New Travel Rule Under Consideration
The United States is considering a new rule that would require visitors from visa-free countries to share their social media activity from the last five years. This change would impact travellers from nations like the UK, France, Australia, Japan, and others who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
Currently, ESTA only asks for basic personal information. The new proposal would greatly expand that list. Applicants would need to provide past phone numbers, old email addresses, and family details. These additions come as President Donald Trump pushes for stricter border controls, which he says are necessary for national security.
Why the Timing Matters
The US expects a large wave of tourists in the coming years. It will co-host the 2026 men’s football World Cup and later host the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Critics argue that tougher entry rules may discourage visitors, especially those who worry about digital privacy.
Officials submitted the proposal to the Federal Register, which makes it open for public feedback for 60 days. The document does not explain exactly what social media information applicants must reveal.
A Broader Trend of Tighter Screening
The Trump administration already asks student visa and H1B visa applicants to make their social media accounts visible to US authorities. Those changes also came with higher fees. Supporters say these measures protect Americans from foreign threats. They argue that stronger screening helps detect people who support terrorism or violent hate.
At the same time, the administration plans to expand a travel ban that affects 19 countries in Africa, the Middle East, and the Caribbean. That announcement followed a recent attack on National Guard members in Washington DC.
Digital Rights Concerns
Digital rights groups warn that the new rule could harm civil liberties. Sophia Cope from the Electronic Frontier Foundation said the plan threatens privacy and may create new risks for travellers. Immigration lawyers also expect longer wait times for ESTA approvals, which could make trips harder to plan.
Impact on Tourism
Tourism experts say these policies are already affecting travel to the US. Earlier this year, the World Travel & Tourism Council predicted a drop in international visitor spending in 2025. Out of 184 countries, the US was the only one expected to see a decline.
Relations with Canada have also affected tourism. Many Canadians have avoided traveling to the US in protest of Trump-era tariffs. October marked the tenth month in a row where fewer Canadians crossed the border.
