Travelers to the United States are advised that ESTA authorization is now a mandatory fee for all travelers.
Reminder: ESTA authorization only applies to people traveling to the USA without a visa (Visa Waiver Program) for a maximum of 90 days.
As part of your stay in the United States, you’ll need to pay an administrative fee to obtain authorization for your stay: the ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization), which will add $14 to your budget and is valid for 2 years.
What is ESTA?
This is a form to be completed online by French nationals in preparation for their trip to the United States. This is a security measure under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) that travelers must undergo in order to enter the United States. You must request it at least 72 hours in advance and make sure that your request has been accepted. It is up to you to check directly on the U.S. government website that your status is up to date. No email will be sent to inform you that your request has not been accepted.
Without this ESTA authorization, which must be in your full name according to your marital status, you won’t be able to enter the U.S. unless you have a specific U.S. visa or, of course, a green card.
How long has ESTA been in force for travel to the United States?
As of September 8, 2010, anyone setting foot on American soil will have to pay the tourist tax as prescribed by the Travel Promotion Act of 2009.
What is ESTA for?
Fund the creation of a Tourism Bureau to increase the number of visitors to the United States. The aim is to promote tourism and inform travelers about visa requirements and security procedures.
How do I choose insurance for the USA?
We strongly advise you to take out travel insurance for the USA, with good coverage of medical expenses (ideally at least 500,000 euros). For more information on choosing travel insurance.
Find out more about the ESTA fee on the official website.
Mondassur is an official partner of theU.S. Office of Tourism.
