French nationals are now required to apply for an ESTA travel authorization before entering or transiting the United States. This authorization is based on the Visa Waiver Program, which is open to citizens of 41 countries, the majority of which are European states.
Electronic System for Travel Authorization
The ESTA form is a new procedure for all nationals of VWP member countries. It enables travelers wishing to enter the United States to obtain official authorization, without having to apply for a visa at the American embassy.
However, the U.S. authorities only issue ESTA authorization under very specific conditions. To qualify for ESTA authorization, the national must :
- stay on U.S. soil for up to 90 days;
- travel to the USA for tourism, business or transit;
- enter the U.S. by air or sea and have a round-trip ticket;
- have a valid passport, either electronic or biometric.
- have a credit card to pay the ESTA application fee.
Where to apply for ESTA France?
If you meet all the entry requirements, you may be eligible for ESTA. To make an official request, you need to fill in an online form. This document is available on the official U.S. government website, or on any private website specialized in ESTA authorization.
The ESTA has the advantage of offering much greater flexibility than a visa. You can apply up to 72 hours before boarding your flight. This gives you the flexibility to plan a trip to the USA at the last minute.
Since the ESTA is an electronic document, it doesn’t matter whether the application is made in France or elsewhere. It is important, however, that the applicant is from a member country of the Visa Waiver Program.
Filling in the ESTA form
Filling in the online form is the most important step in the ESTA application process. Your answers will determine whether or not you are eligible for ESTA.
The online questionnaire is fairly straightforward to complete, but it does require a certain amount of concentration to avoid any errors that could result in your ESTA being refused. First, you’ll need to fill in your general identity and passport details (marital status, passport number, date of issue, nationality, etc.). Once you’ve provided this information, the U.S. authorities require you to answer around ten closed questions. These include questions about your state of health and your criminal record.
Following this form, a payment window will appear to validate the submission procedure. The status of your ESTA application will be determined within 72 hours of registration.
What can I do with ESTA authorization once it has been issued?
The vast majority of ESTA online applications are approved.
ESTAs are valid for two years. However, this can be shortened if your passport expires during this period. An ESTA allows you to travel anywhere in the USA: New York, California, Yosemite, the Grand Canyon – the possibilities are endless!
We advise you to keep your identification number, as it can be particularly useful if you wish to update any information before your future trip to the United States of America.
As ESTA is 100% electronic, there’s no need to print out your travel authorization. It is linked directly to your biometric or electronic passport via a computerized system.
ESTA USA refused: what to do?
U.S. Customs and Border Protection rarely refuses to issue an ESTA. If your application is rejected, it may be due to carelessness. Take the time to reread all your information, and if you find a mistake in the document, you’ll have to apply again.
If there are no errors, the rejection is probably due to non-compliance with ESTA criteria. The only alternative is to go to the U.S. embassy and apply for a visa.
