ESTA Online Application for Citizens of France - Enjoy Visa-Free Travel

1. Is France one of the VWP countries?

France is one of the Visa Waiver Program countries. The VWP was created to provide visa-free travel to citizens of certain low-risk countries.

Being a member means that citizens of France are eligible to use an ESTA instead of a visa.

If you have dual citizenship with another country that is not in the VWP, you can also apply for an ESTA. However, it is not guaranteed that you will be provided authorization. Approval will depend on the eligibility questions and background checks that are a part of the authorization process.

2. Can citizens of France travel to the USA with ESTA?

Yes, all citizens of France are able to use an ESTA when travelling to the USA to enjoy visa-free travel.

However, there are certain restrictions for travelling with an ESTA instead of a Visa. For example, you are only able to use an ESTA if your stay in the US does not exceed 90 days and if you are visiting for business, travel or transit purposes.

In other cases, travellers will need to apply for a visa.

3. What are the ESTA requirements for French citizens?

The ESTA requirements for French citizens are the same as for any other countries within the VWP.

They surround the nature and length of your trip and personal details such as whether you have a criminal conviction or communicable disease, and whether you have visited or have dual citizenship with certain countries.

Check our guide to the ESTA questions for more regarding eligibility.

4. What are the passport requirements for ESTA?

To apply for an ESTA you must have a valid passport. You will be able to use your ESTA for travel to the USA only as long as your passport is valid.

As soon as your passport expires, so does your ESTA.

Your passport must also be an e-passport with a digital chip that can be used for electronic scanning of your information at the airport.

5. How secure is my credit card information?

When applying for an ESTA you must complete an online application and make an online payment. When doing so your credit card information is only used to verify the payment and it is not being stored or used for any other reason.

6. How long is an ESTA valid for?

From the moment your ESTA is approved it will be valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

While your ESTA is valid you can use it to travel to the USA for multiple visits, however, each visit shall not exceed the 90 day limit.

Click here to check if your ESTA is valid.

7. Do French citizens need a visa for the USA?

French citizens do not need a visa for trips of less than 90 days if their visit is for business or pleasure and they fulfill all other eligibility requirements for the ESTA.

However, French nationals who want to stay in the US for longer than 90 days or who don’t comply with the ESTA eligibility requirements will need to apply for a visa.

Have a read of our guide to the reasons your ESTA might be denied and a list of situations where you will need to apply for a visa instead.

8. How long can a French citizen stay in the USA?

This depends on whether you are travelling on a visa or ESTA. If you are travelling on an ESTA, each visit can be no longer than 90 days, but you can have multiple visits within the 2 years that your ESTA is valid for. If you are travelling on a visa, the length of your stay with depend on your visa restrictions.

9. Can I travel to the USA with medication from France?

There are some specific regulations regarding the medication you can take on board when travelling to the USA. In most cases, you will be able to take the medication needed.

However, it is important to carry medication in its original packaging and to have a doctor’s prescription on hand if possible.

Also, you should only carry the amount of medication needed for personal use. Read the full article about travelling to the US with medications and specific health problems in our blog.

10. How do I renew an ESTA?

After your ESTA has expired you must apply for a new ESTA using the original online application form. When you do this all of your documentation and background will be checked again.