Access map to AVA Mail Legal conditions Edito Our offer Subscription Practical information Faq News Useful links Distributors Product news Entry formalities in the USA INFORMATION NOTE from CETO - Paris, October 29, 2010 The procedure for entering the United States has evolved French nationals traveling with a French passport must now take into account certain specificities. Procedure for the traveler (source: VISIT USA COMMITTEE FRANCE) ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization): “Visa Waiver Program” This is a form to be completed online by a French national in anticipation of his trip to the USA. It allows to have before the trip an entry authorization to the USA under the VWP regime (Visa Waiver Program, replacing the traditional "green leaf"). This authorization costs $ 14 and is valid for 2 years, or until the passport expires. In order for the request for a “Visa Waiver” to be accepted, the American authorities ask French nationals to use their name as it appears on their French passport. Although there is no obligation to provide the maiden name for married women, the American authorities recommend in the interest of the client, to indicate as far as possible the full name, that is ie the two names: maiden name and wife name: “in the client's best interest to put as much of their complete name as possible (to include using both names)” The passport number entered by the passenger in ESTA must correspond to the 9 (nine) alphanumeric characters appearing on the French passport, that is to say that they must be entered in the following format: 12XX344567. The process of obtaining this document (ESTA) is to be carried out by the passenger himself before his trip to the USA. As a result, the information provided by the customer is for the American authorities separate from the two other forms, which, in turn, are to be completed by tourism professionals. The information communicated by the client in the ESTA is validated against his passport and has no relation to his ticket. Information: esta.cbp.dhs.gov back to the list