The ESTA document was introduced in 2009 as part of the Visa Waiver Program. The aim of this scheme is to enable foreign nationals from VWP member countries to travel to the USA without having to apply for a visa. The VWP mainly concernsEuropean Union countries. French citizens are therefore perfectly able to stay in the United States of America, simply with an ESTA document.
You can submit your ESTA application in French by clicking on ESTA online form.
The origins and purpose of the ESTA document
The US authorities introduced ESTA mainly to reinforce US national security. The ESTA document is designed to make flying and sailing to the USA more secure. The aim is to avoid attacks like those that occurred in September 2001. That’s why everyone who applies for ESTA authorization will have their personal information added to the database set up for this purpose. However, the ESTA is not just about security: it also eases the burden on the U.S. administration, making it easier to enter the U.S. territory. The ESTA document eliminates the formalities involved in obtaining a U.S. visa, so there’s no need to go to the U.S. embassy with a file full of supporting documents.
The French ESTA document can replace a visa application
The French ESTA document is mainly intended for tourists, but that’s not the only case. If you need to travel to the USA on company business or for transit, you can also benefit from ESTA authorization.
Please note that all these conditions apply only if your trip to the USA does not exceed 90 days. In this case, a visa application to the US embassy is essential.
The ESTA document is much less burdensome to obtain than the U.S. tourist visa. On the one hand, turnaround times are considerably reduced, as you need only wait 72 hours after sending your request to receive a reply. What’s more, the ESTA application is completely online, and the price of the ESTA is still lower than that of the U.S. visa.
Validity of the French ESTA document
If U.S. Customs and Border Protection approves your application for temporary entry, you can travel to the USA visa-free. The French ESTA document is valid for 24 months, during which time you can visit the U.S. as many times as you like, as long as your stay is within the legal maximum of 90 consecutive days.
If your biometric or electronic passport expires before the validity period of your ESTA document, your authorization will no longer be valid. The only way to return to the USA is to reapply online using a valid passport.
Is it possible to fill out the ESTA form in French?
Previously available only in English, the ESTA form is now available in French on the official US government website. You can also fill in the ESTA form on a number of specialized websites, if you need help with this process.
Whether in English or French, the questionnaire will be the same. It begins with a section on your personal details (surname, first name, date of birth, etc.) and passport, followed by questions on your health, criminal record and previous travels.
Once you have paid online, your file is sent directly to the US authorities. They will inform you of their decision within 72 hours.
ESTA authorization is often approved within minutes. This means that you are in a position to leave for the United States immediately. If your ESTA application is rejected, you can still apply for a visa at the US consulate.