If you're a French national, you can travel to the United States without a visa. All you need to do is apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization, also known as ESTA, which is valid for two years. The price of this authorization will soon increase.
ESTA fee increase: what to remember?
For countries that are part of the Visa Waiver Program, such as France, you need an ESTA to visit the USA. To obtain it, you need to pay a modest fee of 14 dollars, or 13 euros in addition to the files required. However, on May 25, Action-Visas announced on its social networks, including Twitter, a possible increase in fees for electronic travel authorizations.
According to news reports, this is a situation that has been due to the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 and in 2020 on additional consolidated credits. As a result, as of May 26, the cost of the ESTA will rise from $14 to $17. An additional $4 will be added to cover operating costs.
European citizens wishing to visit the Big Apple should therefore expect to pay $21 (19.55 euros). This decision has already taken effect and is set to last for 5 years, i.e. until 2027. So this is not a rumor, but true information.
Does the increase in ESTA fees affect the procedure for obtaining it?
Generally speaking, the fee increase has no impact on the procedure for obtaining electronic travel authorization. Those already in possession of an ESTA travel document do not need to reapply, as the data remains the same. They must wait two years for the document to expire before making a new request, to which the new fees will be applied.
The documents required for authorization also remain unchanged. These include your valid passport and a bank card for payment. To apply, French citizens must visit the dedicated portal on the public service website. Simply go to the "Individuals" tab, then "Your rights". Once on the application portal, they must complete a form for submission. If you don't speak much English, take the time to translate the form to make sure you fill in the right information.
Has the ESTA application process changed?
To help you prepare for your trip, we recommend that you apply for an electronic travel authorization. 3 months in advance. However, even with the increase in fees, the time required to obtain the document remains the same. It takes 72 hours to obtain the document.
If you need it urgently, you can indicate this on the application form. All you need to do is select the "Emergency issue" option, and you'll have your document ready for your flight to the United States within one or two hours.
The ESTA is requested at airport check-in and is useful for all air, land and sea travel.
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