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US proposes social media history for visa-free entry
Travelers from nearly 40 countries, including the UK, France, and Japan, may soon need to disclose five years of social media activity to enter the United States without a visa, under a new proposal by US officials.
Scope and requirements
The rule would apply to citizens of nations eligible for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which allows 90-day visits without a visa. Currently, applicants pay a $40 fee and provide basic personal details. The new proposal would expand this to include:
- Social media history for the past five years
- Phone numbers used over the last five years
- Email addresses from the past decade
- Additional information about family members
The proposal, filed by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), was published in the Federal Register, the US government's official journal. DHS has not yet responded to requests for comment.
National security cited as motivation
The Trump administration has framed the measure as part of broader efforts to strengthen border security. A January executive order, titled "Protecting the United States From Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats," underpins the proposal. Similar requirements already exist for student and skilled worker visas, which also saw fee increases under Trump.
Officials have directed border agents to screen for individuals linked to terrorism or anti-Semitic violence. The administration recently signaled plans to expand a travel ban affecting 19 countries, following a shooting in Washington, DC, involving an Afghan suspect.
Criticism and potential impacts
Digital rights advocates have raised concerns about the proposal's implications. Sophia Cope of the Electronic Frontier Foundation told the New York Times it could "exacerbate civil liberties harms." Immigration law firm Fragomen warned of longer processing times for ESTA approvals, which could deter travelers.
Tourism industry analysts suggest Trump-era policies have already dampened visitor numbers. The World Travel & Tourism Council reported in 2025 that the US was the only economy among 184 expected to see a decline in international visitor spending. Canadian tourism, which accounts for a quarter of US international visitors and over $20 billion in annual spending, has fallen for 10 consecutive months, partly due to boycotts over trade tariffs.
Public feedback and next steps
The proposal is open for public comment for 60 days. If implemented, it could coincide with major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup (co-hosted with Canada and Mexico) and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, both expected to draw large numbers of international visitors.
"It is an expectation from American citizens that their government will make every effort to make our country safer, and that is exactly what the Trump Administration is doing every single day."
Senior State Department official
