What Border Agents Might Ask You to Surrender

New Requirements for US Travelers

Passport? Tickets? Social media history? The United States authorities have proposed new requirements that would demand access to five years of an individual's activity on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or X (formerly Twitter) before issuing an ESTA permit to enter the country. This proposal has raised concerns among travelers, especially those planning to visit the US for events like the 2026 World Cup, family vacations, or business trips.

The proposal comes in response to an executive order by former President Donald Trump, which called for foreign visitors to be "vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible." This means that anyone applying for an ESTA, which is required for most British visitors, could soon need to provide their social media history from the past five years.

Current Process for Traveling to the US

Currently, the majority of British visitors enter the US using an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). This permit costs $40 and allows a stay of up to 90 days within two years. It’s even necessary for transit passengers passing through a US airport.

Applicants can apply online through the official website or app, but they must be cautious to avoid scam sites. For most travelers, the process is straightforward, with permits usually granted within a few hours. However, if an application is rejected—often due to a close match with someone on a watchlist—travelers may need to apply for a more expensive and time-consuming visa.

Social Media Scrutiny at the Border

While social media scrutiny is not currently mandatory, border officials have occasionally asked to see travelers’ phones to examine their social media activity. Some tourists have reportedly been turned away for holding political views that conflict with the current administration.

What’s Changing and Why?

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is proposing to make social media information a mandatory part of the ESTA application. Applicants will be required to provide their social media details from the past five years. This change aims to investigate the background of foreign arrivals “to the maximum degree possible.”

According to the CBP, social media may be used to support or corroborate a traveler’s application information, helping to facilitate legitimate travel by providing additional means to adjudicate issues related to identity, occupation, and previous travel. It may also help identify potential deception or fraud.

Timeline for Implementation

The proposals have been published in the Federal Register, and officials are seeking comments from organizations and individuals. A CBP spokesperson stated that nothing has changed for those coming to the US, emphasizing that this is not a final rule but the first step in discussing new policy options to keep the American people safe.

A new policy could be implemented within months, but for now, there is still a window to apply for an ESTA without having to surrender social media details.

Public Reaction in the UK

Public reaction in the UK has been largely negative. A poll conducted on social media with over 5,000 responses showed that:

• 17% said the change did not bother them.
• 16% said they would comply, reluctantly.
• 28% said they wouldn’t go to the US anyway.
• 40% said they despised the idea and wouldn’t visit.

Julia Lo Bue-Said, chief executive of the Advantage Travel Partnership, warned that these barriers could significantly impact UK travel to the US. She noted that when destinations become harder to reach, British holidaymakers often choose other locations.

Other Countries and Social Media Scrutiny

Other countries do not typically require such detailed social media checks for mere holidaymakers. However, for those heading to North Korea, visa applications are often carefully scrutinized, with officials checking out social media activity before granting permission to visit.

For permanent residents, immigration authorities sometimes compare what applicants have posted online with the information they provided. If discrepancies are found, it could lead to further questioning.

Future Proposals

In addition to social media requirements, the CBP has proposed collecting more information, including:

• Names and dates and places of birth of close family members.
• Telephone numbers used in the last five years by the applicant and their family.
• Email addresses used by the applicant in the last 10 years.

There is even a provision for demanding DNA from applicants, although there is no clear indication of how this would be obtained. The CBP also plans to allow applications only via the official app, aiming to enhance security and improve efficiency.

Conclusion

As the US continues to tighten its border security measures, travelers should be aware of the potential changes and their implications. While the full extent of these policies is still under discussion, it is clear that the landscape of international travel to the US is evolving rapidly.