How much does an ESTA travel authorization for the United States cost?
If you are planning to travel to the USA for business or pleasure, you will need ESTA travel authorization. Citizens of countries covered by the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) must apply for ESTA authorization before traveling to the United States. This authorization can only be obtained electronically.
Why do I need ESTA authorization?
ESTA is an electronic travel authorization system set up by the American authorities. Made mandatory in 2009, the ESTA travel authorization applies to all eligible travelers wishing to visit the USA for business or pleasure for up to 90 days. The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) was introduced to reinforce security measures for entry into the United States.
The U.S. government has set up the Visa Waiver Program. The aim of this program is to encourage tourism to the USA, while lightening the workload of American embassies. In the wake of the September 11 attacks, the US authorities set up a commission to strengthen national security. Among the commission’s suggestions was the ESTA. ESTA is a security measure created as part of the Visa Waiver Program. It enables the United States to filter entry to its territory without having to go through the consular services of embassies and consulates.
How do I obtain ESTA travel authorization?
You can apply for authorization online at any time prior to your trip, but no later than 72 hours before departure. To do so, the applicant must complete an online form: the ESTA form. The information provided determines whether or not the traveler is authorized to travel to the United States. However, ESTA travel authorization does not guarantee admission to the U.S. – that decision rests with the immigration officer during the identity check.
Applying for ESTA involves filling in a form using your passport. The first part of the form identifies the traveler: surname, first name, date of birth, address, e-mail address, parents’ identity and occupation. Identification is done in parallel with the data contained in the passport. You must therefore ensure that the data entered on the form is identical to the data on the passport. Passport number, date of issue and expiry are also required. The second part of the form concerns the trip, and in particular whether it is a transit to the USA or a stay. In the case of a stay in the USA, the address of local accommodation and an emergency contact must be given. The last part of the application is a questionnaire. The purpose of this series of questions is to determine whether the applicant represents a threat to homeland security. Questions are asked about the applicant’s state of health, criminal record, involvement in terrorist acts, travel to high-risk countries, etc.
Before applying for ESTA, make sure you are eligible and have a valid passport that meets the authorities’ expectations, i.e. an electronic or biometric passport. Nationals of countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program are eligible for ESTA, provided they are not dual nationals of Iraq, Iran, Sudan or Syria. Travel to the USA must be by air or sea. It may not exceed 90 days, and must be for tourism, business or transit on American soil.
How much does ESTA cost?
To validate an ESTA application, payment by credit card is required. The rate applied by the official website is $21.
To renew an ESTA that has expired or has been invalidated by a new passport, you need to make a new application, which involves paying the same amount again.