Need Help Urgently: Traveling with Child to Australia

[inpd]

Hi,

Here is the situation.

My wife, myself and young 2 year old are dual citizens
of the United states and Australia. We live in the U.S.
and are shortly going back to Australia for a holiday.

My wife and I have two passports. My 2 year old only
has a U.S. passport.

The Australian embassy in U.S. says she cannot apply
for an Australian visa since she is a citizen.

But we are traveling in a month so getting an Australian
passport in the U.S. is tough in such a short time frame.

Should we risk trying to get her an Australian visa
to enter the country or is it guarenteed to be rejected
because in some big database it has her name?

When in Australia. I'll apply for her passport.

[Dave Noble]

If she is an Australian Citizen then she is not entitled to a visa; you need to get her a passport . I would have hoped that the Australian Embassy would be able to sort it out in a month

Dave

[kooz]

I am almost certain that you can fast-track a passport application simply by paying extra money.

[serfty]

You may wish to consider an "Australian Declaratory Visa".

More:

• Australian Citizens travelling on Foreign Passports
• Australian Immigration Fact Sheet 95. Documents Needed to Enter Australia
• 931 - Application for an Australian declaratory visa

• This allows some flexibility with return documentation for children. ...

[inpd]

Originally Posted by Dave Noble

If she is an Australian Citizen then she is not entitled to a visa; you need to get her a passport . I would have hoped that the Australian Embassy would be able to sort it out in a month

Dave

Perhaps. My wife's took 6 weeks because the U.S. photo
standards are different to the Australian and the overseas
embassies are sticklers (rightly so) and kept on sending them
back.

My question is: If we get an ETA (electronic travel authority)
for her (i.e. visa waiver), will it get denied in the U.S. or when
entering Australia or anything like that?

Getting an Australian passport in the U.S. is expensive
>US$250 and a hassle. I would prefer to go the ETA route
as we did last time (before she was a citizen) but don't
want to get denied boarding or entry on the day!

[serfty]

More research: Cost is $185 for under 18's if lodged outside of Australia

[Mal]

Originally Posted by inpd

Perhaps. My wife's took 6 weeks because the U.S. photo
standards are different to the Australian and the overseas
embassies are sticklers (rightly so) and kept on sending them
back.

Now that you've been through that process, you should know the exact requirements for the photos required, and the embassy/consulate should accept them first time.

https://www.passports.gov.au/Web/Req...ts/Photos.aspx gives more info.

I'd go down the passport route personally, but the visa idea could be beneficial too.

[inpd]

Originally Posted by Mal

Now that you've been through that process, you should know the exact requirements for the photos required, and the embassy/consulate should accept them first time.

Ha! This had me rolling on the floor in fits of laughter.
You've obviously not dealt with the Australian consulate
in Washington DC. In all fairness, the U.S. is paranoid about
terrorism and it effects everyone.

The bottom line question is:

"If I apply for an ETA (visa electronically) will the system
be smart enough to work out she is already a citizen"

[NM]

Originally Posted by inpd

The bottom line question is:

"If I apply for an ETA (visa electronically) will the system
be smart enough to work out she is already a citizen"

no, the bottom line is:

"She does not qualify for an ETA."

Don't you think that even if the ETA is issued and she is allowed to board the aircraft, that the immigration officer in Australia is going to ask some pertinent questions about her citizenship when a 2yo lobs up to the counter with a USA passport and ETA and her parents have Australian passports?

Your only choice is to pay the money and get the passport.

[serfty]

Originally Posted by NM

... Your only choice is to pay the money and get the passport.

... or an "Australian Declaratory Visa".

(They do last 5 years, just as long as a Child's passport).