If you’re planning a trip to the USA in the near future, you’ve probably heard about the ESTA authorization. Reserved for a certain category of travelers, an ESTA application is a simpler procedure than applying for a visa at the American embassy. Who is this document intended for and how to apply for an ESTA are the two questions we’ll answer in this article.
Applying for ESTA for a Stay in the USA: Who Is Concerned?
Before knowing how to apply for an ESTA, let’s look at who this travel authorization is intended for.
Being a Member of the Visa Waiver Program
ESTA is intended for citizens of countries that are signatories to the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This is a visa exemption program that exempts eligible foreign nationals from applying for an American visa. Instead of a visa, eligible travelers must apply for an ESTA. The list of concerned countries can be found on the US Customs and Border Protection website.
Having a Passport
Any travel to the USA, whether under the VWP or not, requires possession of a passport that meets the requirements of the American government. Traveling with only your ID card is only possible within the Schengen area.
American authorities require that the passport used be valid for the entire duration of the stay. It must be a biometric passport or an electronic passport. The emergency passport is therefore not compatible with an ESTA. It should also be noted that the travel authorization is linked to the passport through the electronic chip it contains. Finally, all new French passports are biometric passports.
Planning a Stay in the USA in Accordance with the Visa Waiver Program
The ESTA authorization is only possible for tourist stays or business trips lasting a maximum of 90 days. Additionally, it only applies if you are entering American soil by air or sea. Applying for an ESTA is also necessary for a simple transit through the United States of America when you are traveling to your final destination.
An ESTA is not a visa or a green card and does not give any right to expatriate, work, or study in the USA.
How to Apply for ESTA?
As ESTA is an electronic travel authorization, the application process is only done via the Internet. You are required to fill out a form specially designed for this purpose.
Where to Apply for ESTA?
As we mentioned earlier, an ESTA application does not require going to the US embassy for an interview with one of the consular agents. The online application is the only way to fill out the ESTA form.
To do this, you have two options: either go through the official US government website, or use the services of a site specializing in the ESTA application process. The major difference between these two options lies in the assistance provided by the private site.
How is an ESTA Requested?
The ESTA form to be filled out is the form present on the government website. If you go through an intermediary, they will fill out the form in question on your behalf.
The first part of the application form concerns your personal information, such as your civil status (last name, first name, maiden name, date and place of birth), your complete contact details, your phone number, etc., but also information about your passport. The second part concerns the details of your stay in the United States, such as where you will be staying during your stay in the United States and the contact details of a local contact. The third part is in the form of a questionnaire concerning your criminal and medical history, but also about the possibility of committing terrorist acts once on American territory. The answers to this questionnaire must be honest, even if you think that one of them may lead to a refusal to issue the ESTA authorization.
Obtaining an ESTA is not free, and at the end of the procedure, you must pay the processing fees for your application. The cost of the ESTA may vary depending on the service provider used and the level of assistance required. Once you have completed the online form and paid the fees, all you have to do is wait for the response from the U.S. authorities, which typically comes within 72 hours and can result in either the acceptance or rejection of your application.
If successful, the ESTA is instantly linked to your passport. It is valid for two years, limited to the expiration date of your passport. If you change your passport before the end of the validity period, obtaining a new ESTA will be necessary, and you will need to restart the process.
If the authorization is denied, it means you are not allowed to travel to the USA under the Visa Waiver Program. Your American dream isn’t shattered, however, as you still have the option to apply for a visa at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
