The United States of America is always linked with fascination and entertainment. It is said to be one of the most well-known nations in the world. The United States develops various policies and programs from time to time to encourage tourism. French citizens no longer need a US tourist visa to go to the US.
Since France is currently a part of the Visa Wavier Program, all French residents have the opportunity to enjoy the visa exemption, which means they can visit the US without any visa. However, this does not mean that they can simply pack their luggage and visit the nation without travel authorization. Every French citizen, comprising official and common passport holders, must have a travel document to visit the US. This travel document is an Electronic System for Travel Authorization known as the US ESTA.
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United States ESTA
In France, the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy is in authority to give visa amenities to people looking to visit the US for a short time and those seeking a long-term or permanent stay in the U.S.
What is US ESTA?
To make it easy and convenient, French citizens can get the US ESTA (an e-visa) permitted by the U.S. government. An Electronic System for Travel Authorization is a travel document that has the info of a specific tourist. This info is utilized to safe US residents and inhabitants by decreasing terrorism.
Additionally, an Electronic System for Travel Authorization is a multiple-entry document that permits people to visit the US whenever they want. For France citizens who are eligible for this travel document do not need to apply for another visa. It remains valid for around two years and permits them to live in the US for 90 days at one time.
When is US ESTA Applicable for French Citizens?
You can apply for US ESTA if you are traveling for:
- Business purposes
- Tourism purposes
- Short-term study
- Transiting through the United States
- Medical treatment
US Business Visa for French Citizens
For corporate as well as commercial meetings, French residents need to apply for a visa – B-1 unless citizens have an e-visa. The B-1 visa is for those people who seek to enter the US to join business gatherings, meet with business professionals, or sign up for a training program. Furthermore, the United States business visa has a validity period of ten years. It permits a French resident to live in the US for 180 days.
US Tourist Visa for French Citizens
French residents who cannot apply for an ESTA can opt for a US tourist visa. The United States provides numerous visa types for various passport holders. Also, for French citizens, the US offers the B-2 visa category for tourism. A non-immigrant visa, B-2, permits passport holders to visit the US for travel purposes, like meeting a relative or friend, enjoying holidays, medical treatments, and studying. Likewise, a French citizen can stay in the US for 180 days with a B-2 visa with a validity of ten years.
The Embassy of the United States in France
If French residents are applying for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), there is no need to go to the US embassy. The complete procedure is online, and they do not need a visa interview with an embassy officer.
For those who are not eligible for this ESTA, they must go to apply for a traditional visa at the US embassy. After that, they must provide their visa necessities by completing the visa application form. Remember that a diplomatic passport holder may require a letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Procedure to Apply for US ESTA
Since receiving an ESTA is a rapid and simple process, this e-visa is becoming very common. The good thing about an ESTA is that people do not need to waste their time by going to the US embassy. The complete procedure is smooth. All citizens require is a mobile or laptop and a goof internet connection to apply for ESTA. French residents should:
- Complete the US ESTA application form by providing all details correctly.
- Pay the MRV charges.
- Submit the online US ESTA application form.
It is highly suggested that you apply for your travel document prior to a week before your real leaving date. Because of the increasing demand and proper checking, receiving your ESTA will take some time. However, the normal processing period for an ESTA takes around two or three working days. Once approved, visa candidates will get their ESTA through email.
Documents Required
To complete the application form for ESTA, tourists must fill in their contact, travel, and personal details appropriately. They will likewise need to submit passport details, like the passport expiration date and number. In addition, ESTA also asks for details regarding the health and employment background. Remember that this travel document is only legal till the expiration date of your passport.
There are just three things French citizens are required to apply, as mentioned below:
- An email address
- A valid passport
- A credit or debit card
Final Thoughts
French Citizens require travel authorization to enter the US for tourism or business. The ESTA is a travel document that decides the eligibility of travelers to visit the United States. When their application gets approved, tourists get their ESTA confirmation via email. Furthermore, an ESTA is automatically associated with your passport and comes with validity for two years. If tourists get a new passport, they need to apply for another ESTA too. US permanent citizens or passport holders of valid US visas do not require an ESTA. I hope that the above-mentioned information will be helpful for you.
