Key Takeaways:
- The US government is proposing to require tourists from dozens of countries to provide a five-year social media history as a condition of entry
- The new condition would affect people from countries eligible to visit the US for 90 days without a visa, as long as they have filled out an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) form
- The proposal also includes the collection of telephone numbers and email addresses used over the last five and 10 years, and more information about family members
- The plan has been criticized by digital rights organizations and immigration law practices, who argue it could pose an obstacle to potential visitors and harm their digital rights
- The US expects a major influx of foreign tourists next year, as it hosts the men’s football World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico, and for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles
Introduction to the Proposal
The US government has unveiled a new proposal that could significantly impact the way tourists from dozens of countries enter the country. Under the plan, visitors from countries eligible to visit the US for 90 days without a visa would be required to provide a five-year social media history as a condition of entry. This new condition would be part of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) form, which is currently required for citizens of about 40 countries, including the UK, Ireland, France, Australia, and Japan. The proposal has been filed by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and is currently open for public comment for 60 days.
Background and Context
The proposal is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to toughen US borders, citing national security as a key reason. Since returning to the White House in January, President Donald Trump has moved to implement various policies aimed at strengthening border security, including a travel ban affecting 19 countries in Africa, the Middle East, and the Caribbean. The administration has also announced plans to examine social media accounts when vetting foreign nationals who apply for student visas or H1B visas for skilled workers. The state department has stated that it will conduct "online presence" reviews for applicants and their dependents, and that privacy settings on all social media profiles must be made "public" so this screening can take place.
Details of the Proposal
The proposal document states that "the data element will require ESTA applicants to provide their social media from the last 5 years", without giving further details of which specific information will be required. In addition to social media information, the proposal also includes the collection of telephone numbers and email addresses used over the last five and 10 years, and more information about family members. The existing ESTA requires a comparatively limited amount of information from travelers, as well as a one-off payment of $40 (£30). The new proposal has been criticized by digital rights organizations and immigration law practices, who argue that it could pose an obstacle to potential visitors and harm their digital rights.
Potential Impact
The proposal has been met with criticism from various groups, including digital rights organizations and immigration law practices. Sophia Cope, of the Electronic Frontier Foundation, has criticized the plan, telling the New York Times that it could "exacerbate civil liberties harms". Meanwhile, immigration law practice Fragomen has suggested that there could be practical impacts, as applicants could face longer waits for ESTA approvals. Experts have previously suggested that the changes to travel policies introduced under Trump have had an impact on the American tourism industry. Earlier this year, the World Travel & Tourism Council said the US was the only one of 184 economies that it analyzed that was expected to see a decline in international visitor spending in 2025.
Impact on Tourism
The proposal could have significant implications for the US tourism industry, which is already facing challenges due to other Trump administration policies. October marked the 10th straight month of decline in the number of Canadian travelers to the US, with many Canadians boycotting US travel as a form of protest against Trump’s tariffs. In the past, Canadians have made up about a quarter of all international visitors to the US, spending more than $20bn (£15.1bn) a year, according to the US Travel Association. The US expects a major influx of foreign tourists next year, as it hosts the men’s football World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico, and for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. However, the new proposal could pose an obstacle to potential visitors, and harm the US tourism industry as a result.
Conclusion
The proposal to require tourists from dozens of countries to provide a five-year social media history as a condition of entry to the US is a significant development in the Trump administration’s efforts to toughen border security. While the administration argues that the plan is necessary to protect national security, critics argue that it could pose an obstacle to potential visitors and harm their digital rights. As the proposal is currently open for public comment, it remains to be seen how it will be received and whether it will be implemented in its current form. However, one thing is clear: the plan has the potential to significantly impact the US tourism industry, and could have far-reaching consequences for the country’s economy and reputation as a welcoming destination for international visitors.