Unlike the classic U.S. visa, ESTA travel authorization is obtained via an online application. Once the ESTA document has been issued, you don’t actually have a paper version, since it’s an electronic authorization. However, for added security, some travelers prefer to print it out before departure.

The difference between a visa and an ESTA

The USA visa and ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) are two official documents authorizing travel to the USA. However, there is a difference between the two. While the visa can be adapted to all travel situations, the ESTA is valid in certain cases only, notably for tourist travel, business travel and transit. Before applying for ESTA, you must ensure that you are a national of one of the countries benefiting from the Visa Waiver Program.

Foreign nationals from 41 signatory countries are covered by the scheme, including EU member states.

The ESTA is valid for two years once it has been issued. If your e-passport or biometric passport expires before this time, the ESTA will be unusable, and you will have to apply for a new one if you plan to visit the USA again.

You can only apply for a visa in person. You need to go to the U.S. embassy or consulate general and provide specific supporting documents, depending on the reason for your trip to the USA. Once the visa has been granted, you’ll receive a stamp in your passport and a receipt.

For the ESTA form, on the other hand, the entire procedure is carried out online.

The ESTA application is to be completed exclusively online.

As an electronic document, you can only apply for ESTA authorization via the Internet. To be able to complete it, it is essential that you do so on a secure site, either the official U.S. government site, or a private site.

Please note that before filling in the ESTA form, you must have a valid passport. If you do not have a valid passport, the American authorities will automatically reject your application to travel to the USA.

This online form requires you to answer a number of questions relating to your identity, your passport and your stay in the United States.

The answers you provide will be used by the Department of Homeland Security to compile a profile of you, and to assess whether your entry into the USA represents a threat to American citizens. This information will determine whether or not your temporary residence permit will be granted. As all the procedures are carried out online, it is advisable to carry out a rigorous check to avoid errors and omissions.

The need to print the ESTA application

If the U.S. authorities grant you ESTA authorization, you will be notified by email for a request made on a private website, and by visiting the official website for a request made on the U.S. government website. No paper version of the document will be sent to you by post or delivered by hand. In fact, the authorization is linked directly to the biometric or electronic passport via a computer system. When you board your flight, airline or shipping agents can instantly see whether you have ESTA authorization, simply by scanning your ID. This means that U.S. Customs and Border Protection does not require you to print out your ESTA document before you travel to the USA.

On the other hand, printing out a paper version of the ESTA can sometimes be useful, especially if you are stopped by the police during your stay. The police will require proof that you are legally on American soil.