Everything you need to know about Esta for traveling to the United States: Current Woman Le MAG

France will officially reopen its borders to non-European countries from 1st of July. If the dates for the United States are still uncertain and are closer to the end of summer, there is always time to start preparing your travel documents. To make it easier for you, here's everything you need to know about the Esta.

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What is L'Esta?

Esta is an international program that allows 37 signatory countries to travel to the United States without visa. It does not replace it but exempts you from having one. Esta holders can travel to New York, Washington or Miami for tourism purposes, for periods of up to 90 days. The Esta is obtained via an online request system, which allows you to travel within very short deadlines. It is imperative to make the request at least 72 hours before his departure, so that the border police of the United States can verify the identity of travelers before they have boarded a plane or a boat from their country of origin. A measure adopted to identify people who could pose a danger to national security and to actively fight terrorism. Among the signatory countries are Japan, Germany, Austria, Italy, Chile, Norway, Taiwan, Switzerland and of course France. Warning, the delivery of the Esta via the online form does not guarantee your entry into the territory. Only the border agent will be able to determine whether or not you can set foot on American soil.

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How to get the Esta?

To apply for Esta, you must go to the American government site provided for this purpose. Care should be taken to carefully read a number of warnings about what you can and cannot do in the United States, once you enter the country with your exemption. For example, you are prohibited from applying for accommodation, employment, or trying to pursue studies, otherwise you will be forced out. The form to fill out asks you for elements of civil status in order to verify your membership of a signatory country and your eligibility. You will absolutely need to have a valid biometric passport, a return ticket that enters the 90-day period, a criminal record clean of convictions and to take flights on companies approved by the United States to hope to get an answer. positive. It will take approximately 13 euros for booking fees.

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When to do the Esta?

Esta is different from a Visa application, so it requires less preparation and anticipation. Only, to travel in the best conditions and in the case of a refusal, it is better to go about it two months in advance. Particularly if travel between your home country and the United States is frequent. If it is a single trip for exclusively tourist purposes, the request can be made 2 days before departure. The best is still to anticipate a possible refusal. If Esta's application is rejected, you will need to apply for a Visa at the American Embassy, ​​which will take much longer and could jeopardize your vacation plans.

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How to check the validity of the Esta?

Esta allows you to stay on American soil without Visa for a maximum period of 90 days. But it also allows multiple entries. Once in possession of his authorization, the traveler can go as many times as he wants to the United States for 24 months, the period of validity of an Esta. Note that the time limit will be shorter if your passport expires in the meantime, in which case the Esta will only be valid until the expiration date of the latter. If you have already applied for a long time ago and are in doubt before leaving, you can check the status of your authorization by filling out the form again. This will tell you if it is pending, if it is still valid or if it has expired. Remember to check the day before or the day of your departure to avoid unpleasant surprises at the airport.

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