ESTA group application for family
Learn how to apply for ESTA as a group for your family, the pros and cons, and decide which option is best.
If you are planning to travel to the United States with your family, it is important to know what ESTA is and how to apply as a group to avoid any stress or problems during your trip. ESTA, or Electronic System for Travel Authorisation, is an online system for checking whether travellers are eligible to enter the US without a visa for up to 90 days. Applying for ESTA as a group has many advantages, including saving time and money. On this page we will explain everything you need to know about applying for ESTA as a group for your family, including the benefits of applying as a group and the steps to follow for a successful application.
ESTA group application for a family: in brief
- Group application: It is possible to submit a group ESTA application for a family. Each family member, including children, must complete an individual application, but they can be grouped together under the same reference number.
- Administrative simplification: You can use the same basic information (address, telephone number) for all family members, which saves time when entering data.
- Individual fees: Each ESTA application incurs individual fees, including both government fees and any service fees for the website used. There are no discounts for groups or families.
- Independent processing: Each ESTA application is processed independently. Even if you complete the applications at the same time, the results may arrive at different times.
- All travellers affected: All family members, including children, are affected by the ESTA application.
Applying for ESTA as a group has many advantages for families travelling together. Here are the main advantages of applying as a group:
In sum, applying for ESTA as a group can be advantageous for families travelling together in terms of simplicity of procedure and faster processing of the application.
Applying for ESTA as a group may seem daunting, but by following these simple steps, you can easily fill out the ESTA group application form from the official website or a private service provider in this way:
ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is an electronic system for requesting authorization to travel to the United States. Each member of your family, whatever their age, must complete their own ESTA application.
Here are the steps to follow to complete an ESTA for each member of your family:
A group ESTA application can include up to 50 people. This can be an advantage for organised trips, such as school visits or tourist groups. The process allows a collective application to be submitted for all members of the same group, simplifying the management of authorisations. However, each member must have a valid passport and meet the ESTA criteria. The electronic authorization for each person is then linked to the major application, enabling approvals and rejections to be managed centrally. This makes it easier to prepare group trips, while ensuring that all travellers have the necessary authorization before they leave for the United States.
The ESTA group application can include members of different nationalities, provided that each participant is eligible for the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP). People from countries that are part of this programme can therefore benefit from an electronic travel authorisation, even if they are of different nationalities. However, each member of the group must meet the conditions required to obtain an ESTA. It is essential that each traveller checks his or her eligibility before participating in a group application. If a member is not eligible, they will have to apply individually for a visa, or obtain a different travel authorization depending on their nationality.
For a group ESTA application, fees are generally paid in a single instalment when the application is submitted. The global payment covers all members of the group and is made via a secure online payment system. A single payment simplifies the process for organisers, but it is important to note that if any members of the group have ESTA rejected, the fee is not refunded. Payments can be made by credit card or any other accepted method of payment. It is therefore essential to check all the information and the eligibility of each participant before making the final payment.
There are advantages and disadvantages to applying for ESTA individually or as a group.
The individual application offers more flexibility, as each family member can apply at a different time and be more flexible with their travel dates. It also allows each family member to provide their own confidential information without the other members knowing.
However, this option can be more complex as each member must complete their own ESTA form.
The group procedure is therefore simplified as only one form is needed for the whole group. It also allows for better coordination of travel dates and itineraries for each family member. However, there is a loss of confidentiality as the personal information of each family member is shared with all members of the group.
The choice between an individual or group application depends on your family's priorities and needs. If confidentiality and flexibility are important, then an individual application is preferable. If you are looking to simplify the application process, a group application is the best option.
The total cost of an ESTA for a family is made up of two main elements:
In conclusion, applying for ESTA as a group has many advantages, including a simplified application process and easier coordination of travel dates and itineraries. Although applying individually may offer more flexibility and privacy, it can be more complex to complete.
We strongly encourage visitors to consider applying as a group for their family, following the simple steps we have outlined in the "How to Apply as a Group" section. It is important to provide accurate and complete information for each family member to ensure a successful application and hassle-free travel. Do not hesitate to contact the relevant authorities if you have any questions or concerns about the application process.
Check if your question has already been answered in the list below
Yes, you can include extended family members in your ESTA group application. However, make sure that each family member has their own valid passport and that the information provided in the application is accurate and complete for each of them. It is even possible to apply for a group ESTA to travel to the USA with friends or colleagues.
The application fee for a group ESTA application can be paid online by credit or debit card. It is important to note that each family member must pay an individual application fee, even if they are part of the same group application. The ESTA fee will be the same for each family member, regardless of their age and number of members.
It can take up to 72 hours to process an ESTA group application, although most applications are processed more quickly. It is recommended that you submit your application at least 72 hours before your intended travel date to allow sufficient time for processing. However, it is possible to apply for emergency ESTA authorisation if necessary.