French citizens applying for the US ESTA: What you need to know

Planning a trip to the United States from France? You may need to apply for a US ESTA, and our user-friendly platform makes the process easier than ever.

Do French citizens need a visa to visit the USA?

French citizens fall under the list of visa waiver countries when entering the US for short-term travel purposes. This means that they don’t need a traditional visa. All you need is an approved ESTA before arriving in the country.

What is the US ESTA?

The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) determines your eligibility and gives permission for travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). It performs automated background checks on visitors, for example, to determine whether they have any criminal convictions or immigration offenses.

Learn more about the United States ESTA

How long can French citizens stay in the USA with an ESTA?

You can stay in the US for 90 days per entry. The ESTA is a multiple-entry permit that is valid for 2 years after being issued or until your passport expires.

Difficulty rating 14/100

The application process includes 32 questions. You’ll only have to upload a scan of your passport bio page to check your details.

With our guidance, the process becomes much easier to navigate, minimizing the chances of any errors or delays. Our 98% approval rate speaks for itself.

"iVisa made the ESTA process quick and painless. I had my approval in less than a day!" — Pierre L., Paris

What are the documents required to apply for the ESTA?

To submit your application, you need the following:

• A copy of your passport bio page. It must have at least 6 months of validity from the planned date of entry.

How to apply for a US ESTA

We’ve created a three-step application process that can be completed in just 10 minutes:

1. Provide your personal information on our website or mobile app: Fill out details like your name, address, and passport information. Then, choose the processing time that suits you.

2.Pay and review: Ensure all the information is accurate. Corrections are only possible if the application has not reached the processing stage. Once your ESTA is issued, corrections are no longer possible.

3.Upload your passport scan, depending on your circumstances.

Your approved ESTA will arrive via email.

"Be truthful when answering the question, 'Have you been denied a US ESTA in the last 6 months?' If you've been denied, you won’t be able to apply through us and will need to contact the embassy directly for further assistance." — Cynthia Oliwa, iVisa travel journalist

Do my children need to apply for their own US ESTA?

Yes, both accompanied and unaccompanied children, regardless of age, require their own ESTA before traveling to the US. Children must have passports to qualify for an ESTA.

Where can I find more info about the ESTA for French citizens?

Our customer service team is ready to assist if you have any questions about traveling to the US and the ESTA application. Contact us any time via WhatsApp or iVisa chat.