ESTA: how to apply, how much it costs, and when to do it

To enter the United States without a visa, French citizens must obtain an ESTA authorization before boarding their flight. Since September 30, 2025, the application has cost $40. Here is how to apply on the right website, avoid common pitfalls, gather the necessary documents, and follow the proper timeline.

Why the ESTA instead of a visa

France is part of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. This program allows citizens of around 40 countries to enter the United States for tourism or business stays of up to 90 days without going through a consulate. The ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is the digital counterpart to this waiver: a travel authorization issued by CBP (Customs and Border Protection) before boarding.

The ESTA is not enough if you plan to work, study, or stay longer than 90 days. In those cases, you need to follow the standard consular process through a U.S. consulate.

The right website and the ones to avoid

The official website is esta.cbp.dhs.gov (the interface is available in English only). It is the only website operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. There is no official French-language portal.

Dozens of private websites target searches such as “ESTA France” or “ESTA form in French” and charge for an assistance service: $50 to $90 to complete the same form you can fill out yourself. Some are legal but overpriced; others are outright deceptive. The official form takes about 15 minutes. There is no reason to use an intermediary.

Here is a simple rule before entering your information: make sure the URL ends in .gov. Any other domain, even one with the word “official” in its name, is not the right website.

What to prepare before you start

The form asks for personal information, travel details, and a series of security questions. Gather these items before opening the page:

• Valid biometric passport (number, expiration date, issuing country)
• Valid email address: your authorization will be sent there
• Credit or debit card for payment (Visa, Mastercard, or American Express)
• Flight number and address for your first night in the United States (not required if you have not booked yet, but useful for completing the form without reopening it)

One important detail: if you renew your passport after obtaining your ESTA, you must submit a new application. The authorization is tied to your passport number, not your identity.

Cost and validity: what changed in 2025

Since September 30, 2025, the ESTA has cost $40. Payment is made online by card when you apply. If your application is denied, you are charged only part of the fee; the full amount is retained only if it is approved.

An approved ESTA is valid for two years from the approval date, or until your passport expires if that happens first. During that period, you can enter the United States as many times as you wish, for stays of up to 90 days each. This is especially useful if you are planning several trips: a road trip through the American West this year, followed by another trip the next year.

Processing times: do not wait until the day before departure

In most cases, a decision arrives within minutes, sometimes before you even close the tab. The official website states that processing can take up to 72 hours. There are three possible outcomes:

• Authorization Approved: you can travel.
• Authorization Pending: your application is still under review; check back within 72 hours.
• Travel Not Authorized: your ESTA was denied, and you must apply for a visa at the U.S. consulate in Paris.

Our recommendation: submit your application at least 72 hours before departure, ideally as soon as your flights are booked. Traveling with an application still marked “Pending” a few hours before boarding is not a comfortable position to be in, and the airline may deny boarding if you do not have a confirmed authorization.

What the CBP officer checks on arrival

The ESTA authorizes you to board. It does not guarantee admission to the country: the final decision belongs to the CBP officer at the airport. On arrival, the officer checks your authorization directly in the system and may ask you about:

• the purpose of your trip (tourism, visiting family, conference)
• your planned length of stay and the address of your first accommodation
• your return ticket and the funds you have available to pay for your stay

These questions are routine and do not indicate a problem. Answer clearly and briefly. If you plan to visit national parks, that is a common reason for traveling and well understood by officers. You should also check national park entrance fees and the America the Beautiful pass before leaving: it is one of the first practical decisions to make once your ESTA is approved.

Your ESTA does not need to be printed. It is stored in the U.S. system and linked to your passport. You can write down the application number for reference, but the officer can access it directly by scanning your document.

Twenty minutes on the right website, $40, and your entry into the United States is taken care of for the next two years. It is probably the simplest administrative step in the entire trip-planning process.