How do I obtain an ESTA for the United States?
Since January 2009, travelers from VISA-exempt countries wishing to enter (or transit through) the USA have been required to apply for ESTA travel authorization before leaving. Here's everything you need to know to apply for this authorization easily.
In this article, we tell you everything you need to know to apply for this authorization easily:
- When you need ESTA
- Address of the official ESTA website
- ESTA application and any necessary corrections
- ESTA cost
- ESTA validity, duration, etc.
Travel to the USA: administrative formalities
ESTA stands for "Electronic System for Travel Authorization". Implemented by the U.S. government to guarantee the highest levels of security, ESTA is in fact an information system for countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program.
This system is often compared to VISA, but in reality it is not a VISA for the American administration.
For countries, including Switzerland, that don't need to apply for a VISA to travel to the USA for less than 90 days, it's simply a travel authorization. This ESTA application requires less information and has more flexible conditions than a VISA application (no physical interview, no additional information, etc.).
One important thing to note: obtaining this authorization (ESTA) in no way guarantees you entry into the USA. You are authorized to travel, but not admissible. When you arrive, you'll go through border control, where they'll determine whether you're admissible or not.
When do I need an ESTA??
- Do you want to travel to the USA for less than 90 days?
- Are you planning to visit the USA for business or pleasure?
- Are you a national of a country that benefits from the USA's VISA exemption?
- Do you not have a valid American VISA?
If you answer yes to all these questions, you'll need to apply for ESTA travel authorization. If you answer no to less than one of the questions, you'll need to apply for a VISA.
Please note that these conditions also apply to children. Whatever their age, whether accompanied or not, children must have ESTA travel authorization to enter the United States. Of course, they must also have their own valid passport.
Everything you need to know about ESTA USA
How do I apply for an ESTA USA?
There's no need to pay an intermediary to apply for an ESTA USA. You can apply online via the official U.S. website.
Simply go to this one and only website and fill in the ESTA form: esta.cbp.dhs.gov.
With your passport, you can fill in the I-942 form and submit your ESTA application.
How do I fill in the ESTA form?
It should take you a good 20 minutes to complete the ESTA application. To complete the form, here's the information you'll need:
- Valid passport legally issued by a VISA-exempt country (Visa Waiver Program country)
- Email address
- Postal address
- Phone number
- Emergency contact details
You may be asked to provide additional information, such as your employer's contact details, the address where you will be staying in the United States, your national identity card number, and so on.
Don't forget to make a note of the number assigned to your ESTA application, and to pay the required fee once you've completed everything.
Here's the detailed procedure for filling in the ESTA form if you live in Switzerland
- Once you are on the official ESTA website, esta.cbp.dhs.gov, choose the language of your choice in the top right-hand corner and click on Create new application.
- Read and indicate that you have understood the information given at this stage (veracity of data, program conditions, etc.).
- Upload your passport and fill in your personal details and email address, which will be used to receive your application number. You can save your application to come back to it later, but beware: it will be deleted within 7 days if you don't.
- Enter other more detailed personal information.
- Enter the necessary information about your trip to the USA.
- Answer the eligibility questions.
- Application summary. Review all your details before confirming your application.
- Payment (by credit card or PayPal).
How do I correct an error in my ESTA application?
Before proceeding to payment, step 7 allows you to re-examine all the data you have entered: do so with the utmost care. You can then correct all fields except the passport number and country of issue, your country of citizenship and your date of birth.
If you have made a mistake in any of these fields, you will need to reapply for an ESTA.
If an error was made in step 6 (eligibility), click on the CBP Info Center link at the bottom of the page.
Once the application has been approved, you can update these two details only: email address and US residency.
What if your passport has expired or your data has changed? You must apply again and pay any fees due.
How much does the ESTA for the USA cost?
To apply for an ESTA, travelers must pay an administrative fee of $21, which covers application processing ($4) and approval ($17). Payment options include PayPal, MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Discover credit/debit cards.
If you do not wish to pay for your ESTA right away, you have 7 days from the time you submit your application to pay. Please note that once the 7 days have elapsed, you will no longer have access to your application and will have to start all over again.
Don't forget one last point: your ESTA application will only be processed once payment details have been received.
How long does it take to get an ESTA USA?
It often takes just a few minutes to receive your ESTA. However, some applications can take longer to process. So to avoid any unpleasant surprises or stress, it's advisable to apply at least 72 hours before boarding your plane.
How long is an ESTA USA valid for?
The ESTA is valid for 2 years, or until the expiry date of your passport. You'll be able to come and go as you please in the U.S. for 2 years thanks to your ESTA USA, on the sole condition that you stay for a maximum of 90 days each tim
What should I do if I'm refused ESTA USA?
Have you been refused permission to travel to the USA? In that case, you have no choice but to apply for a temporary VISA from the American consular services in your home country.
In Switzerland, here are the addresses of embassies and consulates: https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/fr/home/laender-reise-information/usa/usa-vertretung-in-der-ch.html
United States travel insurance
Are you planning a trip to the United States? US travel insurance is not mandatory to obtain your ESTA. However, it is highly recommended for stays in the USA, as the American healthcare system is very expensive. The slightest health problem can quickly become very costly. To travel with peace of mind and avoid any risk of spoiling your stay, think about US travel insurance. Repatriation to Switzerland, coverage of medical expenses abroad up to CHF 250,000, reimbursement of trip cancellation or interruption costs, coverage of your luggage...Europ Assistance assists and helps you throughout your trip to the United States.
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Article updated on 19.05.2025
