USA Entry Hub 2026
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France to USA visa guide
France to USA visa guide Official February 2026 guidelines for French citizens. Navigate the new $40 ESTA fee, the mandatory $250 Visa Integrity charge, and 2026 biometric entry mandates.| Path Category | Stay Limit | Key Requirement | 2026 Official Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| ESTA (Tourism/Biz) | 90 Days | Visa Waiver | $40 (New Fee) |
| Visitor Visa (B1/B2) | Up to 180 Days | Embassy Interview | $185 + $250 Integrity |
| F-1 Student Visa | Course Length | I-20 + SEVIS | $185 + $250 Integrity |
1. The New $40 ESTA Rule Visa-Waiver
French citizens continue to benefit from the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), but at a higher cost in 2026.
- Fee Increase: Effective late 2025/2026, the ESTA application fee has increased from $21 to **$40**.
- Validity: Remains valid for **2 years** or until your passport expires. If you get a new passport, you MUST apply for a new ESTA.
- Lead Time: You must submit your application at least **72 hours** before travel, though many are approved within 6 hours.
- Exclusions: Travelers who have visited **Cuba** (on/after Jan 12, 2021) or countries like Iran/Iraq are NOT eligible for ESTA and must apply for a visa.
2. New $250 Visa Integrity Fee For Visa Applicants
US Homeland Security has introduced a new "security deposit" for nonimmigrant visa holders in 2026.
- Who Pays: Applicants for standard visas (B1/B2, F-1, H-1B, etc.) must pay a **$250 Integrity Fee** upon visa issuance.
- ESTA Exemption: Travelers using a valid **ESTA are EXEMPT** from this fee.
- Refund Potential: This fee may be reimbursed after your trip if you comply with all visa conditions and leave the US within 5 days of your authorized stay ending.
- When Due: The fee is collected at the time of visa issuance, not at the time of application.
3. 2026 Biometric Entry Mandate Digital Border
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has modernized entry for French travelers in 2026.
- Entry Processing: Upon arrival, you will undergo biometric capture (facial photo and fingerprints). This data is stored digitally for 3 years.
- Passport-less Departure: Many major US airports (JFK, SFO, MIA) now use facial recognition for departure, meaning you may not need to show your physical passport at the boarding gate.
- Passport Validity: Your French passport must be valid for the **intended period of stay** (France is exempt from the 6-month rule).
4. 2026 Customs & Duty-Free Strict Enforcement
New digital declaration rules are active for all international arrivals in February 2026.
- Electronic Declaration: You should use the **Global Entry mobile app** or MPC (Mobile Passport Control) to submit your customs declaration electronically before landing.
- Currency Limit: You MUST declare cash or monetary instruments exceeding **$10,000 USD** (approx. β¬9,300) when entering or leaving.
- Tobacco/Alcohol: Duty-free allowance includes 200 cigarettes and **1 litre** of alcoholic beverage (for those 21+).
- Prohibited Items: Strictly no French meats, fresh cheeses, or plants. Fines for "forgotten" food items can reach **$500+**.
Β© 2026 Global Visa Guide | Information Verified via US Department of State & US Customs and Border Protection.