New Entry Requirement for Tourists
Tourists from numerous countries, including the UK, may soon be required to submit a five-year history of their social media activity to gain entry to the United States, according to a new proposal by American officials.
Impact on Visa Waiver Program
This new requirement would apply to visitors from various countries eligible for 90-day stays in the US without a visa, provided they complete an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) form.
National Security Measures
Since his return to the White House in January, President Donald Trump has pursued stricter border policies, citing national security as a primary rationale. Analysts suggest that this proposal could create barriers for potential visitors and could infringe on their digital rights.
Future Tourism Expectations
The United States anticipates a significant increase in foreign tourist arrivals in the coming year, coinciding with both the men’s football World Cup hosted jointly with Canada and Mexico and the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
Details of the Proposal
The proposal, submitted by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has been published in the Federal Register, the official government journal. It specifies that ESTA applicants will need to disclose their social media accounts from the past five years, although further details about the required information were not provided.
Additional Data Collection
In addition to social media information, the proposal also suggests collecting applicants’ phone numbers and email addresses used in the last five and ten years, respectively, along with more data about their family members. This aligns with an executive order from Trump aimed at enhancing national security.
Criticism and Potential Impacts
Digital rights groups have criticized this initiative, claiming it could worsen civil liberties violations. Moreover, the immigration law firm Fragomen warned that the additional requirements might lead to longer waiting times for ESTA approvals. Previous changes in travel policies under Trump have reportedly impacted the American tourism industry, with the World Travel & Tourism Council projecting a decline in international visitor spending by 2025.
