Since September 2, 2025, new rules apply to non-immigrant visa applications for the United States:
- Applications must now be submitted in the applicant’s country of residence or nationality. It is no longer possible to apply in another country in order to obtain a visa more quickly.
- All applicants, including minors under 14 and persons over 79, must now travel to Paris and attend an in-person interview with a consular officer.
- The current average wait time for an appointment at the U.S. Consulate in Paris is around 10 months.
👉 Once applicants have secured an appointment, even if it is far in the future, they can try to move it forward by logging into the official website early each morning to check for cancellations or rescheduled slots. There is no limit to how many times this can be done.
👉 More information about visas is available here: U.S. Embassy France – Visas
Upcoming Price Increases (effective September 30, 2025):
- ESTA: $40 (currently $21)
- Form I-94: $30 (currently $6)
👉 Travelers are strongly encouraged to apply for their ESTA before September 30, 2025, to benefit from the current $21 rate.
For land border crossings (Canada–US and Mexico–US):
- All French nationals must hold both an ESTA and an I-94W form when crossing the border.
- The I-94 form can be completed online up to 7 days before crossing, or on site the day of entry.
More information available at: https://www.office-tourisme-usa.com/preparez-votre-voyage/formalites-dentree/
