashed over.
But the home support’s excitement at the possibility of a thumping turned to frustration when the try was ruled out for Tom O’Toole’s knock on.
It set up a nervy night for Ireland when their post-England euphoria was quickly forgotten as they set about keeping a stubborn and spirited Wales side quiet.
In their record away win over England, Ireland ruthlessly built up a 22-0 lead before the hosts replied.
On Friday, though, a hard-hitting Welsh defence stopped the hosts from building an insurmountable advantage.
And when asked for his observations, Ireland head coach Andy Farrell was quick to both praise Wales after they provided his side a more uncomfortable examination than England last time out.
“I actually thought Wales did fantastically well to stay in the game,” he said.
“Like Caelan [Doris, Ireland captain] said, if it goes to 14 points, it’s a different game you’re looking at, but they played tough, they hung on in there and kept it close on the scoreboard. I thought they were tremendous tonight.
“It was a proper Test match and for us to come away with a bonus-point win, we’d certainly take that with how the game unfolded, because it was a different game to the game that we played last time round.
“In regards to, we weren’t playing rugby on the front foot because of how well they defended, I thought they were excellent in contact and set-piece.”
Leeds Castle in Kent is said to be haunted by two black dogs and the ghost of a woman in a flowing dress – but this luxury overnight stay in Catherine of Aragon’s former home was worth every penny
I enjoyed a royal weekend at Leeds Castle(Image: Matthew King)
There’s something that feels slightly forbidden about strolling through the grounds of a castle after dark when all the day-trippers have departed. The ambience is somewhat spine-tingling, but it genuinely gives you a flavour of what existence must have been like within the walls of these enormous estates in centuries past.
That’s certainly how I felt during my overnight stay at Leeds Castle in Kent, frequently dubbed the Castle of Queens owing to the numerous female rulers who made it their residence. Its somewhat puzzling name derives from Saxon leader Led or Leed, who established the foundations for what would evolve into Leeds Castle, constructing a timber structure on two islands in the centre of the River Len.
This modest wooden dwelling was eventually superseded by a stone stronghold, and through the centuries it expanded into the magnificent castle that subsequently became the residence of Henry VIII’s first spouse, Catherine of Aragon. Yet with that illustrious heritage comes stories of hauntings, the most well-known local myth being spectral encounters with two black dogs, believed to be linked to a previous occupant supposedly involved in witchcraft.
There are also accounts of a phantom in a long flowing dress roaming through the chambers. However, I’m pleased to report that no such spirits disturbed my slumber, and I managed to achieve a solid eight hours of rest in a comfortable four-poster bed.
Our accommodation was situated in the Stable Courtyard, and alongside a beautiful canopied bed, it featured a soaking tub, lake views, and a minibar filled with local delicacies. Certainly worth risking a ghostly encounter for.
Leeds Castle also provides accommodation in its Maiden’s Tower, formerly home to Catherine of Aragon’s ladies-in-waiting, as well as cottages and riverside lodges positioned at the water’s edge. Throughout the day, guests can explore the castle and grounds, and you’ll notice plenty of families braving the elements and enjoying strolls through the magnificently landscaped gardens, but once the gates shut, the ambience becomes tranquil and peaceful.
That evening, we dined at the Castle View restaurant. Located just across the river from the castle, it boasts a vast floor-to-ceiling window that enables you to admire it illuminated at night.
There’s an outdoor terrace which I imagine is stunning during the summer months as you’d be able to watch the sunset whilst dining. The restaurant’s menu features simple, comforting classics with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients and locally-sourced produce.
We were drawn to everything from fish and chips to homemade pies, with my husband ultimately selecting a ribeye steak – which was ‘perfectly’ medium rare in his opinion – whilst I went for the special of cod with chorizo and a butterbean stew. The fish was beautifully flaky and delicate, complementing the robust beans perfectly.
We also sampled a bottle of Pinot Noir from Wildshark Vineyard, located just a few minutes from the castle. My previous encounters with English wine haven’t always been positive, and I’m still resentful about an extortionately-priced bottle that resembled fizzy vinegar, but this red wine may have won me over.
It was velvety, packed with fruity notes, and crucially, I didn’t suffer my typical red wine headache despite consuming half the bottle.
Following a comfortable, spectre-free evening, we tucked into breakfast in the restaurant, which offers a respectable continental buffet alongside hot dishes including a full English and eggs royale. Upon checking out, guests are still welcome to explore the castle for the remainder of the day, so we packed up the car and wrapped up warm to venture out for a wander.
Whilst the castle dates back centuries, its final private owner was Lady Olive Baillie, who is credited with restoring much of the historic property in the 1920s. She also transformed it into somewhat of a party destination, with the elite of transatlantic society, politics, and culture amongst its notable guests.
From Winston Churchill to Charlie Chaplin, numerous famous faces have resided here. Enthusiasts of vintage fashion and style will relish exploring Lady Baillie’s rooms where items from her beaded gowns to chic 1920s shoes and record player are displayed. If you’re a fan of Downton Abbey, you’ll certainly recognise those vibes.
Returning to the grounds, we attempted, and became lost in, the hedge maze. In my defence, it was drizzling with rain, and I likely would have had more patience on a sunny day.
Admitting defeat, we instead visited the birds of prey centre, which featured stunning owls and eagles, and discovered some entertaining family-friendly activities such as adventure playgrounds. There’s even an artificial beach where children can construct sandcastles.
Once again, definitely one for the summer to-do list. And with a 9-hole golf course overlooking the castle, it’s remarkable how much there is to do just moments from your room.
Spending the night at Leeds Castle is truly a memorable experience. It’s rare to find yourself waking up within the grounds of a historic castle, and an overnight stay makes you feel connected to its rich past.
The castle’s team are exceptional, from the warm reception at arrival to the prompt, friendly restaurant staff and knowledgeable guides who patiently shared the building’s fascinating story – it’s evident the castle is being brilliantly cared for in its current chapter.
Rooms at the Stable Courtyard start from £134 per night. For more information and to make a reservation, visit leeds-castle.com.
It used to be Wales’ players and coaches winding up the Irish in Dublin.
Trimble himself was left on the floor by Shane Williams in Wales’ Triple Crown victory in 2008 as the wonder wing scored the crucial try at Croke Park.
Four years later, Trimble was left flailing at a rampaging Jonathan Davies who sprinted away to cross for two tries in the 2012 victory that set Wales onto a Grand Slam.
Wales and Ireland’s relations in the past have been spicy, mainly in Warren Gatland’s first stint in charge as head coach.
Gatland, a former Ireland coach, stated the Welsh players disliked the Irish players the most in 2009, while you would often see the likes of Mike Phillips, Liam Williams and Gethin Jenkins scrapping with Paul O’Connell, Rob Kearney and Ronan O’Gara.
That edge has disappeared in recent years.
It has not been helped by Ireland’s dominance of this contest, with Wales having not won this fixture since 2021 and not tasting victory in the Six Nations in Dublin since 2012.
The rivalry is crying out for some attitude.
Wales captain Dewi Lake provided a bit of that by saying he believes his side can beat their opponents on Friday, while attack coach Matt Sherratt has predicted they can give their Irish opponents a scare.
Those are bolder sentiments that some Welsh supporters are crying out for.
Others prefer a more understated approach and head coach Tandy is deliberately more cautious in his messaging.
Understandable, maybe, as he faces his eighth match in charge with six defeats and a one-point win against Japan marking his reign so far.
Asked whether he believes this squad can go to Dublin and win, Tandy replied: “We are at the point where we can go there and be competitive.
“That’s where it is. If we are competitive and bring large parts of what we did against Scotland, then I think we’ll be in the game to get the result we all want.”
Tandy was later again asked whether Wales can believe they can win. His response?
“I absolutely believe in this group,” said Tandy. “I believe in what we’re building and the players believe to and have grown in confidence.
“We’re starting to understand more about what’s needed. I believe we will have a competitive performance on Friday night.”
Whether a competitive showing is enough to give credence to talk of a mini Welsh revival remains to be seen.
One thing is for certain, Lake, Tandy and the loyal travelling Welsh supporters will hope nobody is laughing at this Wales side after they have performed at the home of Irish rugby on Friday night.
