Why have an ESTA?

In this article, we’ll show you how you can travel to the USA without a visa, but with an ESTA electronic authorization.

Why have an ESTA?

ESTA is a temporary residence permit introduced in 2009 as part of the VWP (Visa Waiver Program).
It is intended for nationals of the 41 member countries of the Visa Waiver Program.
Most European citizens are covered by this scheme. In concrete terms, the ESTA authorization allows you to stay on American territory for a maximum of 90 days. As soon as the duration of the trip to the United States of America exceeds this limit, even if only for one day, it becomes mandatory to apply for a US visa. In addition to the length of stay in the USA, the reason for the trip is extremely important in determining whether you are eligible for the visa waiver. The U.S. authorities have set out three situations in which you must apply for an ESTA:

• tourist trip (road trip in the American West, visit to New York, camping in national parks, etc.);
• business trip ;
• transit to another country.

Applying for an ESTA: the advantages over the visa

The ESTA application has many advantages over the USA visa application. The first difference is the cost of the document.

The price of ESTA

Although you have to pay for ESTA, the cost is considerably lower than for a visa. An ESTA costs $21 in administrative fees. This price may be slightly higher if you go through a private site, in order to benefit from assistance. The cost of a visa is much higher. The price may vary depending on the type of visa ordered, but the main visas (B, C-1, D, F, etc.) require a total fee of $185. In addition to the economic benefits, obtaining an ESTA in the United States is much simpler and faster than obtaining a visa.

The flexibility offered by ESTA

If you’re a fan of last-minute bookings, ESTA is perfect for you! Indeed, unlike the visa, which requires you to apply several weeks or even months in advance, the request for an ESTA can be made no later than 72 hours before boarding, which offers much more flexibility in terms of ‘organization. What’s more, unlike a visa, which requires you to visit an American embassy or consulate general, the entire ESTA application process is carried out remotely – all you need is a computer and a web connection.

How to get an ESTA?

To obtain this U.S. travel document, you need to apply on the official U.S. government website.
No supporting documents are required, just the completion of an online form.

The ESTA form

To complete this ESTA form, you’ll need your biometric passport or e-passport. Indeed, in addition to the general identity information, you will have to communicate certain information appearing on your passport (passport number, date of issue and country of issue). To complete this formality, you will also have to answer a series of closed security questions. The latter are simply intended to verify that you do not represent a danger to the internal security of the country. You’ll be asked if you have a serious communicable disease, a criminal record or have recently visited any of the “Muslim Ban” countries (Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Yemen).

ESTA request made, what next?

If you have completed the online form correctly and answered “no” to the questions, obtaining your authorization to stay in the United States should not be a problem. It is also common for your ESTA file to be accepted within minutes of sending your request. In all cases, a final decision is made within 72 hours. If ESTA is granted to you, you are then authorized to stay temporarily on American soil without a visa. Attention, although the validity period of the ESTA is two years, it is possible that the authorization expires if your passport expires during this period. In this case, if you want to go to the USA again, you must first renew your passport, then submit a new online request for ESTA.