Eligibility for ESTA application

You want to go to the United States for a business or tourist trip? The ESTA document is the perfect solution for your projects. This electronic travel authorization allows you to stay in the United States for 90 consecutive days without needing a USA visa. To do so, simply apply online via the ESTA form. However, it is subject to restrictions by the US government. So who is eligible to apply for ESTA?

Who should apply for ESTA?

ESTA is the result of international collaboration between the United States and the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries. These agreements allow nationals of participating countries to travel to America without having to obtain an official visa from an American embassy. However, the VWP does not allow for the possibility of extending or changing the traveler’s immigration status. Therefore, the travel authorization allows a stay of up to 90 consecutive days after the date of entry. At the end of this period, the traveler will be required to leave the territory.

If you are a citizen of one of the nations you are eligible to apply for ESTA. However, there are additional criteria for obtaining it that we will discuss in the next paragraph.

What are the rules for obtaining an ESTA?

It is important to know that the ESTA document has two distinct objectives: the first is to facilitate access to the territory in order to promote tourism in the United States, while the second is to strengthen national security by carrying out enhanced controls before travelers board the plane or boat to the United States.

Therefore, in order to obtain an ESTA, a few rules must be respected before applying for one:

• Your passport must remain valid for your entire trip to the USA;
• Your passport is electronic or biometric and must be issued by one of the VWP participating countries;
• You wish to visit the United States for tourism or business reasons;
• Your stay in the country does not exceed 90 days;
• The airline must be recognized and approved by the US government;
• You must never have violated U.S. law before;
• You must never have been refused a visa prior to your ESTA application.

Once all these conditions have been met, all you need to do is to apply for ESTA by filling out the form available either on the official website of the American customs or by using a specialized support service. There are many advantages to using a support platform: first and foremost, access to a simplified form in French. Then, specialists in travel formalities proceed to the verification and correction of the information entered. This review eliminates any errors that could lead to a denial of your application. Finally, these services include the automatic provision of online assistance.

Apply for ESTA well in advance of your departure so you can focus on your dream trip itinerary.