Applying for an ESTA is relatively simple and quick. However, you must be careful to use the official government website dedicated to Electronic System for Travel Authorization applications.
It is imperative to do this at least 72 hours before your departure, but we recommend that you do so a few weeks in advance to anticipate any complications.
If you need to get or renew your passport, wait until you receive the new version before starting the process.
Go to the official Government website
Go to the official U.S. government website (and only this site) to submit an ESTA application: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/
Beware of fraudulent sites that offer assistance only to overcharge you for the process.
The application can also be made using the official ESTA App on your smartphone (the only official application for this process): available on Google Play or the App Store.
Here again, do not under any circumstances use third-party applications or external providers.
Prepare the necessary documents for your ESTA application:
- The passport you will use for your trip to the United States
- Access to your email
- A credit card for the ESTA payment (payment can also be made via Google Pay or Apple Pay)
If you are applying for an ESTA for several people, they must also be physically nearby, with their own required documents, when you complete the procedure for them.
Note that as of 02/08/26, your social media usernames may be requested.
Attention, if you find yourself in one of the following situations, an ESTA application will not be sufficient and you will be required to obtain a Visa to travel to the United States (these criteria are subject to change):
- You do not meet the ESTA requirements (stay of more than 90 days, specific business travel, previous ESTA refusal, etc.)
- You have traveled to certain countries since February 2011 (Iran, Iraq, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Yemen) and/or you have dual nationality with one of these countries.
- You have traveled to Cuba since January 12, 2021, or intend to do so before entering the United States.
- You are traveling to the USA via Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Steps of the process
Good to know: You can change the language of the site and select “French” in the top right. Nevertheless all information must be entered in English.
You can save your information at any time, leave the application, and resume it later.
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Waiver: You must start your process by confirming you have understood the information and accept the conditions
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Applicant Data: Upload the biographical page of the passport of the person concerned by the current application (all information must be legible). Verify the accuracy of the information entered and complete with the requested information (answers must be in English). Add a selfie to confirm identity.
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Personal Information: Provide the requested personal information. Your social media pseudonyms are also requested; do not be surprised by this.
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Travel Information: Provide information on your on-site point of contact. We recommend that you use the address of your hotel on-site. If you are staying in different places, provide your 1st accommodation on-site.
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Eligibility Questions: Answer personal and security questions clearly and explicitly.
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Review Application: Carefully re-read the information provided and confirm the accuracy of the details entered.
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Payment: Proceed with the $40 payment (~€35 - rate subject to change)
- Receipt of your ESTA confirmation email: The ESTA application review can take up to 72 hours, but generally only takes a few hours.
The ESTA is valid upon confirmation (you cannot choose its effective start date) and is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires.
After receiving the email, you will have no paper or other document to present, other than your passport, as your ESTA is digitally and invisibly linked to it.
However, you can only re-apply once your ESTA has expired.