ESTA FAQS TO DISCOVER THE ANSWERS TO INTERNET QUESTIONS

This FAQ allows curious people to know everything about the ESTA theme! You only need a few moments to understand what ESTA is, what it is for and how to get it. After reading this section, do not hesitate to order your document on the Internet.

WHAT DOES ESTA MEAN?

ESTA is the abbreviation for Electronic System for Travel Authorization. Established in 2009, it is an authorization which allows simplified procedures to go to the USA. It also allows the American authorities to strengthen the security of the country. ESTA is attractive because you can get to the U.S. in just a few clicks.

CAN I APPLY FOR AN ESTA?

38 countries participate in the visa waiver program, citizens of these countries can benefit from this authorization, under certain conditions:

IS FRANCE PART OF THE VISA EXEMPTION PROGRAM?

France is, in fact, one of the 38 countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program, or in French visa exemption program. As a result of this participation, French nationals can travel to the USA without a visa, subject to obtaining the ESTA. The other member countries are Germany, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, South Korea, Denmark, Spain, Estonia, Finland, Greece, the Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Norway, New Zealand, Portugal, the Czech Republic, the United Kingdom, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland and Taiwan.

WHAT PROCEDURES SHOULD I DO TO ORDER THE ESTA?

It is very easy to obtain an ESTA online by filling out the form available. To do this, you must provide personal information about your identity, your stay and answer a few security questions. The answer comes quickly, within 72 hours maximum. It is possible to fill out the form on the official site but also on the site of private companies which take care of making the request for you.

HOW LONG CAN I USE AN ESTA AUTHORIZATION?

ESTA authorization can serve you several times! Indeed, as long as your passport is still valid, you can use the ESTA document for two years without limitation without exceeding the 3 months of stay authorized each time.

DO I NEED AN ESTA FOR A LAND PASS?

ESTA is only required for land and sea entry. For an arrival by land, from Mexico or Canada, ESTA is not compulsory but can facilitate the passage.

DO I HAVE TO HAVE A TICKET BEFORE ORDERING AN ESTA?

It is not necessary to have the plane (or cruise) ticket before applying for ESTA, but you must however present it to the immigration officer at the border post. Remember that the maximum length of stay is 90 days and your return or continuation ticket must not exceed the authorized period.

HOW MUCH SHOULD I PAY FOR AN ESTA?

An ESTA is not free. However, its cost is much lower than that of a visa regardless of the method of obtaining. Allow $ 14 for authorization. This amount corresponds to the processing costs. Other fees may be added if you need assistance ordering the document.

HOW TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN VISA AND ESTA?

Their common point: they both allow you to go to the USA legally. The ESTA is not, however, a visa but a travel authorization intended for eligible persons. The visa is compulsory as soon as you plan to work, carry out an internship or live in the United States, or as long as your stay exceeds 90 days. Obtaining a visa is more expensive and the formalities are more complicated.

IS THERE A RISK THAT MY APPLICATION IS REFUSED?

We cannot assure you 100% that your ESTA authorization will be validated. However, refusals remain very rare if the conditions are met. To avoid being refused, just be careful when filling out the form; a shell can be a reason for refusal, so be careful when you make your request. A new request can be if you think that the refusal is due to a data entry error. If this is not the case, you must contact the American embassy in order to apply for a visa.

ONCE THE POCKET ISTA, AM I SURE TO TRACK ON THE AMERICAN SOIL?

Even if the ESTA document is essential to enter the American territory, this does not guarantee that you will pass customs controls. When arriving in the USA, an identity and baggage check is carried out for all passengers. Any traveler with an ESTA can be refused entry, for example if you carry prohibited and dangerous objects. The document simply authorizes you to run in the United States.

WHAT TO DO WITH MY ESTA IF I CHANGE A PASSPORT?

ESTA is linked to the passport. Any change relating to the latter renders the travel authorization void. You must then make a new request for ESTA. To do this, you must follow the same procedure as above: fill out the online form and pay the required fees.

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