Are you planning a trip across the Atlantic and need to make a stopover in the USA? Even if you’re only in the USA for a few hours, you’ll need a valid authorization to re-enter the country, whatever your final destination. However, you don’t need to apply for a U.S. visa from the consular authorities – a simple electronic authorization is all you need: the ESTA.
Why do I need ESTA for a stopover in the United States?
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Following the introduction of the Travel Promotion Act in 2009, all foreign nationals wishing to travel to the USA must obtain a travel authorization before setting foot on American soil. This rule mainly reinforces the visa waiver program set up by the American government, which allowed nationals of signatory countries to travel to the USA without a visa.
The ESTA is best known for applying to a tourist or business trip of up to 90 days. But its scope is not limited to a temporary stay: it covers all entry to the USA. Thus, transiting the U.S. territory is no exception to the rule, and pre-departure authorization is mandatory. Consequently, people in transit are subject to the same rules as other travelers.
How do I obtain an ESTA authorizing a stopover in the United States?
As the ESTA is a 100% electronic document, it can only be obtained over the Internet, which saves you a considerable amount of time. In fact, you have up to 72 hours before your stopover to submit your ESTA application.
Please note: before you leave and apply for an ESTA, make sure you have a valid passport. A valid passport is essential to obtain authorization to travel to the USA, as the ESTA will be electronically linked to your identity document via the microchip. If your passport is due to expire before the boarding date, we advise you to apply for a biometric passport as soon as possible.
To obtain an ESTA for your stopover in the USA, you need to apply on the official US government website.
To apply for ESTA, you need to fill in an online form, which asks for information about your identity, your electronic or biometric passport (passport number, date of issue, country of issue) and your current situation. To validate your ESTA form, you must pay the processing fee by credit card (MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Discover) or Paypal account.
Your application will be approved or rejected within 72 hours.
The ESTA is valid for two years, which means you can use it at a later date to visit the USA, or for another stopover. On the other hand, if your passport expires during this same period, you will no longer be able to travel to the USA or transit with your current ESTA. You’ll need to apply for a new ESTA using your new passport.
For more information, visit usa-gv.com, which provides detailed information on the USA and entry formalities.
Entering the United States with an ESTA
The vast majority of people in possession of a valid ESTA can enter the USA for their trip or stopover. However, please bear in mind that validation of an ESTA application does not mean automatic admission to the country.
In fact, the ESTA application is an additional tool for identifying potentially dangerous people and thus guaranteeing the country’s internal security. The final decision, however, rests with immigration officers at airports and ports. Specially trained to identify high-risk individuals, these screeners are the only people authorized to guarantee travelers admission to American soil. When you arrive, you may be asked for your exit ticket to validate your stopover.
How do I make a stopover in the USA if my ESTA application is rejected?
If U.S. Customs and Border Protection refuses to grant you an ESTA form, don’t despair! There is another alternative.
A denied application does not necessarily mean that you cannot stop over or travel to the USA. It simply means that you do not meet all the eligibility requirements of the Visa Waiver Program. To make sure your trip doesn’t fall through, you can contact the American consulate (or embassy) to apply for a USA visa for your stopover.
We hope that the ESTA application for a stopover in the USA is now clearer for you. Have a good trip !
