Prepare a long trip and a whole organization, but the first thing to do to plan your stay in the United States is to apply for ESTA authorization.
ESTA, Kesako? If this is the first time you've heard of an ESTA authorization, let me explain what it is.
ESTA stands for "Electronic System for Travel Authorization". This document authorizes you to travel to the United States (and not to enter the territory, but I will come back to this later) under the "VWP", Visa Waiver Program.
Since 2009 the ESTA has replaced the classic Visa by being easier and faster to obtain. It allows you for 2 years, or until the expiry date of your passport, to enter the United States for stays not exceeding 90 days.
I see that you are beginning to see more clearly.
Who is affected by this measure?
The France is one of the 38 countries concerned by the Visa Waiver Program, which means that with a French passport, you can apply for an ESTA authorization! However, there are certain conditions that must be met in order to obtain this authorization:
- You want to visit or transit through the United States (yes an ESTA is necessary even if you do not want to stay on the territory, but just transit to another country.)
- You must be in possession of a biometric or electronic passport
- Your stay will not exceed 90 consecutive days
- This is a trip for tourist or professional reasons
- You have no history with the law
- You are not currently a carrier of a serious and transmissible disease and you have never been in contact with a person infected with such a disease
If you are going in a group or family, each person must have their own ESTA authorization, minor children are NO exception to the rule. Therefore, it is important that each family member has their own passport. Indeed, an ESTA authorization is electronically linked to the passport of its holder.
It is also important to know that the ESTA, being linked to your passport, will become obsolete from the moment it expires or if you get a new one for various reasons. A new application for ESTA authorization will therefore have to be made.
Do you meet all these conditions? Then no other authorization will be required for your trip to the USA!
How do I obtain my ESTA authorization?
Applying for an ESTA travel authorization is quick and easy. The application is made online, and only online.
What you need to complete the ESTA application form boils down to:
- Your passport
- An internet connection and an e-mail address
- A credit card for payment
- A minimum of concentration for about 15 minutes so as not to make mistakes on your data.
Indeed, a typo on your name or passport number, for example, will result in denied boarding on the plane !! So be careful.
When filling out the form, you will be asked for your destination address in the United States. This could be the address of a family member or friend living in the United States, or your hotel.
If you are not yet sure of your route, do not worry you have the possibility to enter this data as still unknown.
Once the form is completed and the payment made, you will receive your ESTA authorization by e-mail. Generally, the authorization will be issued to you within a few hours, but the validation procedure can take up to 72 hours. So do not make your request on the day of your departure, it is a tip.
Has your ESTA authorization application been validated? Great, the trip of your dreams to the USA is yours! However, be aware that an ESTA is not an authorization to enter American soil but an authorization to board and travel to this country.
Upon arrival, a verification of your identity and data will be carried out by US customs. It is the customs officer on site who will validate your eligibility to enter the United States.
In case of refusal of ESTA (which is rare but possible), you will be advised to apply for a Visa at the US Embassy or Consulate.
If you wish to apply for authorization again, there is a very good chance that it will be refused again. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security reserves the right to accept or deny any request without having to justify such a decision.
You are now ready to take part in your journey. It is not normally necessary to print your document, but we advise you to always keep a copy with you… You know, just in case as they say. And now… enjoy your stay in the land of Uncle Sam!
