Dec 15, 2025
3 min read
Citizens of dozens of countries using the Electronic Travel Authorization (ESA) system must provide information about their social networks and other information when the plan is in effect.
The US plans to request 5 years of public history from tourists visiting the country
- By James Fitzgerald
- Title of the article, message
Travelers from dozens of countries could be forced to provide five years of social media history as a condition of entering the United States, according to a new proposal presented by the US government.
The new agreement uses the electronic system for travel authorization (ESTA), which allows us to visit for 90 days, including citizens of Chile and Spain.
Since returning to the White House, President Donald Trump has taken steps to refer to national security, national security.
Analysts say the new plans could create barriers for potential visitors or infringe on their digital rights.
Washington is expecting more foreign tourists next year as Los Angeles hosts the World Cup with Canada and Mexico next year.
The Department of Media Protection (DBP) was introduced by the Department of Defense (DHS), of which the agency is a part.
US media reported that it appeared in the Federal Register, which is the official government journal.
A CBP spokesperson told CBP that "nothing has changed" for newly arrived travelers, but "this is not the last step, but only the first step in discussing new policy options to ensure the safety of the American people."
What did I say or what did I plan?
The proposal says that ESTA applicants will be "forced to provide their social networks from the last 5 years", but does not specify what specific information will be required.
The current ESTA requires a relatively limited amount of information from travelers, as well as a one-time payment of US $ 40. It is accessible to citizens of about 40 countries, including Chile, Spain, the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Australia and Japan, and allows them to visit the United States several times over a two-year period.
In addition to collecting information from social networks, the new request also proposes to collect phone numbers and email addresses that the applicant has used in the past 5 to 10 years, as well as more information about their family members.
The campaign directive, which he called "protecting the United States from foreign enemies for the safety of families and public safety."
The measure is still a proposal and a 60-day period has been opened to collect public comments.
Sofia The Digital Rights Foundation of the Electronic Frontier Foundation criticized the plan, saying it would "damage civil liberties" to the New York Times.
Immigration law firm Bergoman, for its part, suggested there could be practical implications as applicants may have to wait longer for ESTA approval.
Experts have already speculated that Trump's travel policy changes have affected the US tourism industry.
Earlier this year, the World Travel and Tourism Council said that all of the 184 economies it analyzed are expected to see a decline in international visitors by 2025.
"Presence Online"
The Trump administration has previously announced social media accounts when persuading immigrants to apply for student visas or H-1B visas for skilled workers.
Depital State said it will undertake a review of the "online presence" of the "candidate and have relied on the privacy profile if" this option was made.
An announcement on the website of the US Embassy in Mexico said some visa applicants are required to list all usernames or social media handles for all platforms they have used in the past five years.
Please note that failure to provide all social media information may result in current and future visa denials.
"Americans expect that their government will do everything in her power to keep our country safe, and the last section of the country has a evidence in the national policy.
The government requires its officials to identify people who "protect, aid, or assist foreign terrorists and other threats to national security or who commit illegal acts of anti-Semitic violence or violence."
Washington recently accused it of a current travel ban that affects 19 countries in Africa, the Middle East and the Americas, including Cuba and Venezuela. It could soon be extended as part of a broader policy.
This came after the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C.announced.By a man from Afghanistan.
This Wednesday, a CBP spokesperson said that social media monitoring of visitors is also possible in response to the attack.
“[The Department of Homeland Security] is constantly looking at how to screen people coming into the country, especially in the wake of the terrorist attacks in Washington.
Other Trump administration policies also appear to be affecting tourism, with many Canadians boycotting trips to the US to protest Washington's tariffs.
October marked the 10th consecutive month of decline in Canadian tourist arrivals to the neighboring country.
In the past, Canadians accounted for a quarter of all international visitors spending more than $20 billion a year, according to the United States Travel Association.
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