The United States is weighing a new rule that would require visa-free travelers to disclose up to five years of social media history before entering the country.
The proposal, published by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), would apply to travelers using the Visa Waiver Program, which allows citizens of 43 countries — including the UK, EU states, and Japan — to visit the U.S. for up to 90 days with an ESTA authorization.
Under the plan, social media identifiers would become a mandatory part of the ESTA application. Authorities could also request phone numbers used over the past five years, email addresses used in the past decade, biometric data, and details about close family members.
CBP says the measure is aimed at strengthening security screening. The proposal is open for public comment for 60 days and has not been finalized. Privacy groups warn the move could deter travel and raise civil liberties concerns, especially ahead of major events such as the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympics.
Source: Federal Register — Agency Information Collection Activities (official Federal government site)