US officials have put forth a new proposal that could require tourists from visa-waiver countries to submit their social media history spanning the last five years as a condition for entry. This measure would impact citizens from approximately 40 nations, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Australia, and Japan, who currently qualify for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) program, permitting visits of up to 90 days without a traditional visa.
The proposal, submitted by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has been published in the Federal Register. It states that "the data element will require ESTA applicants to provide their social media from the last 5 years," though specific details on the information to be collected were not provided.
In addition to social media data, the document outlines the collection of applicants' telephone numbers and email addresses used over the past five and ten years, respectively. It also seeks more comprehensive information about family members.
This initiative is presented within the context of the Trump administration's broader efforts to enhance US border security, citing national security as a primary justification. The proposal refers to a January executive order by President Trump, titled "Protecting the United States From Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats."
Currently, the ESTA program requires a limited amount of traveler information and a $40 fee, granting multiple entries to eligible citizens over a two-year period. The US anticipates a notable increase in foreign tourism in the coming years, with upcoming events such as the 2026 men's football World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.