The United States government has announced plans to require travellers entering the country under its visa‑waiver programme to submit their social media history for the past five years as part of the entry process, a move aimed at tightening security checks before visitors are allowed into the country.
Under the proposal by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), citizens of about 42 countries currently eligible for visa‑free travel would need to include detailed information on their social media activity when completing the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) application. The list of countries includes long‑time US allies such as the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, France, Japan and others permitted to stay in the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa.
In addition to social media history, the proposal would expand data collection to include emails used over the past decade, phone numbers used in the last five years, and extensive family background information. The application process is also expected to shift from a web portal to a mobile‑only platform under the new rules.
Officials say the expanded vetting is intended to enhance national security and help identify individuals who may pose risks before they board flights to the U.S. However, critics — including civil liberties and travel industry groups — argue the requirement could discourage tourism, infringe on privacy, and harm America’s reputation as a welcoming destination, especially ahead of major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The proposal is currently open for a 60‑day public comment period and has not yet been finalized, meaning it could still be revised before becoming official policy.
