One of the most popular vacation and business destinations for the French is the United States. Indeed, many European nationals want to make their American dream come true.
Since the introduction of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), the U.S. government has allowed visa-free entry for nationals of the countries concerned. Since 2010, however, it has been necessary to obtain anESTA USA (Electronic Travel Authorization) before boarding an aircraft or ship bound for the United States.
ESTA USA, how to apply?
The ESTA, for Electronic System for Travelling Authorisation, is an electronic form accessible from a number of sites, enabling travel to the USA. French citizens planning a trip to the USA can apply for ESTA on the official US government website, or by visiting a private site. It is advisable to apply well in advance of your intended stay in the USA, but no later than 72 hours before departure.
The ESTA USA application procedure is simple: the information requested is similar to that on the green form, which used to be distributed by flight attendants. Initially, the ESTA form was in English, but you can now find it in several languages, including French. ESTA is linked to a passport, so if you don’t have one, you’ll need to apply for one.
Unlike applying for a USA visa, you can’t apply for an ESTA via the American embassy or consulate: you have to fill in an online form. This can be found on the official website or on a private site.
Information required for visa-free travel to the USA
The U.S. authorities require you to answer a number of questions and provide a certain amount of information about yourself. You’ll be asked to provide your full name, nationality, home address, place and date of birth. Your electronic or biometric passport will also be required, as you’ll need to note its date of issue and expiry, as well as the passport number.
You can apply individually or as a group. The advantage of a group application is that it requires only one payment.
What is the validity of the ESTA form?
This tourist travel authorization allows multiple admissions to the U.S. during its validity. The ESTA document is valid for two years. This administrative form may be cancelled by the competent authority for any reason. Unlike the American visa, this new travel authorization does not allow travel to the USA for more than 90 consecutive days.
In addition to the travel authorization and round-trip ticket, the traveler must also be in possession of a valid passport covering at least the entire duration of the stay in the United States. Please note that once your passport expires, your ESTA authorization becomes invalid. If your passport expires, you must apply for a new ESTA authorization once you have received your new passport. Please note that the passport number entered on the form must be identical to the one used by the traveler.
Free or paid ESTA?
A fee must be paid to obtain the ESTA in return for processing the application and obtaining the authorization itself. There is no such thing as a free ESTA. On private sites, ESTA fees include the electronic form and assistance services.
Although the process is straightforward, authorization is not easy to obtain in some cases. The slightest error in filling in the application form can result in slow processing, or even refusal. If your ESTA application is rejected because of a typo, you can reapply for ESTA authorization. If all the information you’ve entered is correct, but your ESTA application is rejected, your last resort is to apply for a USA visa at the American embassy.
