Everything you need to know about ESTA
Thanks to the Visa Waiver Program, traveling to the United States just got a whole lot easier. This collaboration between the USA and participating countries enables millions of people to benefit from the usefulness of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization(ESTA) every year. This travel authorization allows you to present yourself at U.S. borders without the need for a visa.
Why is ESTA useful?
On paper, you might think that the ESTA is just a document authorizing you to board a plane or boat bound for the United States. But, as experienced travelers can attest, it’s much more than that. The Visa Waiver Program allows you to stay in any U.S. city for 90 consecutive days. With a validity of two years, the ESTA allows you to make several trips using the same authorization, provided you respect the 90-day time limit per trip.
If you are traveling for tourism or business, the ESTA allows you to :
- access to the entire U.S. territory;
- visit your family or close friends;
- take part in unpaid cultural activities (social, sporting, musical, etc.);
- camping in nature ;
- take part in unpaid volunteer activities (community work, street cleaning, recycling, etc.);
- take university courses, provided they do not award credits towards a degree;
- participate in business meetings ;
- attend a professional conference;
- negotiate or sign contracts ;
- transit through U.S. territory.
In addition to avoiding the long waits at the embassy and the often onerous costs of a traditional visa, the ESTA allows you to enjoy a wide variety of activities and immerse yourself in Uncle Sam’s culture.
How can I benefit from an ESTA?
It’s important to note that the ESTA is not a 100% guarantee of your entry into the U.S. This decision is left in the hands of U.S. customs officials during security checks at the airport. That said, don’t worry: if you meet the ESTA criteria, you have every chance of crossing the border with peace of mind. Implemented by the Department of Homeland Security, these regulations are designed to reinforce the security of the American territory:
- You must be a citizen of one of the participating countries;
- You must have an electronic or biometric passport;
- Your trip must not last more than 90 consecutive days;
- You have not recently been refused a visa.
The ESTA application is not free, but it is less expensive than a visa, costing just $21. To obtain your authorization, simply visit the U.S. customs website. To save time, you can also use the ESTA form in French.