{"id":243,"date":"2025-05-08T10:02:29","date_gmt":"2025-05-08T10:02:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bairnet.org\/how-do-i-obtain-an-esta-for-a-minor-child-traveling-to-the-usa\/"},"modified":"2025-05-08T10:02:29","modified_gmt":"2025-05-08T10:02:29","slug":"how-do-i-obtain-an-esta-for-a-minor-child-traveling-to-the-usa","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bairnet.org\/en\/how-do-i-obtain-an-esta-for-a-minor-child-traveling-to-the-usa\/","title":{"rendered":"How do I obtain an ESTA for a minor child traveling to the USA?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>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.  <\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"ESTA_mandatory_for_all_travellers_including_minors\"><\/span>ESTA: mandatory for all travellers, including minors<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_85 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Contents:<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a68dfe79d475\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a68dfe79d475\" checked aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bairnet.org\/en\/how-do-i-obtain-an-esta-for-a-minor-child-traveling-to-the-usa\/#ESTA_mandatory_for_all_travellers_including_minors\" >ESTA: mandatory for all travellers, including minors<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bairnet.org\/en\/how-do-i-obtain-an-esta-for-a-minor-child-traveling-to-the-usa\/#Requirements_for_obtaining_an_ESTA_for_a_minor\" >Requirements for obtaining an ESTA for a minor<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bairnet.org\/en\/how-do-i-obtain-an-esta-for-a-minor-child-traveling-to-the-usa\/#Valid_individual_passport\" >Valid, individual passport<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bairnet.org\/en\/how-do-i-obtain-an-esta-for-a-minor-child-traveling-to-the-usa\/#Online_application_and_necessary_information\" >Online application and necessary information<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bairnet.org\/en\/how-do-i-obtain-an-esta-for-a-minor-child-traveling-to-the-usa\/#Processing_time_and_validity\" >Processing time and validity<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bairnet.org\/en\/how-do-i-obtain-an-esta-for-a-minor-child-traveling-to-the-usa\/#Additional_documents_for_minors_travelling_without_their_parents\" >Additional documents for minors travelling without their parents<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bairnet.org\/en\/how-do-i-obtain-an-esta-for-a-minor-child-traveling-to-the-usa\/#Authorization_to_leave_France_AST\" >Authorization to leave France (AST)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bairnet.org\/en\/how-do-i-obtain-an-esta-for-a-minor-child-traveling-to-the-usa\/#Letter_of_authorization_for_US_authorities\" >Letter of authorization for U.S. authorities<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bairnet.org\/en\/how-do-i-obtain-an-esta-for-a-minor-child-traveling-to-the-usa\/#Practical_advice_for_a_worry-free_trip\" >Practical advice for a worry-free trip<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p>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.  <\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;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&#8217;s passport.  <\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Requirements_for_obtaining_an_ESTA_for_a_minor\"><\/span>Requirements for obtaining an ESTA for a minor<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Valid_individual_passport\"><\/span>Valid, individual passport<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>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&#8217;s passport before starting the procedure.   <\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Online_application_and_necessary_information\"><\/span>Online application and necessary information<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The<a href=\"https:\/\/esta.cbp.dhs.gov\">ESTA<\/a> 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: <\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li>Personal data (surname, first name, date and place of birth)<\/li>\n<li>Passport details (number, date of issue and expiry)<\/li>\n<li>Contact details of parents or legal guardians<\/li>\n<li>Address of intended stay in the United States<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The processing fee of US$21 is paid by credit card when the application is submitted.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Processing_time_and_validity\"><\/span>Processing time and validity<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>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&#8217;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.   <\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Additional_documents_for_minors_travelling_without_their_parents\"><\/span>Additional documents for minors travelling without their parents<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>When a child travels without one or both parents, additional documents may be required by the French and American authorities.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Authorization_to_leave_France_AST\"><\/span>Authorization to leave France (AST)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>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&#8217;s identity document. The AST is required to leave French territory, and must be presented at border controls.  <\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Letter_of_authorization_for_US_authorities\"><\/span>Letter of authorization for U.S. authorities<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>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. <\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Practical_advice_for_a_worry-free_trip\"><\/span>Practical advice for a worry-free trip<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>To ensure a smooth journey, we recommend :<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Check the validity of your child&#8217;s passport and make sure it meets ESTA requirements.<\/li>\n<li>Submit your ESTA application well in advance of your planned departure date.<\/li>\n<li>Prepare all necessary documents, including the AST and letter of authorization, if the child is traveling without his or her parents.<\/li>\n<li>Keep a printed copy of the approved ESTA and other important documents during your trip.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>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&#8217;s essential to keep abreast of any changes in U.S. entry requirements by regularly consulting the official websites of the relevant authorities.  <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"blog-btn\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bairnet.org\/en\/how-do-i-obtain-an-esta-for-a-minor-child-traveling-to-the-usa\/\" class=\"home-blog-btn\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_seopress_titles_title":"ESTA for minors in the USA: procedure and required documents","_seopress_titles_desc":"Find out how to obtain an ESTA for a minor child traveling to the USA: formalities, required documents, deadlines and tips for a stress-free trip.","_seopress_robots_index":"","_seopress_robots_follow":"","_seopress_robots_imageindex":"","_seopress_robots_snippet":"","_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_robots_breadcrumbs":"","_seopress_robots_freeze_modified_date":"","_seopress_robots_custom_modified_date":"","_seopress_robots_canonical":"","_seopress_social_fb_title":"","_seopress_social_fb_desc":"","_seopress_social_fb_img":"","_seopress_social_fb_img_attachment_id":0,"_seopress_social_fb_img_width":0,"_seopress_social_fb_img_height":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_title":"","_seopress_social_twitter_desc":"","_seopress_social_twitter_img":"","_seopress_social_twitter_img_attachment_id":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_img_width":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_img_height":0,"_seopress_redirections_value":"","_seopress_redirections_enabled":"","_seopress_redirections_enabled_regex":"","_seopress_redirections_logged_status":"both","_seopress_redirections_param":"","_seopress_redirections_type":301,"_seopress_analysis_target_kw":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-243","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bairnet.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/243","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bairnet.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bairnet.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bairnet.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bairnet.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=243"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.bairnet.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/243\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bairnet.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=243"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}