In a significant move, the U.S. government has announced stringent changes to their Visa Waiver Program (VWP) for Hungarian nationals, impacting their ability to travel to the United States hassle-free. Effective in August 2023, the popular Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) will undergo modifications, reducing its validity period from 2 years to one year
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US ESTA Visa Requirements for French Nationals
US online visa waiver requirements for French nationals could not be more straightforward. French travelers planning a trip to the United States of America are eligible to apply for a visa waiver through the US Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
France is one of the countries listed under the United States Visa Waiver Program (VWP), meaning its citizens can apply via the automated US ESTA system. Travel authorizations granted by ESTA are valid for 2 years (or until the passport expires) and for multiple entries to the United States of America.
To obtain a US ESTA authorization, French passport holders simply need to fill in and submit an online application form.
Applicants from France must also meet certain requirements to have their ESTA travel authorization for America approved.
Do I Need a Visa for the US from France?
French citizens who intend to visit the United States of America for tourism, transit, or business-related trips of up to 90 days are not required to obtain a visa.
Travelers from France can apply for a 2-year visa waiver under the US ESTA authorization instead. This is much quicker and easier to obtain than a visa. The application is done entirely online, making it much more convenient.
An approved ESTA authorization is valid for multiple entries into the United States by air, land or sea, allowing visitors to arrive in the US by all types of transport.
French citizens who wish to live in the US for work or study require a visa and should contact a United States embassy or consulate in their country of residence. Additionally, if a national of France wishes to remain in the United States for longer than 90 days, they are obligated to obtain a US visa instead of the ESTA.
French citizens who already have a valid visa for the United States are not required to apply for travel authorization through the US ESTA visa waiver system.
Is a US ESTA a Requirement for French Nationals?
If a French national plans to visit the US for up to 90 days for tourism, business, or transit, they are required to obtain an ESTA approval under the Visa Waiver Program.
If travelers from France have not received an ESTA approval for a visit to the United States of America, they may be prevented from boarding a plane or be turned away at a US port of entry.
Make sure you apply for an ESTA before traveling to the US from France.
US ESTA Visa Waiver Application for Citizens of France
The application process for the US ESTA visa waiver for citizens of France is easy to complete. Travelers are simply required to fill in the simple ESTA online application form with the following information:
- Details of a valid French passport
- Email address
- Home address and phone number
- Emergency contact number and email
It is also necessary to answer a few questions related to security and health matters. The responses will be checked by the US Department of Homeland Security in order to ascertain the traveler’s eligibility to enter the United States of America.
It is essential to make sure all the information given is correct and matches the details of the applicant’s passport. The vast majority of applications are approved, but occasionally an ESTA is denied. The most common reason for this is data being entered incorrectly on the application form.
Make sure you review and correct the information prior to submitting the application. Pay specific attention to the spelling of the names and reconfirm the passport number. If you make a mistake on your application, you will need to submit a new application.
Who needs an ESTA authorization?
Every traveler, including those from France, needs to have an ESTA authorization prior to entering the U.S. This includes children, whether accompanied by parents or unaccompanied regardless of age. Children are required to have their own ESTA authorizations prior to entering the U.S. from France.
Documents Required for US ESTA for French Citizens Applications
Documents required for French citizens to apply for a US ESTA include:
- Valid passport
- Debit or credit card to pay the ESTA visa waiver fee
- Current email address
Once approved, the ESTA travel authorization is electronically linked to the passport used during the application process, which the holder must present upon arrival to gain entry to the USA.
Be aware that if the French passport associated with the visa waiver expires within 2 years, the ESTA will also expire.
If the passport is lost, stolen, damaged, or rendered invalid, it is also necessary to apply for a new US ESTA with a new French passport.
When do I need to reapply for ESTA?
- If you have a new passport
- If you have changed your last or first name
- If you change your sex
- If you change your country of citizenship
- If any answers to previously submitted ESTA application change
How Will I Receive my US ESTA from France?
Once a US ESTA is approved, a confirmation email will be received within 2 business days via the email address provided during the application process.
It is advisable to start the application process as soon as the trip to the US has been booked. Applicants should apply for their ESTA at least 72 hours prior to travel.
French citizens entering the United States of America with a visa waiver are not usually required to present a printed copy of the ESTA travel authorization.
It might be beneficial, however, to carry a printout in case it is requested at the border. Airline staff may also occasionally ask to see a printed copy before allowing French travelers to board a plane.
Application Steps
STEP 1
Complete online applicationSTEP 2
Confirm PaymentSTEP 3
Receive approved VisaESTA US Processing time
1 to 2 days
US government fee
21 usd
Our service fee
74 usd
TOTAL
95 usd
Optional services:
Embassy Registration
Service fee includes
Fast processing time
Expert application review
Online support 365 days a year
99% application success rateCountry policy
United States Visa Policy
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Familiarize yourself with the United States visa policy and discover the US visa requirements for your nationality.
This content has been reviewed by
Ekaterina Powell
US Immigration Attorney
Ekaterina Powell is a U.S. attorney licensed in the State of California, working in the area of U.S. immigration law for over 12 years. She has been featured as one of the top immigration lawyers in her state and city several times and has contributed to notable industry publications.
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