France is a signatory to the VWP (Visa Waiver Program). Following the introduction of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization(ESTA) by the United States, French citizens, in the same way as nationals of 37 other countries, must apply for this authorization before entering the USA. The ESTA should not be confused with a U.S. visa issued by the U.S. embassy. The ESTA is a temporary entry permit for the United States.
ESTA authorization for travel to the USA
What’s it for?
The ESTA is an official U.S. document to be filled out online by nationals of a Visa Waiver Program country, in anticipation of travel to the United States. This document allows travel for business and tourism, as well as transit on American soil. The applicant may be assisted by a third party in completing the application form.
Travelers from Canada and Mexico entering the U.S. by land do not require this travel authorization. In this case, filling out the green form on arrival at the border crossing is sufficient.
ESTA was introduced to reinforce security measures, as the American authorities receive personal information on travellers even before they arrive in the USA. What’s more, the process is much simpler than applying for a visa, making it easier for applicants to travel to the USA.
Who can receive it?
To be eligible for the ESTA USA document, you must meet certain requirements:
- be a national of one of the 38 countries participating in the VWP (Visa Waiver Program);
- Have a valid biometric or electronic passport;
- for tourism, business or transit;
- remain in the United States for up to 90 days;
- have a return ticket proving that you are within the ESTA time limit.
Free ESTA document
Access to the electronic form is free of charge, regardless of the website offering it: only the validation of the request is now subject to a fee.
The price of the ESTA application depends on the site used: private sites are more expensive, as they charge an additional fee for the assistance service offered and for setting up a customer account, on top of the price of the ESTA.
The ESTA form: filling out and validating an application online
Since the introduction of this formality, more and more websites have been set up to offer the ESTA application form in an efficient way.
To fill in the online form, all you need to do is provide your valid passport number and a few personal details, such as your first name, surname and date of birth.
Of course, you don’t have to order your document from a private website. Authorization to leave the country can be requested on the official U.S. government website. The process takes a little longer, and you can’t ask the American authorities for assistance. As a result, there’s a greater risk of sending in an ESTA form containing an error, which, as you’ll understand, could jeopardize your future trip to the USA.
Authorization is usually issued within 72 hours of submitting your application. Once the authorization has been obtained, you can travel to the USA several times over a two-year period, unless your passport is no longer valid. In this case, you’ll need to apply for a new passport, and then an ESTA, before you can travel to the USA.
If your application is rejected, you can reapply for ESTA if the refusal is due to an error on the form. If you are not eligible, however, you will need to apply for a USA visa from the American embassy.
