Trump faces ban from Aussie travel following recent hush payment conviction

Trump faces ban from Aussie travel following recent hush payment conviction
Edited by Travel Weekly


    Love him or hate him, Donald Trump may well be banned from our shores after a recent felony conviction for a ‘hush payment’ that allegedly broke the rules of election finance.

    Without getting into the technicalities of the trial, Trump was charged with 34 counts of falsification of business records which is a felony in New York and was last week found guilty.

    Under section 501 of the Commonwealth Migration Act, the ‘decision of Minister or delegate’ may refuse to grant a visa to a person if the person does not satisfy the Minister that the person passes the character test.

    One can fail the character test if they have a substantial criminal record which can be defined as a prison term of over 12 months.

    Going off Trump’s press conference in which he claimed he was facing up to 187 years, we’re pretty sure his record could be defined as ‘substantial’.

    That being said, it’s unlikely the federal government would actually refuse Trump should he wish to visit.

    Federal immigration ministers are given discretion over the final decision and although his record may qualify, it would more than likely be a diplomatic situation the government would rather avoid.

    Trump also holds a diplomatic passport, which means he can travel to Australia without a visa, but only on official government business.

    Trump won’t be the only big name banned from Australia in recent years.

    Djokovic’s visa was cancelled by the Australian Border Force (ABF) in 2022 after failing to provide the appropriate documents for entry into Australia.

    “The ABF can confirm that Mr Djokovic failed to provide appropriate evidence to meet the entry requirements to Australia, and his visa has been subsequently cancelled,” the ABF said in a statement at the time.

    “Non-citizens who do not hold a valid visa on entry or who have had their visa cancelled will be detained and removed from Australia.”

    Czech tennis player detained alongside Djokovic, coach voluntarily leaves as visa fiasco continues

    Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

    donald trump

    Latest News

    • Destinations

    Scenic Rim provides luxury escapes to the countryside this Winter

    Warm up in winter with luxury escapes to the countryside in the Scenic Rim, including a wood-fired hot tub under the stars, mountains, lakes, and farmstays. There are various packages awaiting travellers looking for a quick getaway from the busy city. Moogie House, Glamping & Pod Accommodation – Lake Moogerah Guests can escape to the […]

    • Aviation

    Air Tahiti Nui launches special edition surfing magazine

    Flagship carrier Air Tahiti Nui, has launched a special edition magazine, Horue, to celebrate the special connection between Tahiti and surfing. A notion common to several Polynesian languages, “horue” expresses the depths of the ocean which the hollows of a great wave allows us to catch a glimpse of. Detailing the history of surfing in […]

    • Attractions
    • Hotels

    Capella Sydney partners with Whale Watching Sydney to launch a new Family Moments package

    Capella Sydney has partnered with Whale Watching Sydney to launch a new Family Moments package designed for families seeking a blend of luxury accommodation and adventure during the whale-watching season.  Capella Sydney, just 400m from Sydney Harbour, blends heritage and contemporary design with world-class accommodation and dining experiences, along with a wellness centre featuring a […]

    • Cruise

    Norwegian Cruise Line expands collection of European cruisetours

    Norwegian Cruise Line has announced the expansion of its European collection to provide more choice, value, and destinations. The new NCL additions are available in 11 ports through November 2025 and combine select sailings with multi-day immersive land exploration for a seamless cruise holiday experience. Lisbon, Portugal has just been added to the collection of […]

    • Hotels

    Sheraton Resort and Spa, Tokoriki Island, Fiji reopens following renovation

    The Sheraton Resort and Spa, Tokoriki Island, Fiji, has welcomed back guests to rediscover the beauty of this exhilarating haven after a multi-million-dollar renovation at the venue. The resort offers 101 guest rooms tailored for travellers seeking an island paradise getaway. They can choose between ocean-front views or secluded retreat rooms nestled within lush gardens. […]

    • Tour Operators

    Explore Worldwide launches upgraded collection for 2025

    Leading small group adventure specialist, Explore Worldwide, has announced its new upgraded collection comprising 18 new tours across four continents. The upgraded collection includes destinations such as Turkey, Jordan, Peru, Vietnam, Botswana and Morocco. They all have the key ingredients of a typical Explore holiday with small groups, an expert tour leader, unforgettable experiences, and […]

    • Food & Beverage
    • Hotels

    TV chef Manu Feildel tries his hand at Bistro Red Lion

    Who says Sydney’s dining scene is on the ropes. Despite promising to “never, ever” open a restaurant again, TV chef Manu Feildel is now on pans at a 196-year-old pub in Sydney’s inner west. Owned by the Laundy family, the Red Lion pub will soon be home to Bistro Red Lion by Manu which will […]

    • Aviation

    Scoot winter sale on economy and ScootPlus tickets

    Aussies looking for their next international adventure can take advantage of Scoot’s Winter sale deals on their Economy and ScootPlus tickets to popular destinations. They are offering discounted economy flights to a range of favourite destinations, including: Athens (from $405 SYD/ $395 MEL/ $399 PER) Osaka (from $335 SYD/$325 MEL/$319 PER) Koh Samui (from $330 […]

    • Attractions

    Sydney International boat show delivers four days of family fun

    Families looking forward to a winter weekend adventure can take to the Sydney International Boat Show for an assortment of boating, sailing, and marine experiences from 1 to 4 August. Returning for its 55th year, the show is the highlight of the international boating events calendar and a popular day for the entire family. Guests […]

    • Hotels

    DoubleTree by Hilton Hobart set to open in the second half of 2024

    DoubleTree by Hilton Hobart is set to open in the second half of 2024 within walking distance to the CBD, waterfront and Salamanca Place. The new hotel promises to be a standout addition to the city’s hospitality landscape. The new DoubleTree by Hilton Hobart, together with Fragrance Group Limited, will offer guests a blend of […]