authorization for Esta travel to the USA

ESTA since the COVID-19 health crisis

Since the arrival of the Coronavirus, the rules of travel have been turned upside down all over the world. As of November 8, 2021, the U.S. territory is once again accessible to foreign travelers with ESTA authorization but under certain additional conditions related to the COVID-19 vaccine.

European travelers wishing to enter the United States for tourism or business purposes are allowed to embark for the United States if they can present, in addition to their travel documents, a certificate of complete vaccination for more than 15 days and anegative test for COVID-19 performed less than 48 hours ago.

What is the ESTA USA?

The ESTA is an electronic travel authorization for the United States. It was introduced by the U.S. government in 2009 and must be obtained prior to boarding. The ESTA authorization is reserved for business trips and tourist stays of up to 90 days on American soil. The ESTA is also mandatory for a simple stopover on the American territory.

The ESTA is required for all eligible persons traveling by air and sea, and must be completed for each family member, including infants. You must have an ePassport or a biometric passport to apply. You no longer need to go to the U.S. Embassy or a consulate, as the application process is done entirely online. To learn more, read our page on what is the ESTA.

The ESTA is valid for two years, during which time the traveler may make as many return trips as he or she wishes. Once the validity period has expired, or if you obtain a new French passport in the meantime, a new online application must be made. In order to obtain this travel authorization, you must fill out the ESTA form. For more information on ESTA, click here.

Why is ESTA mandatory?

Traveling to the United States without a travel authorization, ESTA or US visa, is not possible. The ESTA, or Electronic System for Travel Authorization, is a device for strengthening security measures for travel to the United States. It is a system of pre-selection of each traveler. Based on the information provided when filling out the online questionnaire, the U.S. authorities will determine whether or not the traveler is allowed to travel to the United States without a visa.

The ESTA increases security while reducing the waiting time at the border, since it allows the customs service to have information on travelers even before they arrive on American territory. The DHS (Department of Homeland Security) is in charge of managing your ESTA application.

Which countries are covered by ESTA?

The ESTA is based on the VisaWaiver Program. This scheme concerns nationals from the following 40 countries: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Croatia (Since Dec. 2021), Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland (since 2019), Portugal, Republic of Malta, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan and the UK. You are eligible for ESTA if you have one of these nationalities and you wish to travel to the United States for a temporary stay.

What is the difference between visa and ESTA?

We often see the two words “visa” and “ESTA” associated with each other, many people talk about ESTA visa because the ESTA travel authorization allows entry into the United States. The issuance of a B2 tourist visa is much more binding on the US Department of Homeland Security. The various American visas allow foreign nationals to stay much longer in the United States than with an ESTA, which only allows a maximum stay of 90 days in the USA.

Obtaining a U.S. visa is a longer and more complicated process than obtaining a simple ESTA authorization via the Internet. To obtain a visa for the USA, the applicant must pass an interview at the American embassy. This interview with an American agent is mandatory and decisive in obtaining a visa for travel to the USA.

How long does it take to process my ESTA form?

Once the ESTA form is completed and payment is made, processing of the ESTA authorization request begins immediately. The first step is to verify your information. This operation allows us to detect any errors or omissions when filling out the online form. If the information is complete and accurate, you can receive your application within minutes.

This document can take up to 72 hours to be issued if your application is placed on hold by the U.S. authorities. In this case, the U.S. authorities allow themselves a maximum of three days to study your file and send us a reply.

Once you have received your ESTA, take the opportunity to read our tips for traveling to the United States. Whether you’re planning a trip to New York City, Niagara Falls or Florida, your next trip to the USA will be that much easier to plan.