Tourists from various countries, including the UK, may soon need to provide a five-year history of their social media activity to enter the United States. This new requirement is part of a proposal from U.S. officials aimed at tightening borders for travelers eligible for visa-free entry under the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
Since taking office again in January, President Trump has emphasized stricter border policies, focusing on national security. Experts warn that this could deter potential visitors and infringe on their digital rights.
With major events like the men’s football World Cup and the 2028 Olympics on the horizon, the U.S. expects a surge of foreign tourists. The proposal was filed by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and appears in the Federal Register, the government’s official journal.
The suggested changes mean that ESTA applicants—who currently provide limited information—would also need to share their social media usernames and details about their phone numbers and email addresses from the last five to ten years. Critics argue this might lead to longer approval times and more hurdles for travelers.
The context for this proposal stems from an executive order by Trump titled “Protecting the United States From Foreign Terrorists.” The administration has previously stated it would review social media accounts for specific visa applicants. In one case, a senior department official emphasized the need for safety, assuring citizens that the government is committed to making the country safer every day.
Experts, like Sophia Cope from the Electronic Frontier Foundation, see these measures as potential violations of civil liberties. Many are concerned about the implications for travelers’ privacy. Recent statistics reveal that the U.S. is projected to experience a decline in international visitor spending in coming years, contrasting with other economies.
Additionally, many Canadians have begun boycotting US travel due to trade tensions, which has worsened the flow of visitors. In previous years, Canadians made up a significant portion of U.S. tourism, spending billions annually.
These proposed policy changes invite public feedback for 60 days, leaving many to wonder about the future of travel to the U.S. as the world becomes increasingly interconnected through digital platforms.
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