ESTA authorization is now essential for short stays in the United States of America. To obtain it, you need to complete the ESTA application form online.
To finalize your ESTA application and send this questionnaire, you’ll need to pay certain fees. Although it is subject to a fee, the ESTA is much more accessible than the USA visa, and requires far fewer formalities.
How do I apply for ESTA authorization?
To access the ESTA form, simply visit the official U.S. government website. To complete the online questionnaire, simply fill in your identity and passport details, then specify the reason for your trip to the USA. The form ends with ten or so questions about your state of health or your links with the law, which can be answered by a simple yes or no answer.
When the questionnaire is complete, a payment window appears. To pay, you’ll need to enter your credit card details.
How much does ESTA authorization cost?
The administrative fee for ESTA authorization is US$21. An ESTA application therefore costs less than a visa application. For example, to apply for a B2 tourist visa, the U.S. authorities charge a fee of US$185.
The ESTA document is valid for two years. If you wish to travel to the USA again after this deadline, you will need to submit a new online application. Please note that ESTA renewals are always subject to a fee, so you’ll need to pay the ESTA application fee again.
Do I have to pay to update my ESTA document?
The U.S. government requires that the information on your temporary resident permit be similar in every respect to the information on your biometric or electronic passport, which is why it’s important to update it if your situation changes (new address, new name, etc.). If you simply wish to update your email address or information relating to your trip to the United States (flight number, home address…), the update will be completely free of charge.
However, if you need to update more important data such as your name or passport number, a new ESTA application will be required. The usual ESTA fees will apply.
Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria before applying for ESTA
Before you jump on the online form, make sure you meet the ESTA eligibility criteria. It would be a shame to pay for travel authorization only to receive a refusal from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. To ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements of the ESTA form, please note the following points:
- you are traveling to the U.S. for tourism, business or transit purposes. Please note that if the trip is for professional reasons, it must be for business purposes;
- you are staying in the United States for a maximum of 90 days;
- you are in possession of a valid passport ;
- you are a citizen of one of the countries participating in the VWP, the U.S. Visa Waiver Program.
If all these conditions are met, it’s unlikely that the American authorities will refuse you entry to the country. If you need to travel to the USA but don’t meet the ESTA requirements, you’ll need to contact the US embassy to apply for a visa.