To set foot on the soil of a foreign country, it is sometimes essential to obtain a visa. However, if you want to travel to the USA, there’s a document other than a visa: the ESTA travel authorization. This document is now mandatory for certain types of traveler. Its use depends directly on the duration and nature of your stay in the USA. This formality was introduced in 2009 by the U.S. Immigration Service, as part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), in order to secure both travelers bound for the USA and the U.S. territory.
Apply for anESTA USA online
The ESTA is considered an alternative to applying for a U.S. visa. It allows you to travel to the United States for a short stay without the administrative formalities and costs associated with a visa application.
Requirements for ESTAESTA authorization
Access toESTA authorization is open to all foreign nationals holding the nationality of one of the 38 countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program. If you’re a French citizen, there’s usually no problem.
It is also essential to have an electronic or biometric passport valid for your entire stay in the USA.
In addition, the ESTA USA authorization only applies to transits and stays of up to 90 days, for tourism or business purposes.
How do I fill in the online form?
To obtain this travel authorization, you’ll need to fill in the ESTA form online on the U.S. government’s official website.
Please note that theESTA authorization authorization is an electronic document, so there’s no need to print it out, as it’s linked directly to your passport via a computer system.
Applying online is a relatively quick and easy process: all you have to do is provide the information requested, and give accurate, precise answers to all the questions asked.
The questionnaire introduced by the American authorities consists of three major parts:
- information specific to the traveller ;
- ESTA passport details (passport number, expiry date, etc.);
- a series of personal details relating to the traveler’s stay in the United States, health, legal history, etc.
A certain amount of rigor is required when filling in the questionnaire. The U.S. government requires that the information on the form be strictly identical to that on the passport. If there is even the slightest error, US Customs and Border Protection will most likely refuse to grant you authorization. ESTA USA. However, in the event of refusal due to an error on the form, it is possible to reapply for ESTA.
Once you’ve completed the ESTA form, you’ll receive a quick reply. Generally, the response is instantaneous, but sometimes you may have to wait up to 72 hours for a definitive answer to your ESTA request. ESTA authorization.
The status of theESTA authorization
Your ESTA application is processed electronically via the U.S. federal government’s electronic systems. Occasionally, however, the decision is made by an immigration officer when your file requires special attention. In all cases, there are three ESTA statuses:
- If you are granted temporary residence, you can visit the United States freely;
- authorization pending, this response does not necessarily mean that your ESTA has been rejected, the American authorities just need to carry out a more thorough check of your file;
- authorization denied.
Validity of ESTA USA authorization
Once your ESTA authorization for the USA has been granted, you can use it as often as you like for two years. During this period, no further formalities are required to travel to the USA, apart from a valid passport and a return ticket to the USA.
Please note that even though the number of stays in the USA is unlimited, this does not mean that you can reside on American soil for as long as you like. In fact, no matter what happens, the maximum length of stay in the U.S. is limited to 90 consecutive days. If you plan to stay longer, you’ll need to contact the consular authorities to order a visa.
It may happen that your passport expires before these 2 years. If this is the case, you will need to renew your ESTA USA authorization application.
