There is a real controversy surrounding the unofficial sites authorised to grant or refuse official ESTA authorisation to enter the United States. They are accused of taking advantage of a legal loophole to overcharge for their services. The price of the ESTA via the official website is 21 $, and remains unchanged. Is this really a scam?
Advantages of using an intermediary agency
- Valid documents issued
ESTAs are issued by the US authorities and can be easily checked with them. - Respect for passenger data
Most agencies have strict data retention rules. Once your ESTA has been issued, your data is deleted. - A check on the content of the application, with a comparison of passports
To maximise your chances of entering the USA, the agencies compare your declaration with the copy of your passport. An extra number, a letter mistaken for a number - the devil is in the detail. - Genuine customer service and pre- and post-sales advice
Agencies offer real support and guide travellers in filling in forms or choosing the right document. Sometimes they even provide good travel advice. - A simplified, translated and practical form
The authorities' form is long, sometimes ambiguous and has too many options that complicate submission. Agencies cut to the chase and dispense with optional fields. - A refund in the event of refusal
If the authorities refuse to issue you an ESTA, we will refund your consular fees and our service charges in full. - A cost of service that offers good value for money
For a sum slightly higher than the consular fee, our agency will ensure that you can forget about the hassle of submitting an ESTA application as quickly as possible.
Disadvantages
- Many agencies are present on the Internet
All you have to do is type "ESTA USA" into Google to see the results that come up. The choice is overwhelming. Favour sites with clear legal notices and with the price displayed from the outset. - Services are priced freely
The authorities cannot afford to involve a private operator in this kind of process. Intermediaries providing advice on obtaining visas are therefore free to accompany you, at whatever price they wish. The only requirement is that they clearly display the price of their service. - The final rate is higher
Obviously, an agency's rate is a little higher. The difference between 21$ and the price you paid is their margin. - Sometimes it takes longer
In order to compare the data entered with the passport, the agencies take a lot of human time, which can sometimes be extended during peak tourist periods. It's all a question of a few extra hours.
Don't hesitate to start your ESTA application on our simplified form.
An agency service 