Elena Reyes
Elena Reyes
Senior Travel & Visa Analyst
Elena has helped over 50,000 travellers navigate visa applications across 70+ countries.

eVisa Guide for Families & Groups 2026

Travelling as a family or group adds extra layers to the visa process. Each person typically needs their own separate visa application — even infants. This guide explains how eVisa applications work for families and groups, covering how to apply for children, whether group discounts exist, common errors to avoid, and how to ensure everyone is cleared to travel together.

Our methodology for this guide

Our destination rankings are based on a combination of factors: government approval rate data (where publicly available), community feedback from travellers who have used the service, application process complexity, government fee fairness, processing time reliability, and the quality of support available. We update these assessments quarterly and whenever a destination makes significant changes to its visa programme.

1
Australia eVisa Top Pick
Australia's eVisitor visa is one of the world's fastest approvals: free to apply, linked electronically to your passport, and typically granted within hours for eligible passport holders.
★★★★½
Pros
  • Australia eVisa allows separate applications per family member — all can be submitted in one session.
  • Free government fee for eligible passport holders from 56+ countries.
  • Electronic approval linked to passport — no label or stamp needed.
Cons
  • Each traveller, including children and infants, needs their own Australia eVisa — budget accordingly.
  • Only available to passport holders from specific eligible countries.
Processing24 hours
Valid for12 months
Visa typeeVisitor
Gov. feeFree
2
USA ESTA Most Popular
The ESTA is the gateway to the USA for travellers from 42 Visa Waiver Program countries. Apply online, receive approval within minutes, and visit the US for up to 90 days at a time over 2 years.
★★★★½
Pros
  • USA ESTA: near-instant approval for VWP country nationals, 2-year validity with multiple entries.
  • Fast approval — most applicants receive ESTA status within minutes.
  • 2-year, multiple-entry validity means one application covers many US trips.
Cons
  • USA ESTA is only available to citizens of 42 VWP countries — others need a B-1/B-2 visa.
  • Only available to citizens of VWP countries — others need a B1/B2 visa.
ProcessingMinutes to 72 hours
Valid for2 years
Visa typeESTA
Gov. fee$21
3
UK ETA Top Pick
The UK's new Electronic Travel Authorisation replaces the old entry stamp system for eligible nationalities. It allows multiple trips to England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland over 2 years.
★★★★½
Pros
  • UK ETA allows separate applications per family member — all can be submitted in one session.
  • Generous 6-month stay per visit — longest of any comparable ETA.
  • 2-year, multiple-entry validity.
Cons
  • Each traveller, including children and infants, needs their own UK ETA — budget accordingly.
  • Processing can take up to 3 working days — apply well in advance.
ProcessingUp to 3 working days
Valid for2 years
Visa typeElectronic
Gov. fee$10
4
Turkey eVisa Fast & Easy
Turkey's e-Visa system is one of the smoothest in the world. Apply in minutes, pay online, and receive your visa by email — often within seconds. Valid for Istanbul, Ankara, and the entire country.
★★★★½
Pros
  • Turkey eVisa allows separate applications per family member — all can be submitted in one session.
  • Near-instant approval — most visas issued within seconds.
  • Simple, user-friendly application portal.
Cons
  • Each traveller, including children and infants, needs their own Turkey eVisa — budget accordingly.
  • Government fee of $50–$60 (varies by nationality).
ProcessingMinutes to 24 hours
Valid for180 days from issue
Visa typee-Visa
Gov. fee$50
5
Sri Lanka ETA Hidden Gem
Sri Lanka's ETA makes visiting this island paradise simple. Apply online, receive your ETA within 24 hours, and enjoy beaches, temples, and wildlife with the option to extend your stay up to 6 months.
★★★★½
Pros
  • Sri Lanka ETA allows separate applications per family member — all can be submitted in one session.
  • Extendable stay up to 6 months — perfect for long-term travellers.
  • Double entry included as standard.
Cons
  • Each traveller, including children and infants, needs their own Sri Lanka ETA — budget accordingly.
  • Extension process requires an in-person visit to the Department of Immigration.
Processing24-48 hours
Valid for6 months from issue
Visa typeETA
Gov. fee$35

Quick Comparison Table

#DestinationScore ProcessingGov. feeVisa Type Valid forApply
1 Australia eVisa 9.8 24 hours ✓ Free eVisitor 12 months / multiple entries Apply
2 USA ESTA 9.6 Minutes to 72 hours $21 ESTA 2 years / multiple entries Apply
3 UK ETA 9.5 Up to 3 working days $10 Electronic 2 years / multiple entries Apply
4 Turkey eVisa 9.4 Minutes to 24 hours $50 e-Visa 180 days from issue Apply
5 Sri Lanka ETA 8.8 24-48 hours $35 ETA 6 months from issue Apply

Frequently Asked Questions

Do children need their own eVisa?+
Yes. Each traveller — including infants and children — must have their own eVisa or travel authorisation linked to their own passport. A child's eVisa is typically the same price as an adult's.
Can I apply for multiple family members at once?+
Services like VisaGov allow you to apply for multiple family members in the same session. Each application is submitted separately but you can complete them in one sitting and pay for all together.
Do all family members need to travel together?+
No. Family members with approved eVisas can travel separately, as long as each person's visa is valid for their travel dates. Each visa is linked to an individual passport.
What if one family member's eVisa is approved and another's is not?+
Each eVisa is assessed individually. If one family member is denied, others can still travel. In practice, simultaneous denials for the same nationality/destination are rare. Contact the processing service immediately if one application is delayed or denied.

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