The ESTA form

The ESTA form is a simplified formality for travel to the United States. Thanks to the ESTA form, some travelers can now enter the USA without having to apply for a visa. Travelers who can enter the USA without a visa are residents of one of the 41 countries included in the Visa Waiver Program.

The practical ESTA application is made directly online and takes just a few minutes. You need to meet a few simple conditions, such as not having served time in prison for a crime, staying in the U.S. for business or pleasure, and not staying for more than three months.

Obtaining the ESTA to travel is a mandatory step that allows the government to reinforce security by having information on travelers before they even enter American soil.

Information on formalities

You can fill in the ESTA form on the official website. The website is translated into over 25 languages. To complete the ESTA application, you’ll need to fill in your personal details and details of your trip. You will then be asked to complete a questionnaire for which you simply need to tick boxes and answer yes or no.

It’s important to answer this questionnaire correctly, as it will determine whether or not your ESTA is accepted.

Travel to USA
Preparing your trip to the United States with your ESTA

ESTA form fees

The online fee for ESTA travel authorization is US$21. Payment is made at the end of the ESTA application process. It validates the ESTA application and triggers its processing. Payment must be made online by credit card.

Form delivery times

As the forms are processed automatically, you may receive your authorization in just a few minutes. But it can take up to three days. Your authorization may either be granted, on hold, or your ESTA authorization may be refused. If your travel authorization is refused, you can still consider traveling to the USA by obtaining a B2 tourist visa. This is done online, and is completed at your nearest American embassy.

Validity of the ESTA

Once you’ve obtained ESTA authorization, you may be wondering how long it’s valid for. The ESTA is valid for 2 years. This means you can stay in the U.S. for up to 90 days. If you leave the country to return, the days outside the U.S. may not be deducted if you request this when you return to the border.