visitor identification cards information for visitors to secure areas of airports identity security...

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