Traveling to the U.S. with a minor child requires compliance with specific administrative formalities. These include obtaining an electronic travel authorization, known as ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization), for tourist or business stays of less than 90 days under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This document is required for all travelers, including children, regardless of age.
ESTA: mandatory for all travellers, including minors
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The ESTA is an electronic travel authorization introduced by the American authorities to reinforce security when entering their territory. It is mandatory for nationals of countries participating in the VWP, including France, Belgium and Switzerland. All travelers, adults and children alike, must have their own valid ESTA authorization to enter the United States.
It’s important to note that children, even infants, are not exempt from this formality. Each minor must therefore have a separate ESTA authorization, obtained online before departure. This requirement applies even if the child is registered on a parent’s passport.
Requirements for obtaining an ESTA for a minor
Valid, individual passport
To be eligible for ESTA, children must hold a valid individual passport. This passport must be biometric or electronic. Temporary or emergency passports are generally not accepted for ESTA. It is therefore essential to check the validity and type of the child’s passport before starting the procedure.
Online application and necessary information
TheESTA application is made exclusively online on the official US government website. The form must be completed in English, and the following information about the child is required:
- Personal data (surname, first name, date and place of birth)
- Passport details (number, date of issue and expiry)
- Contact details of parents or legal guardians
- Address of intended stay in the United States
The processing fee of US$21 is paid by credit card when the application is submitted.
Processing time and validity
We recommend that you submit your ESTA application at least 72 hours before departure. However, it is preferable to do so several weeks in advance, to anticipate any delays or refusals. Once approved, ESTA authorization is valid for two years, or until the child’s passport expires, whichever comes first. During this period, the child can make several visits to the United States without having to renew the ESTA, as long as the information provided remains unchanged.
Additional documents for minors travelling without their parents
When a child travels without one or both parents, additional documents may be required by the French and American authorities.
Authorization to leave France (AST)
In France, minors unaccompanied by a parent must present an authorization to leave the country (AST). This document, signed by a person with parental authority, is accompanied by a copy of the signatory’s identity document. The AST is required to leave French territory, and must be presented at border controls.
Letter of authorization for U.S. authorities
Although not systematically required, it is advisable to provide your child with a letter of authorization, written in English and signed by the parents or legal guardians, authorizing him or her to travel with the person accompanying him or her. This letter can facilitate the immigration process in the United States.
Practical advice for a worry-free trip
To ensure a smooth journey, we recommend :
- Check the validity of your child’s passport and make sure it meets ESTA requirements.
- Submit your ESTA application well in advance of your planned departure date.
- Prepare all necessary documents, including the AST and letter of authorization, if the child is traveling without his or her parents.
- Keep a printed copy of the approved ESTA and other important documents during your trip.
Obtaining ESTA authorization for a minor child traveling to the United States is an essential step that requires careful preparation. By respecting the procedures and providing the required documents, parents or legal guardians can ensure a worry-free trip for their child. It’s essential to keep abreast of any changes in U.S. entry requirements by regularly consulting the official websites of the relevant authorities.
