Ethiopian eVisa for Children and Minors
Everything parents need to know
When traveling to Ethiopia with children, it's important to understand that every traveler, regardless of age, needs their own eVisa. This includes infants, toddlers, children, and teenagers under 18 years old.
Parents or legal guardians complete the eVisa application on behalf of minors, but each child requires a separate application and payment. This guide covers all the specific requirements and procedures for obtaining Ethiopian eVisas for children.
Understanding these requirements ensures smooth travel for your entire family and prevents issues at immigration.
Do Children Need Their Own eVisa?
Yes - Every Child Needs an eVisa
Important facts:
- All travelers need individual eVisas, including children of ALL ages
- This applies to infants (under 2 years), children, and teenagers
- Children cannot be included on parent's eVisa
- Each child needs separate application and payment
- Same fee structure applies regardless of age
Who Completes the Application?
- Parent or legal guardian fills out the form on child's behalf
- Child's information used (name, date of birth, passport number)
- Contact information can be parent's email and phone
- Payment can be made with parent's credit card
Required Documents for Minors
Standard Requirements
Children need the same basic documents as adults:
1. Valid Passport
- Child's own passport (cannot use parent's passport)
- Valid for at least 6 months from entry date
- Child passports often have shorter validity - check carefully
- See passport requirements
2. Digital Photograph
- Recent passport-style photo of the child
- Same technical requirements as adults
- JPEG format, white background, under 200 KB
- Child must be alone in photo (no one holding them visible)
- Both eyes visible (challenging for infants but required)
- Review photo specifications
3. Payment Method
- Parent's credit/debit card acceptable
- Full eVisa fee required for each child
- No child discount available
4. Travel Information
- Same travel dates as accompanying adults
- Purpose of visit (usually tourism for children)
- Accommodation details
Additional Documents (may be required)
For children traveling:
- With both parents: Usually no additional documents
- With one parent: Consent letter from non-traveling parent
- With guardians/relatives: Parental consent letter and guardianship documents
- Unaccompanied: Additional authorization (rare, verify requirements)
How to Apply for Child's eVisa
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Prepare child's documents
- Child's valid passport
- Recent photo of child meeting all requirements
- Birth certificate (for reference)
- Consent letters if applicable
Step 2: Complete separate application
- Fill out application form for each child individually
- Use child's information from their passport
- Enter child's name, date of birth, passport number exactly as in passport
- Parent/guardian can use their email address for all family members
Step 3: Upload child's documents
- Upload scan of child's passport bio-data page
- Upload child's passport photo
- Ensure files meet size and format requirements
Step 4: Pay fee for each child
- Same fee as adults ($52 or $72 depending on duration)
- Can use same payment card for multiple applications
- Process payment for each child separately
Step 5: Receive individual eVisas
- Each child receives separate eVisa document
- Print copies for each child
- Present at immigration with child's passport
Tips for Family Applications
- Apply for all family members at same time
- Use same email address for easier tracking
- Keep all reference numbers organized
- Choose same visa duration for whole family
- Check status for each application
Special Photo Considerations for Children
Taking Photos of Babies and Young Children
Getting compliant passport photos of young children can be challenging but is necessary:
For infants and babies:
- Lay baby on white sheet: Creates white background easily
- Eyes open: Try to photograph when baby is alert
- Neutral expression: Natural face, no crying or laughing
- No one visible: Cannot show hands holding baby
- Take many photos: Capture several options to choose from
For toddlers and young children:
- Use white wall as background
- Get child to look at camera (use toys/sounds)
- Natural expression, not forced smile
- Keep child still and facing forward
- Professional service may be easier
For older children:
- Same requirements as adults
- Explain they need to look at camera without smiling
- Remove hats, headbands, or accessories
- Glasses allowed if normally worn (no glare)
All photos must meet the standard photo requirements regardless of child's age.
Arriving in Ethiopia with Children
At Immigration
Required for each child:
- Child's passport (original)
- Child's printed eVisa
- Child physically present
Family processing:
- Families usually processed together
- One parent can present all documents
- Officers may ask about purpose of trip
- Keep all family eVisas accessible
Additional documents to carry:
- Birth certificates for children (recommended)
- Consent letters if applicable
- Marriage certificate (if different surnames)
Children Traveling Alone or with One Parent
With one parent only:
- Notarized consent letter from non-traveling parent recommended
- Letter should authorize travel and state:
- Child's full name and passport details
- Traveling parent's name
- Travel dates and destination
- Non-traveling parent's signature and contact info
With guardians/relatives:
- Notarized parental consent letter required
- Letter from both parents authorizing travel
- Guardian's identification
- Copy of parents' passports
Unaccompanied minors:
- Check airline policies (most don't allow young children alone)
- Extensive documentation required
- Contact Ethiopian embassy for specific requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, even infants under 1 year old must have their own eVisa to enter Ethiopia. There are no age exceptions. The infant must have their own passport and separate eVisa application, even if traveling on a parent's lap without a paid airline seat.
No, there is no child discount for Ethiopian eVisas. The fee structure is the same for all ages - $52 for 30-day visa or $72 for 90-day visa. Each child pays the full fee. This applies to infants, toddlers, children, and teenagers.
No, you cannot add children to your own eVisa. Each person, including children, needs their own separate eVisa application. You'll complete multiple applications - one for yourself and one for each child - but you can use the same email address and payment card for all of them.
Just like adults, children's passports must be valid for at least 6 months from the intended entry date. Child passports typically have shorter validity periods (5 years vs 10 years for adults), so check expiration dates carefully. Renew the child's passport before applying if needed.
For the eVisa application itself, parent/guardian completes the form for anyone under 18. For travel, teenagers (especially those traveling without parents) should carry parental consent letters. Specific age requirements for unaccompanied travel vary - check with airlines and consider Ethiopian immigration policies.
Ready to Apply for Your Family?
Prepare all passports and documents for your entire family and complete applications for each member. Review all requirements before starting.
Apply for Ethiopian eVisa
Need Help? Contact our support team:
Email: support@evisa.express |
Phone: +44 2031 293 603