US Proposes Mandatory Social Media Checks for Visa-Waiver Travellers

The United States is proposing a new rule requiring foreign tourists, including those from visa-waiver countries, to provide mandatory social media history as part of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) process.

The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said the expanded requirements would apply to nationals of the 42 countries eligible for visa-free entry, including allies such as the UK, France, Australia, Germany and Japan.

Under the proposal, travellers would also have to provide “high-value data,” including phone numbers and email addresses from the past decade, along with biometric details such as facial data, fingerprints, DNA and iris scans. They would additionally need to share basic information about close family members.

The proposed changes could complicate travel ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the US will co-host with Canada and Mexico. FIFA expects around 5 million fans at US stadiums and millions more visitors across North America.

Critics warn the plan could harm digital privacy, slow application processing and deter tourism. President Donald Trump, however, said he is “not concerned,” emphasising safety and security, according to the BBC.

Though the new rule would not apply to Indians, the US State Department had earlier announced an expansion of its “online presence review” to include H-1B applicants and their dependents.