Since the introduction of the new US travel formalities, Swiss nationals will need to apply forESTA authorization in Switzerland before traveling to the USA. This ESTA authorization is valid for vacation (tourist travel), business travel or transit on American soil. The application form, which can be accessed from Switzerland, is identical to that for metropolitan France or any other Visa Waiver Program country.
The ESTA visa application introduced by the US government
The U.S. government is now requiring French, Swiss and other nationals of the 38 countries covered by the Visa Waiver Program to comply with this U.S. visa waiver and passenger security system. The VWP was created to facilitate the entry and exit of foreign nationals, while ESTA ensures internal security. You need to apply for an ESTA visa before traveling to the USA. ESTA applications in Switzerland can be made at any time on a private website or on the official US government website. Swiss citizens do not need to go to theUS embassy or use consular services to travel to the USA.
It’s best to apply for authorization at least three days before departure. This document is required by air and sea carriers bound for the United States prior to embarkation. These companies must be approved by the American authorities.
With an ESTA application in Switzerland, you can make a temporary trip to the USA for up to 90 days. You’ll need a valid electronic or biometric (fingerprint) passport. To complete the ESTA form, you’ll need to provide information such as your passport number, travel details and personal details.
ESTA visa to be presented at time of boarding
Like the traditional USA visa, the ESTA is a travel formality. It does not, however, replace a visa. While a visa allows you to enter and stay in the USA for a set period of time, the ESTA visa is different. It is nothing more than a form for boarding a ship or plane bound for the United States for a temporary stay. Once the traveler has arrived in the United States, customs officials will decide whether or not to grant permission to stay. Furthermore, the information provided on the form in no way replaces that on the passport.
ESTA application in Switzerland available on the Net
Just like French citizens, Swiss citizens need ESTA authorization to travel to the USA. The Swiss can apply for authorization via the U.S. government’s online form, or use the services of an intermediary to fill in the ESTA form correctly.
There are three possible responses to an online request: an acceptance, a refusal or a pending request. A pending application simply means that the final answer will be available within 72 hours. If your ESTA application is rejected, you can reapply if you have made a typing error, or go to the US consulate or embassy to apply for a visa. The ESTA document is valid for two years, or until the expiry of your biometric or electronic passport, if the expiry date is less than two years away.
The ESTA application is not free and requires payment by credit card.
