Is a passport essential for travel to the USA?

Can you travel to the US without a passport?

The answer to this question is of course no. While a simple identity document can allow you to travel to several countries, it only works for destinations within the European Union. Beyond the borders of Europe, you must have a passport and present it when boarding and when crossing the borders.

The United States is a very popular destination, but it is also very vigilant and drastic in terms of entry requirements. You must therefore ensure that you have a valid passport for the duration of your stay. If you do not yet have a passport or if your passport is about to expire, do not waste any more time and go as soon as possible to your local town hall or prefecture in order to take the necessary steps to apply for one. The time it takes to obtain a biometric passport can vary from a few weeks to a few months depending on the period, so it is essential to plan ahead.

It should also be noted that provisional passports will not be accepted when entering the USA.

What is the biometric passport?

The biometric passport is a recent form of passport that is equipped with an electronic component containing the owner's data, including civil status, a passport photo and fingerprints. It is difficult to forge and provides effective protection against identity theft.

A biometric passport is now essential for travel to certain countries such as the United States, but since 2009 all passports issued in France are in this form, so you can be sure that your passport, if it is still valid, is a biometric passport. However, it is possible that your passport is an electronic passport, in which case you will need to apply for a specific visa or have your passport redone in order to benefit from ESTA.

Where and how to apply for or renew your passport?

You can apply for your passport anywhere, regardless of where you live. All you have to do is go to the town hall of your choice. However, not all town halls offer this type of service and it is best to find out before you go.

To prepare your application for a new or renewed passport, you will need to bring certain supporting documents:

• An identity document: You will need to provide your identity card and a photocopy of it, even if it is less than 5 years old. If you do not have an identity card or if it has been out of date for longer, you will need to provide an original birth certificate that is less than three months old, as well as proof of French nationality if the certificate was issued abroad.
• A passport photo: This photo must have been taken less than 6 months ago in a booth offering an approved system or by a professional. It must be 35mm wide by 45mm high and the background must be light and plain except for the white background. The face should be unobstructed and free of any accessories with a neutral expression.
• A Cerfa form: You will be asked to fill in an official form that you can download online in PDF format.
• Proof of address: You will also need to provide proof of address that is less than one year old and proves your place of residence. This can be a water or electricity bill, your last tax assessment or a rent receipt with your full name. If you are being accommodated by a third party, you must provide proof of address, a copy of their identity document and a signed accommodation certificate less than three months old.
• Old passport: Finally, if you are renewing your passport, you must also enclose your old passport.

Other official documents needed for your trip to the USA:

Although a passport is the essential piece of identification for travelling to the USA, it is not enough to authorise you to enter the country. Depending on how long you plan to stay in the USA, and even if you are just passing through, you will need to obtain at least an ESTA or, if necessary, a visa in due form.

 ESTA is an electronic system that allows you to obtain approval from the US immigration authorities for travel of less than 90 days within 72 hours. The ESTA application must be made online on the official website or a website such as that of our partner by filling in a simple form. Please note! When you fill in your questionnaire, you will be asked for your passport number. Please make sure you have it with you so as not to waste time. Once the ESTA form has been validated and the application fee has been paid, all you have to do is wait a few hours to receive a positive or negative response from the American authorities by email.

If you are travelling for more than 90 days, you should apply directly for a visa at the US embassy.

What types of passports are allowed to travel to the USA with ESTA?

As we have seen above, if you are applying for an ESTA to travel to the United States, you must have a valid passport that covers your stay. However, not all passport types are accepted for this process.

Only passports that can be read electronically by a machine can be used to travel to the USA with ESTA.

If your current passport is not digitally scannable but you still wish to use the ESTA system to prepare for your trip, we recommend that you apply for a new passport at the town hall of your place of residence. You will then obtain a new electronic or biometric passport that will allow you to benefit from this visa exemption. Of course, you will have to pay for this application if your old passport has not expired and you will have to pay the necessary tax stamps as for a first passport application. You will also need to provide all the required documents such as an identity document, proof of address less than 3 months old and several passport photos.

How valid is a passport for travel to the USA and when does it expire?

Although the USA is a popular tourist destination for travellers from all over the world, it is important to remember that passport requirements can be strict. If you are planning to travel to the USA, it is important to understand the passport requirements, particularly the validity of the passport, so that you do not encounter problems when travelling.

As mentioned earlier, the validity of a passport for travel to the US is 6 months beyond your intended departure date. This means that if your passport expires in less than 6 months from your intended date of departure, you will not be allowed to enter the USA.

This can be a problem if your passport expires before the end of your stay in the US, as you will not be able to travel outside the country without a valid passport. In this situation, the first thing to do is to contact your embassy or consulate to obtain a temporary or emergency passport, which will allow you to travel out of the US and return home.

It is important to note that obtaining a temporary passport can take time, so it is advisable to do this as soon as possible. You will need to complete a passport application form, provide recent passport photos, proof of identity and citizenship, and pay the applicable fee. Once you receive your temporary passport, you can use it to travel outside the United States.

It is important to note that a valid passport is not the only requirement for entry into the United States. Travellers must also complete an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ESTA) application form, unless they hold a valid US visa. This also applies to travellers in transit through the US. The ESTA must be applied for online before your trip, and it is advisable to do so at least 72 hours before departure.

In summary, it is crucial for any traveller to understand the passport requirements when considering travel to the US. If your passport expires before the end of your stay in the US, you will need to contact your embassy or consulate to obtain a temporary or emergency passport in order to leave the country. In addition, remember to complete the ESTA form before your trip to ensure that you are eligible to enter the US.