US May Require Foreign Tourists to Share 5-Year Social Media History for Entry

Tourists from the UK and dozens of other countries could soon be required to hand over five years of their social media history to US authorities as a condition for entry, according to a new proposal.

The potential rule change, unveiled by American officials, would affect travellers from approximately 40 nations who currently benefit from visa-free travel to the US for up to 90 days through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

The move is part of a broader effort by President Donald Trump, since his return to the White House in January, to tighten US border security, citing national security concerns. The proposal, filed by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), appeared in the Federal Register.

Analysts suggest the plan could create hurdles for potential visitors and raise concerns about their digital rights. The US anticipates a significant increase in foreign tourists next year, coinciding with its co-hosting of the men’s football World Cup with Canada and Mexico, and in preparation for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

While the proposal mandates the provision of social media data spanning five years, it lacks specifics on the exact information required. Beyond social media, applicants may also need to submit email addresses and phone numbers used over the past five and ten years respectively, as well as details about their family members.

The initiative builds on previous Trump administration policies, including requirements for student and skilled worker visa applicants to make their social media accounts public. A senior state department official previously defended these measures, stating, “It is an expectation from American citizens that their government will make every effort to make our country safer, and that is exactly what the Trump Administration is doing every single day.”

The DHS has been contacted by the BBC for comment. Sophia Cope, of the Electronic Frontier Foundation, criticised the plan, telling the New York Times that it “could exacerbate civil liberties harms.” Immigration law firm Fragomen has also suggested the new requirements could lead to longer processing times for ESTA applications.

Concerns are also growing about the potential impact on the US tourism industry. The World Travel & Tourism Council recently reported that the US is the only one of 184 economies analysed expected to see a decline in international visitor spending in 2025. Furthermore, policies have led to boycotts, with Canadian travel to the US declining for ten consecutive months, representing a loss of over 20 billion pounds annually, according to the US Travel Association.

The proposal is now open for public comment for a period of 60 days, offering an opportunity for individuals and organisations to voice their opinions on the potential changes.

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