For some years now, the United States of America has no longer systematically required a visa to enter the country. Thanks to ESTA authorization, all you need is a simple online request. Although easier to obtain than a U.S. visa, this travel document is not issued to all foreign nationals. Let’s take a look at the conditions under which this authorization to stay in the USA applies, and how to apply for it.
Unlike the USA visa, which requires a physical visit to the American embassy, the ESTA online application is only available online.
To obtain it, you need to fill in the ESTA form online.
What is ESTA authorization?
ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is an authorization reserved exclusively for short stays on American soil. ESTA authorization allows you to travel to the United States for up to 90 days, without having to apply for a visa. This document takes the form of an electronic authorization. You won’t get a paper version of the ESTA authorization; it’s simply linked to your passport. Please note that only biometric or electronic passports are accepted. If you have an earlier version (machine-readable), you will need to apply for a new passport before applying for an ESTA.
Nationals of Visa Waiver Program member countries are eligible for ESTA authorization. On the other hand, if you hold dual nationality from one of the countries considered dangerous by the U.S. administration (Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen), U.S. Customs and Border Protection may refuse your application for temporary entry.
The ESTA document is an electronic application form, making processing faster and easier. After receiving your request, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security can get back to you within 72 hours.
ESTA authorization requirements
The U.S. authorities grant ESTA authorization in only three situations:
- tourist trip;
- business trips (this does not apply to job hunting or internships in the USA);
- transit.
In addition to these reasons, travel to the United States via ESTA is time-limited. It only applies to stays of up to 90 days. If your planned stay in the USA exceeds this limit, you will need to apply for a visa from the consular services.
ESTA online application form
All travelers wishing to enter the United States without a visa must complete the ESTA form. This process enables the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to know your identity and the reason for your visit in advance.
The questionnaire is easy to fill in, but does require a little concentration. The US administration does not tolerate any mistakes when filling in the form. If there is any discrepancy between the information provided in the questionnaire and that on your passport, your authorization request will be rejected.
During this formality, you’ll also have to answer a few closed questions. U.S. authorities will be looking to see if you carry a communicable disease or have any previous legal convictions.
How much does ESTA authorization cost?
Your online ESTA application will not be processed until you have made payment. This step appears after the questionnaire has been completed. To pay the ESTA fee, all you need is a credit card (Visa, Master Card, American Express…).
The basic cost of an ESTA application form is 21 US dollars. This rate is linked to the processing fee, to which a tourist tax is added. When you apply for ESTA on a private website, you’ll need to budget several dozen extra euros for the support service provided.
The ESTA is still the cheapest way to stay in the USA. In fact, if you apply for a tourist visa at the U.S. embassy, you’ll need to allow for $185 in taxes to be paid for a U.S. tourist visa.