New U.S. Travel Proposal Requires Expanded Social Media Disclosure from Foreign Visitors

Foreign travelers wishing to enter the United States may soon face more stringent requirements under a proposal from Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Published in the Federal Register, the proposal suggests that visitors could be compelled to disclose up to five years of their social media history before arriving in the country, aiming to enhance national security measures. Currently, travelers from about 40 countries, including many in Europe, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and Israel, can enter the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). The existing ESTA application collects basic biographical data and contact information, costing $40 and typically valid for two years. Under the new proposal, however, disclosing social media activity would become a mandatory component of the application process. Applicants would need to detail their social media activity over the past five years, though it remains unclear which platforms and types of information will specifically be required. Further information that travelers might be asked to submit includes phone numbers used in the last five years, email addresses from the past ten years, and detailed family information such as names, dates of birth, and contact details. The proposed measures also contemplate gathering more technical and biometric data from travelers, including IP addresses, metadata from uploaded photos, and biometric identifiers such as facial images, fingerprints, DNA, and iris data. Moreover, CBP has indicated that applicants might need to submit a selfie as part of the ESTA process, shifting the collection of some data from the point of entry to the pre-travel stage. Another significant alteration in the process is the potential move of ESTA applications exclusively to a government mobile app, removing the current option to apply via a website. Authorities estimate that implementing these changes could result in over 14 million travelers using the ESTA mobile application each year. This proposal is part of a larger initiative aimed at bolstering border security and addressing national security threats, citing an executive order signed by former President Donald Trump early in his second term. Under Trump's administration, immigration and travel policies became increasingly stringent, including the expansion of social media screening for various types of visas. Since 2019, all visa applicants have been required to disclose their social media accounts—a policy that originated during Trump’s prior presidency. The initiative emerges in the aftermath of a tragic incident involving an Afghan individual attacking the National Guard, which resulted in one officer's death and significant injuries to another. Supporters of the proposal assert that it is essential for identifying security risks and potential threats, including individuals who may promote violence or terrorism. However, the proposal has faced backlash from digital rights advocates and immigration lawyers, who express concerns about civil liberties and the potential deterrent effect on travelers. Critics argue that mandatory social media disclosure may lead to self-censorship among travelers or discourage them from visiting the U.S. altogether, potentially harming the country’s global reputation. Furthermore, there are tangible concerns regarding the implications of increased data collection, particularly regarding longer processing times for ESTA approvals, which could create uncertainty for travelers seeking short visits. Significantly, the proposal is under review at a critical moment for the United States, which prepares to host key international events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The World Travel and Tourism Council has pointed out that the U.S. is the only nation among 184 analyzed to expect a decline in international visitor spending by 2025. As the public comment period for the proposal remains open for 60 days, implications of these changes will likely prompt much debate and scrutiny regarding the future of travel to the United States. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2