Tourists visiting the United States may soon have to disclose their social media activity from the past five years. This proposal comes from Customs and Border Protection (CBP), a part of the Department of Homeland Security. They want visitors to provide not only their social media details but also email addresses, phone numbers, and personal information about family members.
This move was outlined in a notice published in the Federal Register, which is the official daily publication of the US government. The new rules would affect travelers from all countries, even those like Britain and Japan that don’t need a visa.
Two months have been set aside for public feedback, but the Department of Homeland Security has not commented on the plan yet.
Experts warn that this could have a big impact on tourism, especially with the World Cup coming up next year, which is set to attract many soccer fans. Tourism has already been declining during President Trump’s second term, as his administration has implemented strict immigration measures like stopping asylum claims for individuals from over 30 countries.
For instance, California tourism officials predict a 9% drop in foreign visitors this year. Hollywood Boulevard saw a 50% decrease in foot traffic during the summer, while Las Vegas is also feeling the impact, partly due to the rise of mobile gambling apps.
Recent data also shows a significant drop in Canadian visitors, with a 36.9% decline in car trips to the US in July 2025 compared to the previous year. Airline travel from Canada dropped by 25.8% in the same month.
Moreover, the US has started imposing additional costs on tourism, such as a new $100 fee per person per day to enter national parks. This fee is on top of regular charges, significantly raising the cost of visiting popular sites like the Grand Canyon.
The administration has also tightened visa processes for foreigners wanting to live and work in the US. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services announced it would check for “anti-American” views on social media before granting visas. Prospective international students must now unlock their social media accounts for review by US diplomats, adding pressure on those who might have political views that differ from US policies.
Tensions between the US and its neighbors, particularly Canada, have risen, complicating travel further. The government has even suggested reducing visa lengths for foreign journalists, which has sparked criticism from global media organizations.
Experts state that this stricter immigration policy signals a broader trend of increased scrutiny on foreign visitors. While the CBP claims the right to search electronic devices at the border, travelers might face a hard choice: comply or risk being denied entry.
This evolving landscape shows that tourism in the US is at a crossroads. As new rules and fees come into play, travelers and tourism industries are left navigating an increasingly complicated environment. For up-to-date information on immigration and travel policies, refer to the U.S. Department of State.
