Minors, like adults, need a valid visa to enter Australia. The eVisitor (subclass 651) is one of the most commonly used visas for short tourist or business stays. This electronic visa is available free of charge to citizens of certain European countries, including France, Belgium and Switzerland.
eVisitor eligibility conditions
To be eligible for eVisitor, minors must meet several criteria:
- Be a citizen of an eligible country
- Have a valid passport
- Travelling for tourism or business purposes
- No health problems or criminal record
It is important to note that each traveller, including minors, must have their own individual visa. Children cannot be included on their parents' visas.
eVisitor application process for minors
The eVisitor application for a minor is made online on the official website of the Australian Department of Home Affairs. The process is the same as for adults, but with a few additional considerations:
- The application must be made by a parent or legal guardian
- Information from the child's passport is required
- A valid e-mail address must be provided to receive confirmation of the visa.
The processing time for an eVisitor is generally fast, often less than 24 hours. However, it is advisable to apply at least two weeks before your planned trip.
Additional documents for minors
Although the eVisitor is an electronic visa that does not require physical documents, minors travelling to Australia may need additional documents:
- Valid passport (valid for at least 6 months after the planned return date)
- Authorisation to leave the country (AST) if the child is travelling without parents or with only one parent
- Copy of the identity document of the parent signing the AST
- Birth certificate or family record book (in the event of an inspection)
Period of validity and conditions of stay
The eVisitor for minors, as for adults, is valid for 12 months from the date of issue. During this period, the holder may make several entries into Australia, but each stay must not exceed 3 consecutive months.
Comparison table: eVisitor vs other visa options for minors
| Criteria | eVisitor (651) | ETA (601) | Visitor Visa (600) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | 20 AUD | From 145 AUD |
| Period of validity | 12 months | 12 months | Up to 12 months |
| Maximum length of stay | 3 months per entry | 3 months per entry | Up to 12 months |
| Processing time | 1-2 working days | Snapshot | 1-4 weeks |
| Eligible countries | 36 European countries | 9 countries | All countries |
| Possible extension | No | No | Yes |
Restrictions and conditions for minors
Minors holding an eVisitor are subject to certain restrictions:
- Ban on working in Australia
- Possibility of studying for up to 3 months
- Must be accompanied by a responsible adult
- Prohibition on extending stay beyond 3 months without changing visa
Special cases
Minors travelling alone
Minors travelling alone in Australia must have written authorisation from their parents or legal guardians. They must also have a responsible adult to meet them on arrival in Australia.
Minors travelling with a single parent
If a minor is travelling with only one parent, it is advisable to have written authorisation from the other parent. This can avoid complications at Australian immigration.
Airline responsibilities
Airlines are responsible for checking that all passengers, including minors, have the appropriate travel documents before boarding. They may refuse boarding to a minor who does not have a valid visa or the necessary documents.
Countries eligible for eVisitor
The countries whose citizens (including minors) can apply for an eVisitor are : Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and Vatican City.
Implications for parents or guardians
Parents or legal guardians are responsible for ensuring that the minor has a valid visa prior to travel. They must also ensure that the conditions of the visa are respected during the stay in Australia. Failure to comply with the visa conditions may result in the visa being cancelled and the minor being removed from Australian territory.
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