US Visa Waiver Travelers Face Mandatory Social Media Disclosure Under New Proposal

The United States is moving to collect more personal data from international visitors. A new federal proposal would require visa-free travelers to disclose years of social media history. This plan significantly expands background checks for national security.

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The rule targets millions of tourists and business visitors. It focuses on those from allied nations who do not need a visa. The main keyword for this story is social media disclosure.

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) published the proposed rule. It seeks to amend the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). ESTA is the online application used by visa-waiver travelers.

The new requirement would ask for five years of social media identifiers. Applicants must list usernames or handles used on various platforms. According to Reuters, officials would only review publicly available data.

Passwords and private login information are not being requested. The goal is to screen for potential national security threats. The change is driven by an executive order signed in January 2025.

That order aims to protect the United States from foreign terrorists. The social media check is one part of a broader data sweep. The proposal is now open for public comment for 60 days.

It is not yet a finalized or active requirement. The Trump administration has championed stricter vetting for travelers. This policy expands on earlier efforts to collect social media data.

Extended Personal Data and Affected Countries Under New Travel Rules

Beyond social media, the proposal asks for extensive personal history. Travelers must provide all phone numbers from the past five years. They must also list every email address used in the last decade.

Detailed family information is also required. This includes birthplaces and contact details for immediate relatives. The data would be used for thorough background investigations.

The change affects the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This program includes 42 trusted partner countries. Citizens from these nations can visit the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa.

They must, however, obtain an approved ESTA authorization first. Countries in the program include the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, and Australia. Other members are Chile, South Korea, Taiwan, and Singapore.

The new rule would apply to all future ESTA applicants. It would also affect travelers renewing their existing authorization. Officials state the measure is necessary for modern threat assessment.

Potential Impact and Next Steps

The proposal has sparked discussions about privacy and diplomacy. Some argue it may deter tourism from key allied nations. Others support it as a necessary security upgrade.

The public comment period allows for feedback. After reviewing comments, CBP may revise the rule. A final version could be implemented later next year.

The proposed social media disclosure rule marks a major shift in U.S. border policy. Its implementation would create one of the world’s most intrusive travel vetting systems. The move underscores the continuing focus on security in international travel.