US to Scrutinize Foreign Travelers' Social Media History for Five Years

Expansion of Data Collection for U.S. Travelers

A new proposal by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) could require foreign travelers entering the United States to disclose up to five years of their social media history. This initiative, published in the Federal Register, aims to enhance border security by collecting more detailed information from visitors, regardless of whether they come from countries that require a visa.

Under the Visa Waiver Program, citizens from approximately 40 countries, including many in Europe, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and Israel, can enter the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa. They typically apply through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which involves providing basic biographical data, contact details, and paying a $40 fee. The authorization is usually valid for two years.

The proposed changes would significantly expand the data collected during the ESTA application process. Social media activity over the past five years would become a mandatory requirement, although the specific platforms or types of information requested are not outlined. In addition, travelers might need to provide phone numbers used in the last five years, email addresses from the last 10 years, and more detailed family member information, such as names, dates of birth, addresses, and contact details.

Additional Data Collection Measures

The proposal also includes plans to collect additional technical and biometric data from travelers. This could involve IP addresses, metadata from uploaded photos, and biometric identifiers like facial images, fingerprints, DNA, and iris data. CBP has even suggested requiring applicants to submit a selfie as part of the ESTA process. Although facial and fingerprint data are already collected upon arrival at U.S. borders, this change would shift that part of the process to the pre-travel stage.

Another key aspect of the proposal is moving ESTA applications exclusively to a government mobile app, eliminating the option of applying through a website. CBP estimates that over 14 million people per year would use the mobile app if the changes are implemented.

Public Comment and National Security Context

The proposal is open for public comment for 60 days. Authorities claim the measures are part of a broader effort to strengthen border security and address threats to national security and public safety. This follows an executive order signed by President Donald Trump shortly after his second term began.

The Trump administration has taken a stricter approach to immigration and travel in recent years. Social media screening has been expanded for student visas and H-1B visas for highly skilled workers, with applicants required to make their accounts public. Since 2019, all immigrant and non-immigrant visa applicants have had to disclose their social media accounts, a policy first introduced during Trump’s previous presidency.

Reactions and Concerns

The proposal comes after the Republican administration halted all immigration proceedings for individuals from 19 countries under a travel ban, following an attack on the National Guard in Washington, D.C., by an Afghan citizen.

Supporters argue that increased scrutiny is necessary to identify potential security risks, including those who promote violence or terrorism. However, the measure has drawn criticism from digital rights advocates and immigration lawyers, who warn that it could deter visitors and raise civil liberties concerns. Some fear that mandatory disclosure of social media history may lead travelers to self-censor their online comments or avoid traveling to the U.S. altogether, potentially harming the country’s global reputation.

There are also concerns about practical consequences, such as longer processing times for ESTA approvals. Immigration specialists warn that expanding data collection could slow approvals and create uncertainty for travelers planning short visits.

Impact on International Events

The proposal comes ahead of major international events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, which could increase the number of foreign visitors. The World Travel and Tourism Council has stated that the U.S. is the only one of 184 economies expected to see a decline in international visitor spending in 2025.