The United States is moving to introduce a new security requirement that will compel travelers from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries to submit up to five years of their social media history before entering the country. The proposal, released by U.S. Customs and Border Protection in the Federal Register, expands the information required on the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), the platform used to determine eligibility for 90-day visa-free travel.
The requirement stems from an executive order signed in January and will mandate applicants to list social media accounts used over the past five years. CBP is also requesting additional data, including phone numbers, email addresses, IP addresses, family names, and biometric identifiers such as fingerprints and facial recognition, when available.
The rule will apply to all VWP countries, covering most of Europe, along with Australia, Japan, South Korea and other eligible nations. The proposal has been opened for a 60-day public comment period before final approval.
The move marks another step in the U.S. government’s broader tightening of immigration controls. According to the U.S. State Department, 85,000 visas have been revoked since January, more than double last year’s total, reflecting heightened scrutiny across entry pathways.
