Welcome to our website dedicated to travel formalities in the United States. Whether you’re planning a vacation, a business trip or an exchange program, we’ll guide you through all the steps involved in obtaining the necessary authorizations. Discover the different visas, the Visa Waiver Program, ESTA, and much more.
What types of U.S. visa are available?
First of all, you need to understand the different types of U.S. visas. The U.S. offers several types of visa that can be tailored to your needs. The most popular visas are :
- B1/B2 tourist visas for leisure or business travel.
- Work visas for extended professional stays.
- Student visas and exchange programs such as the J1 visa.
Find out more about the specifics and conditions of each visa in our dedicated section.
Visa-free travel with the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)
The United States offers a visa waiver program called the Visa Waiver Program. This program allows eligible foreign nationals to travel to the United States under certain conditions, without first obtaining a visa.
The Visa Waiver Program allows eligible citizens to enter the United States for up to 90 days. An ESTA application is required to benefit from these travel conditions.
The ESTA questionnaire asks for personal information, details of your trip and answers to security questions. Discover the main sections and prepare the necessary documents before starting your application.
Travelling with ESTA authorization in the United States
The ESTA certificate is an electronic travel authorization. It allows eligible foreign travelers to visit the United States for up to 90 days. The ESTA is valid for 2 years from the date of approval. This initial validity period may be reduced depending on the expiry date of your passport. An ESTA authorization is obtained in conjunction with a passport: when the passport is no longer valid, the ESTA authorization is no longer valid either.
Who can apply for ESTA?
Before you can apply for ESTA, you need to check that you are eligible for a visa waiver for the USA. Only citizens of countries that are members of the Visa Waiver Program can apply for ESTA. The purpose and duration of the trip must also meet ESTA eligibility requirements.
How do I apply for ESTA?
Applying for ESTA is an essential step in traveling to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. The procedure is quick and easy: just visit the official ESTA website and fill in the online form with your personal information, passport details and travel plans. You’ll also need to answer a few security questions. Once you’ve completed the form, pay the $21 processing fee by credit card. Most applications are approved within minutes, but it’s advisable to apply at least 72 hours before departure to avoid any unforeseen problems. If approved, the ESTA is valid for 2 years, or until your passport expires.
What should I do if my ESTA application is rejected?
An ESTA refusal can be stressful, but it’s not a dead end. If the refusal is due to a data entry error on the ESTA form, it is possible to reapply with a corrected application. If the reason for refusal does not allow you to resubmit an ESTA application, you need to apply for a B2 tourist visa.
What kind of visa is required for an exchange student in the USA?
It is not possible to travel with ESTA authorization for a school trip or work placement in the USA, even if the stay is less than 90 days. A student participating in a cultural exchange program must obtain a J1 student visa.