For your trip to the USA, you need to fill out an ESTA application on the Internet via a specialized website or the US government website. Note that this formality does not apply if you intend to travel to the USA by land, i.e. from Mexico or Canada.
ESTA questions
To complete the ESTA document, everything is done online. You’ll need to visit the official website or a private site specialized in ESTA applications. There’s no need to go to an American embassy or consulate to apply for ESTA authorization. Once you’re on one of these sites, all you need to do is fill in the ESTA application form. You’ll need to fill in a number of details. You’ll be asked for information about yourself, such as your surname, first names, nationality, official address and so on.
Your valid passport will also be useful. You’ll be asked to enter the expiry and issue dates, as well as the passport number. This can be an electronic or biometric passport, the only requirement being that it is still valid – the information contained in it is still up to date, and its validity period covers your entire stay in the USA.
Applicants must also answer a series of closed questions relating to their medical and criminal history. The ESTA questionnaire is designed to make it easier for foreign nationals to enter the United States, while maintaining the country’s internal security.
You must answer all questions correctly to avoid any risk of refusal.
In addition to being electronic, this form is identical to the I-94 W form. Another difference is that you must complete the form online before your trip, in order to be able to board the plane or ship.
The ESTA file for the United States does not replace a visa
The ESTA file is essential for travel to the United States. It is, however, reserved for travelers eligible for visa exemption, arriving by boat or plane. Your stay in the USA must not exceed 90 days.
It should be noted that, although mandatory, the ESTA for the United States does not guarantee entry onto American soil. It is an authorization to board a boat or plane bound for the United States. The U.S. immigration police can return you to your country of residence as soon as you arrive, if you do not meet certain admission criteria.
Official validity period of ESTA authorization
ESTA authorization is valid for 2 years from the date of issue. During this time, you can visit the U.S. several times without needing a tourist or business visa. You don’t even have to take any administrative steps. What’s more, there’s no limit to the number of round trips you can make between your home country and the United States. However, the validity of your ESTA ends when it expires, or when your passport expires.
In order to travel to the USA, you must always have a valid passport, whether you are applying for a USA visa at a US consulate or applying for ESTA online. A new passport requires a new ESTA application.
