What is an ESTA declaration?
If you intend to travel to the USA, it is necessary to obtain an ESTA declaration. But what is this document, which has been mandatory since 2009, and how to obtain it?
Definition of ESTA
ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is a travel authorization created under the “Visa Waiver Program” or VWP. This program aims to facilitate exchanges between the United States and the following countries :
| Germany | Greece | Norway |
| Andorra | Hungary | New Zealand |
| Australia | Ireland | Portugal |
| Austria | Italy | Czech republic |
| Belgium | Iceland | UK |
| Brunei | Japan | Saint Martin |
| Chile | Netherlands | Singapore |
| South Korea | Poland | Slovakia |
| Croatia | Latvia | Slovenia |
| Denmark | Liechtenstein | Sweden |
| Spain | Lithuania | Swiss |
| Estonia | Luxemburg | Taiwan |
| Finland | Malta | Israel (since 2023) |
| France | monaco |
These countries all have a high level of security in common. Citizens of the various countries in the program need only apply for ESTA authorization to travel to the United States. The ESTA authorization is considered a visa waiver, since it is no longer necessary to obtain a visa in order to travel to the United States for tourism, business or even for a simple transit.
The ESTA travel authorization is considered a pass, but it does not guarantee you access to the United States. Customs officials at the airport of your final destination determine whether or not you are allowed to stay in the United States. Of course, without an ESTA declaration, you cannot stay in the USA.
How do I make an ESTA declaration online?
No more than 72 hours before your trip, you must complete your ESTA application. The latter is done online by filling out a declaration form.
In order to apply online, you can go to the U.S. government website.
Here are some tips for successfully completing your ESTA form:
- Please have your biometric or electronic passport ready before you begin the process. You will need your passport number and a photo of your passport. Please note that the old generation of “optical” passports are no longer valid for travel across the Atlantic. If you want to be sure that you have an electronic or biometric passport, it is necessary to observe the cover of your passport; a small logo representing a chip is displayed. Finally, your passport must not be expired. If this is your case, you must apply for a new passport at your local city hall.
- Take your time to answer the questions on the ESTA form. Small mistakes are not impossible, although the information to be filled in is directly related to you. Indeed, the American authorities are very demanding and a mistake in the form could unfortunately cost you your ESTA.
- Be honest and don’t try to lie. This is of no use and will do you a disservice. It is an official document that depends on the American state, therefore, if the latter discovers the lie, it is very likely that you will never be able to obtain an ESTA declaration again.
For those who are stressed about getting the form wrong, you can turn to a private company if you wish. There are several of them and they are made up of professionals who will offer you personalized assistance in filling out the ESTA form. This way, if there are any errors, they can be corrected before submitting the ESTA application. You will also have the possibility to contact them for any question by e-mail or by live chat.
What are the reasons for an ESTA refusal?
There are several reasons why an ESTA cannot be issued:
- you have already traveled to Syria, Iran, Yemen, Libya, Somalia, Sudan since March 1, 2011;
- you have committed a crime in the United States;
- your criminal record is not clean of certain serious mentions.
- you have a contagious or very serious disease;
- you have a valid passport, but the validity date is expiring or will expire during your trip to the USA;
- you submitted an ESTA application less than 10 days ago and it was refused due to an error on your part in the form. However, you can reapply after 10 days.
NB: an ESTA application is never free because of the application fee. You will have to pay directly by credit card by making your request online. The price has been US$21 since 2022.