In a new proposal affecting travelers, the United States may soon require visitors from 42 countries to disclose five years of their social media history. This measure is part of an initiative by the Department of Homeland Security, specifically through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Changes to the Visa Waiver Program
The updated requirements will apply to individuals utilizing the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) under the Visa Waiver Program. This program allows citizens from countries such as the UK, Germany, and Japan to visit the U.S. for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa.
New Information Requirements
Currently, ESTA applicants share limited information, including their parents’ names and an email address. The new proposal includes:
- Five years of social media activity.
- Email addresses used over the last ten years.
- Phone numbers utilized in the past five years.
- Detailed family history, including places of birth.
- Biometric data such as fingerprints, DNA, and iris scans.
This marks a shift from previous applications, where social media disclosure was optional since its introduction in 2016.
Rationale Behind the Changes
The administration has cited national security concerns as the primary reason for more stringent screening. These changes align with an executive order signed by former President Donald Trump in January aimed at enhancing the vetting of travelers to mitigate potential security threats.
Public Feedback Opportunity
The public has a window of 60 days to comment on these proposed rules before they can be finalized. Notably, travelers from non-visa waiver countries have been required to submit their social media details for some time, a policy maintained through different administrations.
As these changes are under evaluation, travelers are urged to stay informed about the evolving requirements for entry into the United States.
