A trip to the USA requires travel authorization. While the visa is the best known of all, the American government has introduced the ESTA USA pass. This travel document has been mandatory since 2009. The ESTA authorization is intended for foreign nationals from one of the countries covered by the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). As France benefits from this program, French citizens need ESTA authorization to travel to the USA and visit the states of Louisiana, Florida and California. Find out now how to apply for an ESTA in French for your trip to the USA, and whether you need to print it out once you’ve received approval.
Obtaining ESTA authorization
When ESTA was first introduced, obtaining ESTA authorization in French was free of charge. Today, applicants must pay a fee that varies according to the site where they order the authorization. Despite this, ESTA remains affordable when compared to the USA visa. To be eligible for an ESTA document, applicants must meet various criteria, such as having a biometric or electronic passport, transiting through an American airport or port, and traveling on American soil for business or pleasure for a maximum of 90 days. Once these conditions have been met, the applicant can apply online via various websites.
To obtain ESTA authorization, you need to apply via an online form. As this is an electronic document, all the steps involved are available online. What’s more, many sites are now translated into French to make it easier for everyone to understand. If you place your order on a private site, the online form is simplified for your convenience. A team then analyzes your request, checks for any errors and sends it to the U.S. government.
For an unassisted application, simply visit the official U.S. government website. A multi-step ESTA form is available. The questions asked concern your health as well as your legal history. Be focused and honest when completing the online application.
The amount charged is not the same if you apply yourself or via a specialized site. In fact, by requesting a service, additional taxes will be added to the basic ESTA fee of fourteen dollars.
Are you unable to apply for an ESTA to travel to the USA? You still have a chance to travel to the USA by applying for an American visa. To do this, you need to go to the U.S. embassy.
Do I need to print out the ESTA?
Once you have obtained your ESTA authorization, you are not required to print it out. The U.S. authorities can retrieve your authorization using your passport number. So, using American electronic systems, the authorities can see in just a few clicks whether you are in possession of a travel document.
You can still print out your document simply to remind yourself of the ESTA’s expiry date. As the ESTA is valid for two years from the date of issue, you are authorized to travel to the USA with the same document if your passport has not expired. If your passport is no longer valid, you will be asked to apply for a new passport, and then renew your ESTA before re-entering the USA.
