The procedure for traveling to the United States has changed considerably since the introduction of the Visa Waiver Program and the ESTA electronic travel authorization system.
Thus, to answer the question: “Do I need a U.S. visa to travel to the United States?”, the traveler must first find out the situation in his or her country of residence with respect to the program. Nationals of countries participating in this program currently enjoy privileged access to the U.S. territory when traveling with ESTA, and therefore without a visa. To take advantage of this program, travelers must meet all the necessary conditions, including eligibility for visa exemption: a stay of less than 90 days, a biometric or electronic passport, ESTA authorization prior to departure, and a round-trip ticket proving a real intention to leave the country before the 90-day deadline.
ESTA Information
To receive the ESTA, you must fill out an online form that allows you to travel to the United States. The possibility of traveling to the United States depends on whether or not you obtain this authorization to stay. This system was put in place to enhance security measures for the country, Americans and visitors. ESTA authorization is used to pre-screen foreign nationals wishing to stay or transit, and to prevent the entry or intrusion of individuals with malicious intent, or who could pose a threat to health and/or homeland security.
The information required on the form can be categorized into three parts: the first is the traveler’s identity with passport information; the second is the traveler’s physical and mental health status; the third is related to the traveler’s travel plans such as purpose or place of residence during travel to the United States. To be granted, the ESTA form must be filled out correctly. A permit issued is valid for a total stay of 90 days and for multiple entries for 2 years or until the passport expires. Since the ESTA is linked to your passport number, you must renew your application if you have a new passport.
Cases where a visa is required to enter the United States
All countries not participating in the Visa Waiver Program are required to obtain a visa to enter the U.S., regardless of the reason for travel or length of stay. However, for nationals of countries participating in the program, the situation is different depending on the length of stay and the reason.
Indeed, the visa is required when the trip exceeds 90 days, or for a trip other than for business, tourism or transit. For example, if you want to stay in the United States for 6 months, work in the United States or study at a university, you will have to apply for a visa at the American embassy. In addition, a normally visa-exempt citizen who has been denied ESTA by the U.S. authorities must also apply for a visa.
How do I get an ESTA to travel to the United States?
If you are from a country that is part of the Visa Waiver Program, you can enjoy visa-free travel to the United States under certain conditions. The essential condition is to obtain an ESTA. To acquire this travel document, you must apply on the official website of the American government. The ESTA application must be completed correctly at least 72 hours prior to the planned departure date. The duration of the stay, which may be for business, tourism or transit, must not exceed 90 days. The other requirement is that the passport be biometric or electronic.
Bring your passport and credit card to pay for the ESTA application, and go to one of the sites offering to apply for permission on your behalf.