WHICH PASSPORT SHOULD I USE TO TRAVEL TO THE USA?

Planning a vacation or business trip to the United States? Thanks to ESTA, you don’t need a visa. The ESTA makes life easier for you when it comes to obtaining authorization to travel to the USA. But you do need the right passport!

OPTICAL, ELECTRONIC OR BIOMETRIC PASSPORT?

The US Customs Service has adopted computerized verification tools for all its checks. This means that it is no longer possible to travel to the U.S. with an optical passport, which is no longer reliable enough according to U.S. security standards. It is therefore mandatory to hold an electronic or biometric passport. You can check your passport type by verifying that the microchip symbol is present under the word “PASSPORT” on the front cover.

If, unfortunately, your current passport does not meet the above criteria, you will need to apply for a new one. Expect to pay €86 for a document valid for 10 years. A passport for a minor is valid for 5 years. The cost is €42 for a minor aged between 15 and 17, and €17 for a minor under 15. Please note that production and delivery times vary according to your town and the time of year you apply.

ESTA AND YOUR PASSPORT

It’s important to note that without a biometric or electronic passport, it’s impossible to validate anESTA applicationonline. This is because the form to be filled in requires you to provide information about your passport. If it does not comply, your request will inevitably be refused. This requirement also applies to visa applications if you are not eligible for ESTA.

Once you’ve made sure you’ve got the right passport, or have just received a brand-new, suitable one, don’t hesitate to call on esta-officiel-usa.com for your ESTA application (s)! Our team of specialists will take care of everything on your behalf, relieving you of the burden. We check the information (passport number, maiden name, married name, etc.) you send us, so that you receive your authorization as quickly as possible. We also provide online assistance to answer any questions you may have about themandatory ESTA.