If you have a French passport valid or if you are a European and you go to the USA for a maximum of 90 days, you do not need a visa.

However, before you leave, you must request a electronic travel authorization (Esta).

Esta's request is made on the internet:

Application for travel authorization to the United States (Esta)

Generally, the decision is made within 72 hours of your request.

Issuance of the Esta costs $21.

The Esta is valid 2 years and allows you to travel to the United States several times without needing a new authorization. If your passport expires before this period, the authorization is valid only until its expiry date.

However, you will need to have a visa affixed to your French passport by the US authorities before your departure if you are in one of the following situations:

• You have dual nationality with some countries and/or you traveled there after february 2011
• You have been in Cuba since January 12, 2021, or intend to go before entering the United States.
• You can get to the USA by boat or by private plane passing through Puerto Rico or the US Virgin Islands

It is strongly recommended to contact the US Embassy or Consulate prior to your departure.

You have need for a visa whatever the type of trip (tourist, professional or simple transit on American soil)

To get it, you have to do the application to the U.S. Embassy.