FAQ – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ESTA
Thanks to our professional expertise in administrative procedures, we can take charge of your ESTA USA application, allowing you to concentrate fully on your trip to the United States. This section lists the questions most frequently asked by our readers, to answer any queries you may have.
WHAT DOES ESTA MEAN?
The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is a computerized procedure set up by the American authorities to issue authorization for travel to the USA. This electronic document gives nationals of countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) permission to travel to the USA without a visa.
DO I NEED TO APPLY FOR ESTA?
Only nationals of VWP member countries can apply for this authorization. For a complete list of participating countries, see the table below. ESTA is required for transits and short stays in the United States.
DOES MY ESTA GUARANTEE ENTRY INTO THE U.S.?
The ESTA represents a computerized verification of your identity prior to your trip. Immigration officials will always carry out a check on your arrival, and it is their responsibility to decide whether or not to grant you access to American soil. Acceptance of your ESTA application online is a very good sign, however, and there’s generally nothing to worry about.
IS MY ESTA USA EQUIVALENT TO A VISA?
It’s important to remember that the ESTA and the visa are two different documents with very distinct roles. The ESTA authorization does not replace a visa if you explicitly require one (e.g. for work, internships, studies, etc.). What’s more, possession of an appropriate visa (for tourism or business) means there’s no need to apply for an ESTA.
HOW LONG IS MY ESTA VALID FOR?
Although ESTA authorization allows you to stay in the USA for up to 90 days, your document is valid for two years from the day it is issued. It will become invalid, however, if the passport details used for the application change. In this case, you will need to renew your ESTA application.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO APPLY FOR MY ESTA USA?
We recommend that you apply for your ESTA as soon as possible, to avoid any refusal. The American authorities specify that applications are examined within a maximum of 72 hours. Although the online ESTA authorization can be approved in a matter of minutes, it is advisable to respect this deadline.
DO I NEED TO EXPLAIN THE REASON FOR MY STAY IN THE USA?
This information is not mandatory. It’s perfectly possible to apply for an ESTA without any specific plans, as long as you bear in mind that your stay must be either for business or pleasure. You can also specify that your stay is for transit purposes only.
DO I NEED ESTA AUTHORIZATION FOR A STOPOVER IN THE UNITED STATES?
Entry to the U.S. is highly regulated and border security is very high, which is why ESTA authorization is required even for a simple stopover on U.S. soil.
WHAT IS THE VISA WAIVER PROGRAM?
Known as the Visa Waiver Program, this program is the result of an agreement between partner countries and the United States. Its role is to encourage tourism to the United States by allowing eligible nationals to stay in the USA for up to 90 days without a visa.
WHICH COUNTRIES ARE PART OF THE VISA WAIVER PROGRAM?
Below is the list of countries participating in the EPI:
| Germany | Andorra | Australia | Austria | Belgium |
| Brunei | Chile | South Korea | Denmark | Spain |
| Estonia | Finland | France | Greece | Hungary |
| Ireland | Iceland | Italy | Japan | Netherlands |
| Latvia | Liechtenstein | Lithuania | Luxemburg | Malta |
| monaco | Norway | New Zealand | Portugal | Czech republic |
| UK | Saint-Martin | Singapore | Slovakia | Slovenia |
| Sweden | Swiss | Taiwan | Poland | Croatia |
| Israel |
WHAT HAPPENS IF MY ESTA USA EXPIRES DURING MY STAY?
You only need to present your ESTA authorization when you arrive in the USA. The document is not required to leave the country, so don’t worry if your ESTA authorization becomes invalid during your stay.
DO I NEED TO PRINT MY ESTA AUTHORIZATION ON PAPER?
As the process is completely computerized, the American authorities and airlines will automatically be informed of your permission to travel to the United States. Paper copies are therefore not required.
ARE THERE ANY REQUIREMENTS TO COMPLETE MY ESTA APPLICATION?
ESTA is a security measure implemented as part of the Visa Waiver Program, so certain admission conditions must be met:
- hold an electronic or biometric passport issued by one of the countries participating in the VWP ;
- not have dual Iraqi, Iranian, Syrian or Sudanese nationality;
- plan a tourist or business stay not exceeding 90 days;
- have an exit ticket;
- be able to answer “no” to the series of questions on the application form.
HOW MUCH DOES ESTA AUTHORIZATION COST?
Obtaining travel authorization requires a contribution of only $21 if you go through the U.S. customs website.
WHAT IF MY ESTA APPLICATION IS REJECTED?
Occasionally, an ESTA application is rejected. If this happens to you, please check the data you have entered to see if there is a typo in your answers. If all the information provided is correct, we advise you to contact the U.S. embassy or consulate to apply for a visa.
WHAT TO DO IF AUTHORIZATION IS PENDING?
A pending authorization is not a refused authorization. It just takes a little longer to process your application. Check the status of your request by logging on to the official website. We’ll get back to you within 72 hours.