Tourists from dozens of countries—including the UK, France, Australia, and Japan—could be required to submit a five-year social media history as a condition of entry to the United States under a new government proposal.
The measure would apply to travelers from about 40 nations eligible to visit the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa, provided they complete an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) form.
The proposal, filed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), also calls for collecting applicants’ telephone numbers from the past five years, email addresses from the past decade, and more detailed information about family members.
Currently, the ESTA application requires limited personal data and a one-time fee of $40. The proposed expansion cites a January executive order from President Donald Trump titled “Protecting the United States From Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats.”
While the document states that “the data element will require ESTA applicants to provide their social media from the last 5 years,” it does not specify which platforms would be included or how the information would be assessed. The BBC has contacted DHS for comment.
The plan emerges as the U.S. prepares for a surge in visitors ahead of major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup—co-hosted with Canada and Mexico—and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Analysts warn the requirement could deter tourism and raise significant digital privacy concerns, posing a new obstacle for millions of visa-free travelers.
By James Kisoo
