ESTA

GLOSSARY – GENERAL ESTA TERMS

Although the process is relatively straightforward, there are many terms (especially in English) used when talking aboutESTA. To clear up any confusion, we’ve compiled the vast majority of words relating to the ESTA form in the form of a glossary.

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AMBASSADOR

An embassy is a diplomatic body representing one country in another. Its missions include maintaining diplomatic relations with the host country, and providing assistance to expatriates in times of need.

GREEN CARD

The Green Card is a permanent resident card. It is obtained thanks to an American sponsor, mainly for family or professional reasons, or by lottery.

CONSULAT

The consulate is an organization that handles relations with expatriates in the country where it is located. Its missions include registering and assisting nationals. The consulate acts as a town hall, issuing civil status documents (passport, identity card, etc.) in compliance with local laws.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

This U.S. government department is responsible for organizing and ensuring U.S. homeland security. This branch is the result of a reorganization of 22 federal agencies following the attacks of September 11, 2001. It is also this department that handles ESTA applications.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

The U.S. State Department is responsible for international relations, much like the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It relies on a network of embassies, consulates and diplomatic missions in 188 countries.

CUSTOMS

Customs is an agency of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, responsible for protecting the U.S. borders. Its overall mission is to combat the infiltration of terrorists into the country, the smuggling of firearms, contraband and drugs, and illegal immigration.

CUSTOMS DECLARATION FORM 6059B

Also known as the blue form 6059B, this is a document that will be given to you during the flight. You’ll be asked to fill in your marital status and answer a series of questions about the goods and money in your possession. The form can also be downloaded before departure. Please note that this form is no longer compulsory.

ESTA FORM

The ESTA form stands for Electronic System for Travel Authorization, and is a computerized procedure that enables the American authorities to check your identity before you travel. In accordance with the VWP program, it provides pre-authorization for entry into the U.S. for eligible persons.

FORM I-94W

This green form has been replaced, for eligible nationals, by the ESTA for arrivals by air and sea, but remains valid for entry by land.

ESTA FEES

An ESTA application fee of $21 is required. This fee is used to fund the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and promote tourism.

BIOMETRIC PASSPORT

This modern passport has the particularity of being difficult to replicate, thanks to improved data security. In fact, it contains an electronic chip in which the individual’s digitized biometric information is stored, including fingerprints, facial image, and so on. Introduced in June 2009, it replaces the electronic passport.

ELECTRONIC PASSPORT

Since its introduction in 2006, it has helped to reduce the number of counterfeit passports thanks to improved data security. It contains the passport holder’s identification data on a microchip.

U.S. DIPLOMATIC SECURITY SERVICE

This branch of the U.S. State Department is responsible for protecting the State Department site, all diplomatic missions, and consular services abroad. It also ensures the protection of U.S. diplomats posted abroad, as well as foreign representatives visiting the United States.

VISA

A visa is an official document required by anyone wishing to travel to a foreign country. It is mandatory to contact the competent authorities of the desired country in order to obtain this authorization to enter the foreign territory. The type of visa depends on the purpose of the trip: tourism, study, employment, etc.

VISA B1

The B1 visa is a document authorizing an individual to travel temporarily to the United States on business :

If the ESTA application is rejected, the B1 visa is an interesting alternative for anyone wishing to travel to the USA on this basis.

VISA B2

Like the B1 visa, the B2 document offers an alternative for anyone who does not meet the requirements for ESTA authorization. The B2 visa is for individuals wishing to visit the USA for tourism or medical reasons.

VWP

The Visa Waiver Program is the ratified agreement between member countries and the U.S. government. This agreement allows nationals of member countries to travel to the United States without a visa, for a maximum stay of 90 days. ESTA was introduced to reinforce the security of this program.