In this article, we tell you everything you need to know to apply for this authorization easily:
– When you need ESTA
– Address of the official ESTA website
– ESTA application and any necessary corrections
– ESTA validity, duration, etc.
ESTA stands for “ Electronic System for Travel Authorization” . Implemented by the U.S. government to guarantee the highest levels of security, ESTA is in fact an information system for countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program.
This system is often compared to VISA, but in reality it is not a VISA for the American administration. For countries, including Switzerland, that don’t need to apply for a VISA to travel to the USA for less than 90 days, it’s simply a travel authorization. This ESTA application requires less information and has more flexible conditions than a VISA application (no physical interview, no additional information, etc.).
One important thing to note : obtaining this authorization (ESTA) in no way guarantees you entry into the USA. You are authorized to travel, but not admissible. When you arrive, you’ll go through border control, where they’ll determine whether you’re admissible or not.
If you answer yes to all these questions, you’ll need to apply for ESTA travel authorization. If you answer no to less than one of the questions, you’ll need to apply for a VISA. Please note that these conditions also apply to children. Whatever their age, whether accompanied or not, children must have ESTA travel authorization to enter the United States. Of course, they must also have their own valid passport.
There’s no need to pay an intermediary to apply for an ESTA USA. You can apply online via the official U.S. website.
Simply go to this one and only website and fill in the ESTA form: esta.cbp.dhs.gov .
With your passport, you can fill in the I-942 form and submit your ESTA application.
It should take you a good 20 minutes to complete the ESTA application. To complete the form, here’s the information you’ll need:
You may be asked to provide additional information, such as your employer’s contact details, the address where you will be staying in the United States, your national identity card number, and so on.
Don’t forget to make a note of the number assigned to your ESTA application, and to pay the required fee once you’ve completed everything.
Before proceeding to payment, step 7 allows you to re-examine all the data you have entered: do so with the utmost care. You can then correct all fields except the passport number and country of issue, your country of citizenship and your date of birth.
If you have made a mistake in any of these fields, you will need to reapply for an ESTA.
If an error was made in step 6 (eligibility), click on the CBP Info Center link at the bottom of the page.
Once the application has been approved, you can update these two details only: email address and US residency .
What if your passport has expired or your data has changed? You must apply again and pay any fees due.
To apply for an ESTA, travelers must pay an administrative fee of $21, which covers application processing ($4) and approval ($17). Payment options include PayPal, MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Discover credit/debit cards. If you do not wish to pay for your ESTA right away, you have 7 days from the time you submit your application to pay. Please note that once the 7 days have elapsed, you will no longer have access to your application and will have to start all over again.
Don’t forget one last point: your ESTA application will only be processed once payment details have been received.
It often takes just a few minutes to receive your ESTA. However, some applications can take longer to process. So to avoid any unpleasant surprises or stress, it’s advisable to apply at least 72 hours before boarding your plane.
The ESTA is valid for 2 years, or until the expiry date of your passport. You’ll be able to come and go as you please in the U.S. for 2 years thanks to your ESTA USA, on the sole condition that you stay for a maximum of 90 days each tim
Have you been refused permission to travel to the USA? In that case, you have no choice but to apply for a temporary VISA from the American consular services in your home country.
In Switzerland, here are the addresses of embassies and consulates: https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/fr/home/laender-reise-information/usa/usa-vertretung-in-der-ch.html
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