The formalities required for all French nationals wishing to travel to the USA have been simplified thanks to the creation of the Visa Waiver Program. In fact, instead of a complex, expensive and slow visa application procedure, the traveler just needs to proceed with an ESTA application. The process must be done online; it is simple, fast and the fees are very affordable. To obtain the ESTA, and enter the United States without any problem, you must have a valid biometric or electronic passport.
The ESTA form is available on specialized websites as well as on the official website of the American government. It is the only step to take for your stay in the USA. It should be noted that for a stay of more than 90 days or for any other reason than business, tourism or transit, it is necessary to apply for a US visa.
Information on obtaining the ESTA
The ESTA or Electronic System for Travel Authorization is a travel authorization required for nationals of countries covered by the VWP to travel to the USA without a US visa. It was put in place to strengthen border security measures.
There are several eligibility criteria to receive this authorization. You must be in the United States for business, tourism or transit for a maximum of 90 days. The authorization granted is valid for 2 years and for multiple entries into the United States of America up to a maximum of 90 days. However, the ESTA will no longer be usable and will have to be renewed as of the day the passport expires or if exceptionally the authorization is cancelled by the competent authorities. An authorization can be cancelled if you have changed your last name or have a new passport, for example.
Any renewal of an authorization must be subject to a new procedure and a new file. The ESTA application must be made exclusively online and at least 72 hours before the desired departure. We advise you to apply as soon as possible, because if you make a mistake in the information requested or if you do not meet the requirements (long stay, studies or work…), it will take you longer to apply for a new ESTA authorization or a visa at the American embassy. Many specialized sites offer help and assistance to travelers in this process, especially in the online application of the ESTA form, which must be done with the utmost care, without error or omission.
The ESTA form for a stay in the United States
Applying for ESTA is very simple, all the traveler has to do is fill out an online form. You must order your authorization on the U.S. government website.
The only documents required are an electronic or biometric passport and a payment card, which is essential for validating the form. An ESTA questionnaire must be completed online for the ESTA application (valid passport number, first name, surname, date of birth, etc.). You will receive an answer very quickly. In general, U.S. authorities process requests within 72 hours. The ESTA document is valid for two years, which allows you to make several trips to the United States.