France Joins Germany, Italy, Spain, UK, Poland, and Others in Facing Travel Changes in US Under New ESTA Social Media Verification Rules: Everything You Need To Know

Published on December 11, 2025

France joins Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK, Poland, and other nations in facing new ESTA travel changes. These involve social media verification, raising privacy concerns and complicating US travel. As part of the US Department of Homeland Security’s updated regulations, travelers from visa-waiver countries, including these European nations, will be required to provide social media accounts, biometric data, and other personal information during the ESTA application process. This marks a significant shift in how travelers will be scrutinized before entering the US, potentially leading to delays and added complexity for those used to the previous, simpler system. With privacy issues taking center stage, citizens from these countries will now have to navigate these new requirements, which could have a profound impact on tourism, business travel, and international relations. Here’s what you need to know about how these changes will affect travelers from France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK, Poland, and beyond.

New ESTA Rule: More Scrutiny, New Requirements

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have formally proposed expanding the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) requirements for Visa Waiver Program travelers. Beyond requiring ESTA for all VWP entries via a mobile-only process, the rule would make five years of social media history, phone numbers, emails, family data, biometric info, and photo uploads mandatory. The public comment period is open for 60 days; the rule isn’t final yet but aims for mid-2026 implementation.

Germany: A Digital Dilemma for Europe’s Powerhouse

As the largest economy in Europe, Germany will face significant challenges due to the new social media verification requirements under the ESTA proposal. With a large number of travelers visiting the U.S. annually, the additional scrutiny could raise privacy concerns, especially as Germany has strong data protection laws. German citizens may experience delays in their ESTA applications due to the extra information required, such as social media accounts and biometric data. Moreover, the potential for increased surveillance could prompt concerns regarding personal freedoms and data privacy within Germany.

France: Privacy Concerns in the Land of Liberté

France, the largest country in the EU by land area and the third-largest economy in Europe, will be directly impacted by the new ESTA proposal. French travelers will need to disclose their social media accounts, leading to potential delays in processing time. French citizens, known for their strong stance on privacy rights, may also voice concerns over the broader implications of digital surveillance and the potential for misunderstanding or misinterpretation of online content. These changes could deter some French tourists and businesspeople from visiting the U.S., impacting bilateral tourism and trade.

United Kingdom: Extra Steps for British Travelers

As the second-largest economy in Europe and a significant player in international business and tourism, the United Kingdom will experience a shift in how its citizens travel to the U.S. under the new ESTA proposal. UK travelers will face extra steps when applying for ESTA, with social media disclosures and biometric data collection potentially raising privacy concerns. The requirement to use a mobile app instead of the website for application could further complicate the process for British travelers who are accustomed to the existing system. This could have an adverse effect on UK-U.S. relations, especially in the realm of business and tourism.

Italy: Privacy Rights at the Crossroads of Travel

Italy, with the third-largest population in the EU and the fourth-largest economy in Europe, will face a notable change in the travel process due to the ESTA proposal. Italians will now be required to provide more personal information, including social media accounts and biometric data, adding time and complexity to the ESTA application. The increased scrutiny could be viewed as invasive, especially in a country where privacy is an essential cultural value. Furthermore, the mobile-only application requirement could present challenges for travelers who prefer using websites for official processes.

Spain: New Travel Rules Could Slow Spain’s US Bound Visitors

Spain, the second-largest country in the EU by land area and the sixth-largest economy in Europe, will also be impacted by the new ESTA rule. With a growing number of Spanish citizens visiting the U.S. for tourism and business, the new social media verification requirements could cause delays in their travel planning. Spaniards might be concerned about their privacy, particularly given Spain’s strong focus on individual rights. The potential for misinterpretation of social media posts or cultural expression could create tensions for Spanish travelers, especially in the realm of free speech and online expression.

Poland: Privacy and Digital Rights on the Horizon

Poland, with its substantial population of approximately 38 million, will see significant changes to the ESTA process for its citizens. As one of the largest countries in Central Europe, Poland has a growing number of travelers to the U.S. who will now need to navigate the more stringent application process. The disclosure of social media accounts and personal data could raise concerns about privacy, especially considering Poland’s increasing push for digital rights protection. The extra 22 minutes required for application completion may seem like a minor issue, but for many Polish travelers, it could become a significant inconvenience.

France joins Germany, Italy, Spain, UK, Poland, and other nations in facing new ESTA travel changes. These involve social media verification, raising privacy concerns and complicating US travel. Here’s what you need to know.

Conclusion

France, along with Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK, Poland, and other nations, is now facing significant travel changes to the US under the new ESTA social media verification rules. These updates introduce increased scrutiny and privacy concerns, as travelers will be required to share detailed personal information, including social media accounts, biometric data, and contact information. While these measures aim to enhance security, they may lead to delays and complications for travelers from these countries. As the implementation of these changes approaches, it’s crucial for international travelers to stay informed about the new requirements and adjust their travel plans accordingly.