ESTA: VISA WAIVER PROGRAM

To travel to the USA, you need to obtain a travel authorization such as a visa issued by the US Department of State via its embassies. Since 2009, the United States and its Department of Homeland Security have been operating a visa waiver program called ESTA. ESTA is an electronic travel document for nationals of countries benefiting from this program.

Being a member of one of the program’s member countries is the first condition for applying for ESTA. Applicants must also ensure that they have the correct passport. To apply for ESTA and travel to the USA without a visa, you need either an e-passport or a biometric passport. Otherwise, you won’t be eligible for the program.

HOW TO OBTAIN AN ESTA?

As the ESTA is an electronic document, applicants must apply online. We recommend that you do this at least three days before departure. To avoid unpleasant surprises, you can of course do this a few months in advance. ESTA takes the form of a questionnaire. As the questions are of a personal nature, it’s not difficult to answer them clearly. Questions are asked about the applicant’s identity, reasons for travel (which may be family, vacation or business-related) and other more personal matters, such as illnesses or criminal record. These answers will determine whether or not the applicant is granted travel authorization. You won’t be asked exact questions about your tour, so it’s possible to get an ESTA without any specific plans.