French citizens can travel to the US for business or leisure without a visa by using the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).((Travel State. (2024). Visa Waiver Program. State.gov. Retrieved March 12, 2024. <https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visa-waiver-program.html>)) The US ESTA is a multiple-entry document allowing you to enter the US whenever possible. It remains valid for two years or until the traveler’s passport expires, whichever comes first, and lets you stay in the country for up to 90 days per entry.
Important points to note regarding US ESTA:
- The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) is not available for all countries, and eligibility varies among travelers from participating countries.
- The VWP/ESTA is administered by the Department of Homeland Security.
- Remember that ESTA allows explicit travel to a U.S. airport, border, or port of entry.
- The final decision on an individual’s entry into the United States is made by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer upon their arrival.
To travel to the United States using the VWP, you must fulfill specific criteria:
- Travel Purpose Alignment: Your reason for traveling must match activities allowed under a Visitor (B) Visa. Here are examples of what you can do during your stay under the VWP. Also, VWP travelers can generally travel through the US to other countries.
For Business Purposes:
- Consulting with business associates
- Attending scientific, educational, professional, or business conventions or conferences
- Participating in short-term training (without getting paid by any US source, except for small expenses)
- Negotiating a contract
For Tourism Purposes:
- Going sightseeing or on vacation
- Visiting friends or family
- Getting medical treatment
- Attending social events organized by groups like clubs or charities
- Taking part in amateur musicals, sports, or similar events (without getting paid)
- Joining short recreational courses, not for college credit (like a two-day cooking class during your vacation)
- Travel Purposes Not Allowed under the Visa Waiver Program – Examples:
- Studying for school credit
- Working
- Working as a foreign press, radio, film, journalist, or other media
- Trying to become a permanent resident in the United States
If you plan to get your U.S. ESTA, consider applying here at Visas for Future. Our team of specialists will assess your application on your behalf and, upon approval, deliver your ESTA straight to your mailbox.
What We’re Offering
If you are a French citizen planning to travel to the US, you need a U.S. ESTA. Our processing service will deliver your ESTA to your mailbox within 24 hours.
- Valid for two (2) years or until the traveler’s passport expires, whichever comes first.
- Multiple-entry.
- 90 days per entry.((U.S. Customs and Border Protection. (2024). Official ESTA Application Website. Dhs.gov. Retrieved March 12, 2024. <https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta>))
- $46.82.
- ESTA is not a visa.
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US ESTA Requirements for French Citizens
To be eligible for the Visa Waiver Program, you must meet the following requirements:((U.S. Customs and Border Protection. (2024). Official ESTA Application Website. Dhs.gov. Retrieved March 12, 2024. <https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta>))
- The purpose of your trip should be for business, pleasure, or transit, and your stay in the United States should not exceed 90 days.
- You must enter the country using a carrier participating in the Visa Waiver Program.
- If your travel concludes in contiguous territory or adjacent islands, you must reside in those areas to be eligible for the program.
- The traveler plans to stay in the United States for 90 days or less for business, pleasure, or transit reasons.
- They will arrive using a carrier in the Visa Waiver Program.
- Unless the traveler is a resident of a contiguous territory or an adjacent island, they cannot conclude their travel in these areas.
- The traveler needs to provide a valid email address.
- They must also provide their home address and phone number.
- Additionally, the traveler should provide an emergency contact phone number, address, and email.
Documents required:
- You must possess a valid passport from a Visa Waiver Program country to qualify for the program.
- You must also have a return or onward ticket.
Cost and Processing Time for US ESTA
The cost for processing a US ESTA application here at Visas for Future is $46.82, and the processing time is one business day.
Duration and Validity of the US ESTA
The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) in the United States is typically valid for two years, starting from the approval date or until the expiry date of the traveler’s passport, whichever comes first. Within this period, travelers can visit the US multiple times for short periods of up to 90 days per entry.((U.S. Customs and Border Protection. (2024). Official ESTA Application Website. Dhs.gov. Retrieved March 12, 2024. <https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta>)) This applies to various purposes such as tourism, business, medical treatment, short-term study, or transit.
How to apply for a US ESTA for French Citizens Online?
Here’s a simple process on how to apply for a US B1/B2 Visa online:
Step 1: Click “Get United States ESTA now.”
Step 2: Fill in the order form with your:
- Name
- Nationality
- Phone number
- Email address
- Choose the number of entries.
- Enter your billing information accurately.
Step 3: Make the payment.
- Payment can be made through a credit card, debit card, or PayPal.
Step 4: Complete the intake form with details like:
- Personal information
- Travel details
- Additional travel details
Step 5: Upload the necessary documents.
- Upload a recent passport-sized photograph (in JPEG, JPG, and GIF formats).
Step 6: Submit your application.
- Carefully review your application before submission.
Step 7: Receive your US ESTA.
- If approved, you’ll get it via email.
- Remember to print your US ESTA and carry it during your travels.
US ESTA Sample for French Citizens
US Visa Waiver Limit for French Citizens
There is no specific “limit” on the frequency of visits by French citizens to the US under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) as long as they hold a valid ESTA. However, certain restrictions pertain to the total duration of their stay:
- Maximum Stay per Visit: French citizens holding a valid ESTA are allowed a maximum stay of 90 days per visit, determined by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the port of entry. The actual stay duration can be shorter in some cases.
- Validity Period: An approved ESTA is typically valid for two years. It’s crucial to consider passport validity, as the ESTA is only valid until the passport expiration date if it occurs before the two-year period. Additionally, for specific countries like Brunei and Hungary, the maximum ESTA validity might be one year.
Additional points to note:
- ESTA Approval Doesn’t Guarantee Entry: The final decision on admission to the US rests with CBP officers, even with a valid ESTA.
- Multiple Entries Allowed: The ESTA permits multiple visits within its validity period, each complying with the 90-day limit.
- Renewing ESTA: It is advisable to apply for a new ESTA before the current one expires, especially if planning future US trips within the next two years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a U.S. visa and an ESTA?
A U.S. visa allows foreign nationals entry for purposes like tourism, work, or study. It requires an application at a U.S. embassy and is a comprehensive and time-consuming process. On the other hand, an ESTA is a quicker online system for short-term visits (up to 90 days) for tourism or business, providing faster approval and eliminating the need for a visa.
Who needs an ESTA for U.S. travel?
Citizens of countries that are part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), such as the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, and others, can apply for an ESTA instead of a visa.
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Written by
Rosalie Santos 
Rosalie is a content writer who loves to learn and share knowledge. She has a background in education and teaching, which helps her write clear, accurate, and engaging content. She writes about travel, culture, and education topics. She also handles Turkey and India visa applications, which she learned from Lei Achumbre, the COO of Visas for Future and a visa expert. She fulfills visa orders and answers customer service questions once a quarter.
Managed by Glen Vidania
Glen Vidania is the Content Manager at Visas for Future, a company that offers online visa services for eco-friendly travelers. He is a certified Content Marketer and an experienced academic writer. He writes and promotes content that is informative, engaging, and relevant to the readers. He had work experience and gained skills in writing articles, data entry, SEO email marketing, and guest posting. He is also an expert in applying for visas for Turkey and India.
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MLA Style
Santos, Rosalie. "US ESTA for French Citizens (Visa Waiver Program)." Visas For Future, https://www.visasforfuture.com/us-esta-for-french-citizens-visa-waiver-program/. Accessed on 12 March 2024.
Chicago Style
Santos, Rosalie. "US ESTA for French Citizens (Visa Waiver Program)." Visas For Future. March 12, 2024. https://www.visasforfuture.com/us-esta-for-french-citizens-visa-waiver-program/.