US Plans Mandatory Disclosure of Social Media History for Foreign Travelers
The United States government, under the Trump administration, has unveiled a proposal that would require all foreign visitors to submit their social media history before being allowed entry into the country.
Details of the proposed policy were released in a notice published in the Federal Register on Tuesday. The document states that travelers would be obligated to provide information on their social media accounts covering the past five years.
According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the measure would apply to applicants using the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which is used by citizens of countries participating in the visa waiver program. ESTA authorizations—valid for two years and costing $40—permit eligible travelers to visit the U.S. for up to 90 days without obtaining a traditional visa.
The notice explains that social media information would become a “mandatory data element” for all ESTA applicants. Travelers would be required to submit their social media identifiers along with other biographical and security-related information.
Currently, visitors from more than 40 approved countries, including the United Kingdom, can enter the U.S. for short stays under the visa waiver program. However, the new requirement, if adopted, would extend to all foreign travelers, regardless of whether they need a visa or qualify for visa-free entry.
CBP says the expansion aims to strengthen security screening and enhance the government’s ability to assess potential risks posed by inbound travelers.
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