US to Require Social Media History from Foreign Tourists

US Proposes Mandatory Social Media Screening for Visa-Free Travelers

The United States is moving to implement one of the most extensive digital border screening measures in its history. Under a new proposal from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), tourists from visa waiver countries – including the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, and 38 other nations – would be required to provide five years of social media history when applying for travel authorization.

What the New Requirements Entail

The proposed changes to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would make social media disclosure mandatory for the first time. Currently, travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries can voluntarily provide social media account information, but the new rules would require disclosure of all accounts used over the past five years.

According to the CBP proposal, applicants would also need to provide phone numbers and email addresses used over the past five to ten years, detailed information about close family members, and upload selfies for identity verification. Even after departure, travelers might need to confirm they've left the United States.

'These measures are necessary to protect the United States from foreign terrorists and other threats to national security,' wrote CBP in their proposal document.

Broader Immigration Crackdown

The social media screening proposal is part of a broader immigration policy shift under the Trump administration. Since returning to office in January 2025, President Donald Trump has implemented several measures tightening border controls and immigration procedures.

Foreign students applying for U.S. visas have been required to provide social media information since summer 2025, with potential denial for expressing 'anti-American sentiments.' The administration has also maintained travel bans for residents of 19 countries across Africa, the Middle East, and the Caribbean, with possible expansions under consideration.

European travelers have already experienced increased scrutiny at U.S. borders. Earlier this year, German and French tourists were detained and deported after being stopped at border crossings, according to multiple reports.

European Travel Advisories and Impact

Several European countries have updated their travel advisories for the United States in response to stricter border controls. The Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Ireland, and the United Kingdom have all warned citizens about potential issues when traveling to the U.S.

The Dutch foreign ministry specifically updated its advice for LGBTQ+ travelers, noting different laws and customs across U.S. states. Germany's advisory explicitly states that 'entry authorization does not guarantee admission,' emphasizing that border officials have final authority.

These warnings come amid a significant decline in European travel to the United States. According to the Dutch Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (ANVR), bookings from the Netherlands to the U.S. fell by 30% in March 2025 compared to the previous year.

Travel Industry Response

Despite the proposed changes, the travel industry remains cautiously optimistic. 'We need to see how this plays out in practice. Travel restrictions are never good, but I don't expect this will deter people from traveling in principle,' said an ANVR spokesperson to ANP news agency.

Interestingly, the ANVR reported a turnaround in fall 2025, with bookings in September and October 'substantially higher' than the previous year. The organization expects continued growth in 2026, partly due to favorable exchange rates for eurozone tourists and the FIFA World Cup being hosted in the United States.

However, overall international travel to the U.S. has declined significantly. The International Trade Administration reported fewer foreign visitors since the Trump administration's policies took effect, with some European countries seeing double-digit percentage drops in travel to America.

Privacy Concerns and Implementation Timeline

The proposed social media screening has raised significant privacy concerns among digital rights advocates. Critics argue that requiring five years of social media history represents an unprecedented invasion of privacy for tourists from allied nations.

The proposal is currently open for public comment through February 9, 2025, and may undergo revisions before final implementation. If approved, the new requirements would affect approximately 42 countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program, which allows citizens to visit the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa.

The ESTA system, introduced in 2008, currently requires a $40 fee and pre-screens travelers against terrorist watchlists. The proposed changes would represent the most significant expansion of the system since its inception.

As border security measures continue to evolve in an increasingly digital world, the balance between security and privacy remains a contentious issue for international travelers and governments alike.