• Source:JND
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The United States is planning to introduce a new screening requirement that could compel millions of foreign visitors to share up to five years of their social media history before being allowed to enter the country. The proposal, filed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), was posted to the Federal Register and is scheduled for official publication on Wednesday.

If implemented, the rule would apply to travellers from countries covered under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which allows citizens from around 40–42 nations to visit the US without a traditional visa for stays of up to 90 days. These visitors currently travel using the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA).

Expansion Of Security Screening

According to the proposal, ESTA applicants would be required to provide their social media details from the previous five years. However, the document does not specify what kind of information would be collected, which platforms would be included, or how the data would be stored and used.

US officials have framed the potential change as part of broader efforts to strengthen border security. Since returning to office in January, President Donald Trump has pushed for tougher immigration and entry rules, repeatedly citing national security as a key concern.

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The timing of the proposal is also significant. The United States is preparing for a major increase in foreign visitors as it co-hosts high-profile global events, including the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup with Canada and Mexico and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

What ESTA Currently Requires

At present, ESTA requires travellers to submit basic personal information, passport details, employment information, and answers to security-related questions. The application carries a one-time fee of USD 40 and allows multiple short-term visits over a two-year period.

Countries currently covered under the Visa Waiver Program include the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Australia, and dozens of others.

If approved, the new social media disclosure requirement would represent a significant expansion of the information travellers must provide, making it one of the most detailed vetting processes for visa-free travel globally. 

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