A significant shift in US travel policy is underway, proposing a deep dive into the digital lives of visitors. The administration is considering a mandate requiring visa-exempt foreign tourists to hand over their social media histories spanning the last five years.
This proposal, detailed in a recent official notice, impacts travelers from 42 countries currently enjoying visa-free access – nations like the United Kingdom, France, Australia, and Japan. For years, these visitors have navigated entry with a streamlined waiver process known as ESTA, requiring only basic personal information.
The change would fundamentally alter that process. Social media data collection would become a non-negotiable component of the ESTA application, representing a substantial increase in the information requested from incoming travelers.
Beyond social media, applicants would be asked to provide a comprehensive record of personal data. This includes phone numbers used over the past five years, email addresses from the last decade, detailed family information, and even biometric data.
The stated intention behind this broadened data collection is increased security and a more thorough vetting process. Officials aim to identify potential threats before they reach US shores, bolstering national security measures.
However, the proposal isn’t without scrutiny. Concerns are already surfacing regarding privacy, potential discrimination, and the sheer logistical challenge of processing such a vast amount of personal information.
A 60-day public comment period is now open, allowing citizens and organizations to voice their opinions and concerns regarding the proposed rules. This period will be crucial in shaping the final form of the policy.
This move aligns with a broader trend of tightened border controls implemented in recent years. The administration has consistently pursued stricter immigration policies, aiming to limit access to the country.
The timing of this proposal is particularly noteworthy, given the upcoming 2026 World Cup, jointly hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada. The event is expected to draw millions of international visitors, potentially creating significant logistical hurdles under these new regulations.
