How to apply for a child visa or eTA for Australia?

Travelling as a family is a valuable experience, and if you're planning to visit Australia with your children, it's essential to understand the Australia visa application for families and children. This page is dedicated to guiding you through the important steps and considerations when applying for an Australia eTA for children, a child tourist visa, or a family visitor visa. Navigating the administrative formalities for a family trip may seem complex, but with the right information, you can plan your trip with confidence, while complying with the regulations in force. Let's find out together how to apply for an Australian visa for a child and make this trip memorable and hassle-free for the whole family.

Child visa application Australia: What is the eTA or eVisitor for children?

• Online application for a child's eVisitor: The child visa application for Australia is made online, just like for adults.
• Specific application form: A specific application form must be completed for each minor child.
• Documents required: In addition to the standard documents, specific documents relating to the minor child, such as an identity card or birth certificate, will be required.
• Parental consent: The consent of both parents (or legal guardians) is required for the visa application.
• Processing time: The processing time for a child visitor visa to Australia may vary, so it is advisable to apply well in advance.

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eTA or eVisitor: Australia visa options for children and families

Travelling to Australia as a family with children requires careful preparation, especially regarding the visa process. Parents often ask how to apply for an Australian eTA for a child or whether a single application can include the whole family. For eligible travellers, the eVisitor and eTA (Electronic Travel Authority) are the two main types of Australia tourist visas for children and families. They allow minors to enter Australia for tourism or family visits and are submitted online individually.

How to obtain an eTA or eVisitor with children?

The eTA (Electronic Travel Authority) is mainly intended for nationals of countries such as the United States, Canada, Japan, South Korea, etc. It is a simple, electronic visa. It is an electronic visa, easy to obtain and generally required for stays of less than 3 months. It is valid for tourist trips, but also for business or family visits.

The eVisitor, on the other hand, is a specific version of the electronic visa for nationals of the European Union and certain other European countries. This visa also allows you to stay in Australia for up to 3 months, for tourism or to visit family.

Although both visas offer similar benefits, it is essential to check which type of visa applies to you, depending on your nationality. If you are a citizen of an EU country, the eVisitor will be the simplest and most economical solution.

The procedure for applying for an eTA or eVisitor is entirely paperless and is done online, via the official Australian government website or via a service provider. This greatly simplifies the process, especially when travelling as a family. Here are the main steps:

1. Check eligibility: Before starting the application, it is essential to check that your country of residence and that of your children are eligible for these visas. EU citizens, for example, can easily apply for an eVisitor, while citizens of other countries will have to go through the eTA.
2. Gather the necessary documents: For each family member, including children, you will need to complete an online application. The following information is generally required:
   • Valid passport (each family member's passport must be valid for the duration of the stay).
   • Personal details (name, address, etc.).
   • Travel details (departure and return dates).
   • Details of health and criminal record (information on health and criminal record may be requested, although these questions mainly concern adults).
3. Completing the online form: The online form is simple to complete, but must be done for each family member, including children. For minor children, you will need to enter their passport details and, in some cases, attach a birth certificate. Make sure that each application is completed correctly to avoid errors or delays.
4. Submitting the application and waiting for a reply: Once the application has been submitted, the process is quick. In general, applications are processed within 1 to 3 working days for eVisitor and eTA. In most cases, responses are given by email, and you will receive confirmation of the travel authorisation.

Processing time for eTA and eVisitor family applications

Processing times are usually fast — between 24 and 72 hours — but we recommend submitting each Australia eTA or child visitor visa application at least one week in advance, especially during busy travel periods. Families applying together can submit all applications at the same time for smoother processing.

If you need it urgently, some tour operators or specialist agencies offer fast-track services, although this is not necessary in most cases.

Validity of the eTA and eVisitor

The child tourist visa for Australia — either eVisitor or eTA — remains valid for multiple entries within 12 months, but each stay must not exceed 3 months. You can leave and re-enter Australia as long as your visa remains valid and the 3-month limit per visit is respected.

Each child travelling to Australia must have an individual passport and visa. If you’re applying for a visitor visa for a child under 18 Australia, bring along a birth certificate and proof of consent from the non-travelling parent, if applicable. These precautions make your Australia visa application for children smoother and avoid issues at the border.

The classic tourist visa for a family with children

When planning a family trip to Australia, the classic tourist visa is one of the options to consider.

If your child is not eligible for the eTA or eVisitor, you’ll need to apply for a child tourist visa Australia under the Visitor Visa (subclass 600). This option allows for longer stays or more flexibility. Each child visa application for Australia must include supporting documents, such as a passport, parental authorisation and evidence of the parent-child relationship. The application process involves the following steps:

• Completing the online application form: Applicants, including minors, must complete the online application form, providing personal information, travel details and answering security questions.
• Documents required: Documents required for minors may include a valid passport, signed parental authorisation (if one parent is travelling without the other), proof of parent-child relationship, and other specific documents.
• Payment of Australia visa fees: A visa fee applies to each applicant. Please ensure that you pay this fee in accordance with the instructions provided when submitting your application.
• Submitting the application: Once all the details have been provided and the fees paid, submit the application online. Each family member must submit their own application.

Minors travelling to Australia require specific documents. This includes a valid passport for each child. If one parent is travelling with the child without the other parent, a signed parental consent form may be required. This authorisation demonstrates the consent of the non-accompanying parent to the trip.

Processing times for Australia's traditional child tourist visas may vary depending on the time of year, the number of applications being processed, and other factors. In general, it is advisable to submit the application at least one to three months before the intended date of travel to allow for these potential delays. It is also advisable to consult the Australian Department of Home Affairs website for up-to-date information on processing times.

Our advice and recommendations for a successful visa application with children :

If you want to make sure you get your visa for Australia in time for your family trip or have your children, here are a few recommendations and tips to follow:

• Plan ahead: Start preparing your visa application well in advance. Processing times can vary, so it's wise to plan ahead.
• Check the specific requirements: Check the requirements for the type of visa you are planning to obtain, whether it is a traditional tourist visa, an eVisitor or an eTA. Make sure you meet all the eligibility requirements.
• Documents for children: Prepare the necessary documents for your minor children, including passports, birth certificates and any parental authorisation required.
• Be clear about the period of stay: Make sure that the period of stay authorised by the visa is sufficient for your family trip to Australia.
• Take out travel insurance: Consider buying travel insurance to cover your family members in the event of a medical emergency, trip cancellation or lost luggage.
• Be aware of visa fees: factor visa fees for each family member into your travel budget.

A reminder of the requirements for child safety when travelling in Australia:

Your children's safety is paramount when travelling internationally. Here are a few important reminders:

• Passports and documents: Make sure each child has a valid passport. Keep a copy of their travel documents, including birth certificates.
• Parental authorisation: If one of the parents is travelling alone with the children, make sure you have notarised parental authorisation from the other parent, or the person with legal custody.
• Health and safety: Take any medicines and medical supplies you need for your children with you. Familiarise yourself with emergency numbers and local health services in Australia.
• Constant supervision: Keep a close eye on your children during the trip and make sure they follow the safety rules, whether on transport or during tourist activities.

Can my child travel alone in Australia on an eTA or eVisitor?

While there is no age limit to apply for an eVisitor or Australia eTA for children, a minor cannot travel alone without strict documentation. Airlines also require special arrangements when a child flies without a parent. In any case, how to apply for an Australian visa for a child depends on whether they are travelling alone or with an adult — but they always need a separate visa. However, this does not mean that a minor can travel alone to Australia without extra precautions.

Even if the eTA or eVisitor allows a child to travel to Australia, the Australian authorities require the child to be under the responsibility of an adult when travelling. If a child is travelling alone, they will need parental authorisation and possibly a notarised parental consent document. This document certifies that the child has permission to travel abroad, and that he or she is being looked after by a responsible adult on the spot.

Most airlines have strict policies on minors travelling alone. Children under the age of 12 are often required to travel as part of a special escort service (an ‘unaccompanied minor’), which includes care on departure, in flight and on arrival. It is therefore essential to check the specific arrangements with the airline before booking a flight for a child travelling alone.

In short, although a child can theoretically travel alone with an eTA or eVisitor, it is important to prepare the journey carefully, ensuring that all the legal and logistical requirements are met.