Introduction

A 'special event' is an event, or class of events, that the NSW Commissioner of Police considers to be of regional, state or national significance. If you or your company want to carry out security activities at a special event but are not resident or licensed in NSW, you can apply to the NSW Commissioner of Police for a visitor permit. You will need to hold a current equivalent security licence from your state or territory.

There are 2 application forms depending on whether you're applying as an individual, or as a company employing people, to work at a special event.

Eligibility

To be eligible for a visitor permit to carry out security activities at a special event:

  • an individual must:
    • ordinarily reside in another state or territory
    • be licensed or otherwise authorised to carry out security activities of the kind being applied for, in that state or territory, and
    • be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
  • a company must:
    • have its registered office and, if a different address, the company's principal place of business, in a state or territory other than NSW
    • be licensed or otherwise authorised to carry out security activities of the kind being applied for, in that state or territory, and
    • have a nominated person who is an Australian citizen or permanent resident.

What you need

  • the relevant visitor permit application form:
  • your payment
  • details of the special event
  • a certified copy of your current equivalent interstate licence
  • a certified copy of evidence that you ordinarily reside in a state or territory other than NSW (such as a current driver licence or rates notice), if applying as an individual
  • details of the company and nominated person, if applying as an employer
  • someone to witness you signing the statutory declaration on the application form
  • evidence of Australian citizenship or permanent residency, and
  • if a company, a letter from the event organiser:
    • confirming the name of the special event
    • advising the dates that the provision of security activities are required, and 
    • advising that a formal agreement has, or will be, entered into with the company to provide security services for the special event.

How to apply

  1. Download and complete the relevant visitor permit application form.
  2. Gather the required documents.
  3. Post the completed form, supporting documents, and payment to the address on the form.

More information

  • You can lodge an application for a visitor permit even if the event has not yet been declared a special event.
  • Your application will be refused if:
    • you don't have a current equivalent licence in your state or territory
    • the Commissioner has refused to declare the event a 'special event'
    • all required information and documents have not been provided
    • the required fee has not been paid
    • the Commissioner is satisfied you (or the nominated person of a company) are not a fit and proper person to hold a visitor permit, and
    • the Commissioner is satisfied that it is not in the public interest for the company to hold an employer visitor permit (if a company).
Last updated: 15 November 2023