Obtaining ESTA to the USA from France: complete guide

ESTA to the USA from France is a fast and convenient way to obtain authorization to enter the United States without visiting the embassy. The entire procedure takes place completely online and requires a minimum amount of time. At the same time, such authorization can be obtained not only by citizens of the French Republic, but also by Ukrainians, Belarusians, Kazakhs, Uzbeks, Moldovans, Georgians and persons of other nationalities provided they hold a passport of a country participating in the Visa Waiver Program.

For what purposes is ESTA to the USA intended?

ESTA to the USA is suitable for short-term trips of up to 90 days and is often used for the following purposes:

• tourism and vacation;

• business visits (negotiations, conferences, exhibitions);

• transit through the territory of the USA;

• short-term study (without obtaining academic credits).

It is important to understand that such electronic authorization does not grant the right to work, long-term study or immigration. Violation of entry conditions may lead to cancellation of ESTA and refusals in the future.

Who can apply for ESTA to the USA from France?

Obtaining ESTA to the USA from France is available to citizens of countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program, including:

• countries of the European Union (except Bulgaria and Romania);

• Japan;

• the United Kingdom;

• South Korea;

• Australia;

• Taiwan;

• New Zealand, etc.

Stages of applying for ESTA to the USA from France

The procedure for obtaining ESTA to the USA through France takes place entirely online and includes several main steps:

1. verification of compliance with the VWP program requirements;

2. completion of the electronic form (passport details, travel information, contacts);

3. answers to questions on security and immigration history;

4. payment of the consular fee;

5. review of the application by the DHS (Department of Homeland Security) system.

In most cases, the decision is made within 1–72 hours, but we recommend submitting the application at least 7–10 days before the trip.

What documents are required to apply for ESTA to the USA from France?

To obtain ESTA to the USA from France, a minimal set of data is required, namely:

• a valid biometric passport of a VWP country;

• travel details to the USA (hotel address or host);

• a valid bank card for payment of the fee;

• contact e-mail.

Physical documents, certificates or a visit to the consulate are not required.

Cost, validity period and processing of ESTA to the USA

ESTA to the USA through France is issued under the following conditions:

1. consular fee — 21 USD;

2. validity period — 2 years or until expiration of the passport;

3. number of entries — unlimited, provided compliance with the 90-day rule;

4. processing time — from several minutes to 72 hours.

Addresses of US embassies and visa institutions in France

Although obtaining ESTA to the USA does not require a visit to the embassy, in some situations a personal application for a visa may be needed at:

US Embassy in Paris:
address: 2 Avenue Gabriel, 75008 Paris, France;
main phone number: +33 1 43 12 22 22;
email: [email protected].

US Consulate General in Marseille:
address: Place Varian Fry, 13286 Marseille Cedex 6, France;
main phone number: +33 1 43 12 22 22;
email: [email protected].

Main reasons for ESTA refusal

In practice, refusals of ESTA to the USA are extremely rare, but still possible for the following reasons:

• previously received refusals of a US visa;

• overstaying in the USA in the past;

• errors or inaccuracies in the form;

• travel to restricted countries (Iran, Iraq, Syria);

• provision of false information.

Why should you contact us?

Visa-Agency is specialized visa support with real experience working with ESTA, namely:

• experience working with applications from France and other EU countries;

• preliminary risk assessment before submission;

• correct completion of the form without template mistakes;

• support until approval is obtained;

• consultations in Russian, Ukrainian, English, Polish, Turkish.

We work not “by instruction”, but based on real client cases.

Frequently asked questions

Can I apply for ESTA if I am not a citizen of France but I am staying there?

Yes, the place of submission does not matter. The main thing is citizenship of a VWP country and correct data.

Do I need to book tickets before applying for ESTA?

No, tickets and hotels are not mandatory at the application stage.

Can I extend my stay in the USA under ESTA?

No, extension is not possible. The maximum period is 90 days.

Does having ESTA guarantee entry into the USA?

No, the final decision is made by a CBP officer at the border, but having ESTA is a mandatory condition for boarding the flight.