The United States is considering a significant policy change regarding visa-free travelers. Under the proposed regulations, visitors using the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) will need to grant access to their social media histories for the past five years.
New Proposal for ESTA Applicants
The new requirements mainly impact travelers from the 42 countries that currently enjoy visa-waiver status. This list includes nations like Australia, France, Germany, Japan, and the United Kingdom.
- Visa-free access is facilitated through ESTA, which costs approximately $40 (€34).
- Travelers must provide extensive personal information as part of their applications.
Mandatory Social Media Access
Under the latest proposal, ESTA applicants would be required to share their social media activities on platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and X. This access is intended to improve national security by enabling authorities to review potential risks associated with travelers.
Additional Information Requirements
Aside from social media access, applicants must disclose:
- Phone numbers used in the past five years.
- Email addresses from the last decade.
- Details about family members.
- Biometric data.
Regulatory Process
This proposal was officially published in the Federal Register and will be subjected to a 60-day public comment period. Once this period concludes, the proposal can be enacted unless legally challenged.
The U.S. administration views this measure as essential for safeguarding the nation against foreign threats, reinforcing its commitment to national security.
