If you’re planning to travel to the USA for business or pleasure, it’s highly likely that you’ll need to complete an ESTA declaration. ESTA is an online form that applies to all nationals of countries that are members of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Created in 2009, this program aims to facilitate travelers’ entry into the U.S. while maintaining optimal homeland security.

The ESTA declaration is an Internet-based identification system.

Making an ESTA declaration does not require travel or complex administrative formalities, as can be the case for a U.S. visa. All you need to do is visit the official U.S. government website. The first step in the ESTA declaration process is to fill in an online form. The information requested will then be analyzed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Normally, people not posing a terrorist risk, suffering from communicable diseases or guilty of other factors that could harm national security, should easily obtain boarding clearance.

If the American authorities consider that you are not eligible for ESTA, your travel plans to the USA are not necessarily jeopardized. In fact, you can apply for a USA visa from the consular authorities. However, this will entail new formalities and you will have to pay the processing fees again.

Is there a charge for ESTA declarations?

The ESTA form was free when it was created, but since September 2010 it has been subject to a fee, following a decision by the American authorities to add a tourist tax and a processing fee.

The basic cost of an ESTA declaration is $40. However, if you make your request via a private website, an additional fee is generally charged for individual assistance throughout the procedure.

Payment is essentially made online by credit card once the questionnaire stage has been completed.

To avoid unnecessary costs, we recommend that you check the accuracy of the information provided on the form before submitting your ESTA application. If you make a mistake in your identity and/or passport number, you’ll need to submit a new application online, for which you’ll have to pay the ESTA fee again.

Do I still need ESTA authorization?

If you hold a valid visa issued by the U.S. consulate general or embassy, and your stay corresponds to the purpose for which the visa was issued, you don’t need to apply for an ESTA. The ESTA is only required for travel by air or sea. For travelers entering the U.S. by land, the ESTA document is not required. Similarly, if your stay in the USA is limited to a maximum of 90 days, you will be required to apply for ESTA authorization.

You don’t need to renew your ESTA every time you travel. Once the ESTA document has been accepted, the authorization is valid for 2 years, provided your biometric or electronic passport has not expired. If this is the case, you will be asked to apply for a new ESTA with your new passport.