ESTA

ESTA: WHAT IS IT?

The borders of the United States are among the most closely guarded in the world. As access to the U.S. territory is tightly controlled, the government wants to make sure, before issuing the ESTA online, that any foreign national wishing to cross the border is not planning to harm this nation, and is not subject to an inadmissibility order.

Unlike traditional visas, the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is a form that nationals of the 38 countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program must complete online if they wish to travel to the USA for less than 90 days. Created in 2009 by the U.S. government (and more recently in Canada, and soon in Europe withETIAS), this advance authorization (managed by the DHS) is designed to reinforce security in the U.S. and at airports.

As a result, French nationals wishing to cross the US border for a short stay or transit no longer have to go through the relatively lengthy procedure of obtaining a USA VISA, but simply have to complete the ESTA form to report their arrival on the territory.

You can obtain ESTA France authorization without any hassle, intended only for individuals traveling to the USA for sightseeing (don’t forget to visit the national parks, for example!), business travel or simple transit.

The ESTA is valid for two years from the date of issue, or until the expiry date of the passport if it is valid for less than 2 years.

Possession of one of the two types of passport accepted is an essential condition for obtaining this authorization:

Please note: The ESTA travel authorization application must be completed online no later than 72 hours before departure. So be sure to fill out the form as soon as you know your travel dates.