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 Program (VWP) 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.

💡 Tip: While the ESTA application may have a low difficulty rating, the process is fully automated, and the slightest mistake may lead to refusal. As Christa Byker, a former U.S. visa officer, notes:

💬 “Even travelers from low-risk countries like France should never assume ESTA approval is automatic. Always check your details carefully to avoid surprises.”

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. However, the review system is fully automated, and the slightest mistake will cause your application to be flagged. As Christa Byker, a former U.S. visa officer, puts it:

💬"The system doesn’t give the benefit of the doubt. Even minor inconsistencies are enough to get denied.”

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.

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 (valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel date).

How to get a US ESTA from France with us

Our application is intuitive, user-friendly, and specifically designed to eliminate mistakes:

1️⃣Step 1: Insert your details on our website or the iVisa app.

2️⃣ Step 2: Review your details, choose your processing time, and pay the fee using a credit card, Venmo, or PayPal

3️⃣ Step 3: Upload a scan of your passport and click submit.

✅ Enjoy some well-earned peace of mind while we take care of the details for you. We'll email you as soon as the ESTA is approved.

Example of a US ESTA document showing important sections such as the applicant’s personal details, authorization number, approval status, validity period, and notes required for travel, designed to help travelers understand what to expect from their ESTA approval.

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What makes us different?

We believe the last thing you should worry about when planning your next trip is the admin and red tape governments inflict on travelers. That's why we do our best to provide you with a seamless experience through intuitive technical solutions and expert traveler support.

Infographic comparing the US ESTA application process with iVisa versus the US government site, highlighting differences in speed, success rate, and customer support for French travelers