New Visa Waiver Program rules may require social media history

The Trump administration is considering a major expansion of the information required from international travelers entering the United States under the Visa Waiver program. According to a notice issued this week by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), visitors from many countries enjoy visa-free access to provide extensive data on communications activities.

Currently, citizens of 42 countries are eligible to enter the US for business or tourism purposes without obtaining a visa. Those travelers can stay for up to 90 days and often complete the process through the electronic system for travel authorization (eSta), an online application designed to verify eligibility and screen for security concerns. Under the proposed changes, this process will be more comprehensive and more transparent, reflecting a greater effort by the administration to strengthen immigration and border control.

Countries participating in the Visa Waiver program include the closest allies of the United States. In Europe, this group includes the United Kingdom, Germany, France and several other nations. Elsewhere, countries such as Australia, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea also enjoy Visa-free travel rights. Travelers from these nations have traditionally faced fewer barriers when visiting the US, but the proposed waivers could significantly change that.

Proposed changes to ESTA

The DHS notice outlined several new requirements for visa applicants. Among the most notable is the authorization of travelers to submit their social media history covering the last five years. In addition, applicants may need to provide details of email accounts used in the last ten years and detailed information of family members, including phone numbers and residential addresses. The administration has emphasized that the collection of social media history will be mandatory, signaling a major increase in the level of scrutiny of travelers who previously managed to enter the US with minimal obstacles.

The changes also see the ESTA process transformed into a mobile-based system. DHS officials say the goal is to streamline the delivery and review of information, but critics say the expanded data requirements could act as travel restrictions and create privacy concerns for international visitors.

SAFETY MEETINGS AND CONDUCT MEETINGS

Customs and Border Protection (CBP), a division of DHS, endorsed the proposed changes as part of the nation’s broader security goals. It goes in line with a major order issued by President Trump earlier this year, which seeks to restrict entry to people deemed a threat by the US. By reviewing travelers’ online activity, social media history, and family communications, CBP officials hope to identify risks existing procedures may pose.

The move is part of a larger, more aggressive push by the Trump administration to tighten disclosure and vetting processes across the US intelligence system. Last year, the administration tightened the processing of overseas visa applicants, making the approval process more difficult. At the same time, people already living in the US who are applying for Asylum, green cards, or citizenship have faced increased screening methods, including background checks and checks on social media use.

Concerns from critics

While the administration will administer these measures necessary for national security, critics warn they could have significant unintended consequences. Travel providers are expressing concern that the requirement to provide five years of social media history and extensive personal information could deter visitors to the United States, particularly from international tourism sources.

The concern comes at a time when the US, along with Canada and Mexico, is preparing to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The event is expected to draw millions of international tourists, and any policies deemed too crazy could reduce attendance and economic benefits. Critics also question the effectiveness of social media as a tool for identifying security risks, arguing that online activity is an unreliable indicator of potential threats.

The proposed Visa Waiver Travers requirements shape broader trends within the US immigration system. US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has directed officials to conduct social media background checks on certain immigration applicants. This includes reviewing the posting, association, and online activity of content that may be considered “anti-American” or otherwise inconsistent with the due process of law.

In addition, Scis emphasized the strict evaluation of applicants “good character of good behavior,” the standard used to determine the suitability of the creation. This assessment now includes an in-depth look at applicants’ behavior, organizations, and online presence. The administration frames these methods to ensure that immigrants granted permanent residence or citizens share the main values ​​and do not pose risks in the United States, but tax groups warn that such decisions can lead to offensive awareness and defensive indicators.

What This Means

If implemented, the proposed changes to the Visa Waiver program will represent one of the most important changes in international travel policies in recent years. The need to submit years of social media data, as well as extensive information on family members and previous email accounts, are common identification checks. Advocates of stricter border controls say these measures are necessary to protect national security in an era of increasingly sophisticated threats.

However, the measures also raise important questions about privacy, data security and the balance between security and openness. Travelers may be reluctant to share personal information with the Internet, limiting international travel. In addition, the administrative burden of reviewing large amounts of social media and email data can drain CBP resources and slow application processing.

As the proposal moves through the regulatory review process, including House of Management white office review and the budget, policymakers and stakeholders will need to weigh these concerns.

Disclaimer: This article was created with the help of AI and edited by a human for accuracy and clarity.

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