Malta Joins Sweden, Italy, Germany, France, Denmark, Portugal, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, South Korea, And More As US Implements Stricter Visa Requirements With DNA And Social Media Vetting

Published on December 13, 2025

The US is set to implement stricter visa requirements, impacting travelers from countries like Malta, Sweden, Italy, Germany, France, and more. These new rules, set to take effect in January 2025, will require applicants to provide extensive biometric data, including DNA, fingerprints, and iris scans. The changes, part of a broader security initiative, aim to enhance border control measures and ensure the safety of US citizens. In addition to biometric information, travelers will also need to disclose personal details such as social media accounts, contact information, and family data, marking a significant shift in the visa application process. This heightened scrutiny underscores the growing trend of increasing border security worldwide.

The US is set to implement new regulations for tourist visa applicants, including the requirement for some to submit biometric data, such as DNA. These changes, aimed at bolstering national security, could make it more challenging to travel to the United States, especially for those seeking to use the popular Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

The new measures, championed by former President Donald Trump, are part of a broader initiative to enhance security and address concerns about foreign nationals posing potential risks. According to an announcement in the Federal Register, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will soon introduce additional data fields in the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). These new rules, which are set to be enforced by January 2025, will require travelers to provide sensitive biometric information, including facial scans, fingerprints, iris scans, and even DNA samples.

This shift follows an Executive Order issued in 2025 aimed at protecting the country from terrorism and other security threats. The order mandates that all travelers entering the US under the VWP submit this personal information. The move aligns with a growing trend in global border security measures, where countries are increasingly using biometrics to vet and track travelers.

In addition to the biometrics requirement, applicants will need to provide a range of personal and contact information. This includes phone numbers, email addresses, IP addresses, and metadata from any electronic photos submitted with their applications. Travelers will also be asked to provide information about their family members, including names, phone numbers, dates of birth, places of birth, and residences. Business-related information such as telephone numbers and email addresses from the last few years will also be required.

One of the most controversial aspects of the new regulations is the mandatory inclusion of social media accounts from the last five years. This is part of a broader push to enhance security by monitoring applicants’ online activity. Applicants will need to disclose their social media usernames, which will then be vetted by US authorities as part of the application process.

The ESTA system, which determines whether travelers are eligible to enter the US under the VWP, has long been a convenience for citizens of certain countries. It allows travelers to enter the US for business or tourism without requiring a visa, provided they meet specific criteria. The system collects biographical data and answers to various eligibility questions, streamlining the process for travelers from VWP countries.

As part of the changes, ESTA applicants will be required to provide additional details not previously asked for, such as a detailed history of their phone and email use over the past five years. This marks a significant departure from the relatively simple application process of the past.

For those traveling from countries that participate in the VWP, this change will have major implications. Nationals of VWP countries currently enjoy visa-free access to the US for short stays. However, under the new rules, even travelers who were once able to enter the US with minimal paperwork may find themselves facing new scrutiny. Those who have used ESTA in the past will need to adapt to these new requirements when applying for future visits.

The list of countries that participate in the VWP is extensive, including nations such as the UK, Japan, Germany, and Australia. These countries enjoy the privilege of providing their citizens with visa-free access to the US, as long as they meet the necessary criteria. However, with the introduction of these additional data fields and biometric requirements, travelers from these nations will likely face more invasive scrutiny than ever before.

Here is a breakdown of the countries that currently participate in the VWP, and which will be affected by the new rules:

• Andorra
• Australia
• Austria
• Belgium
• Brunei
• Chile
• Croatia
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Ireland
• Israel
• Italy
• Japan
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Monaco
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Qatar
• San Marino
• Singapore
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• South Korea
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Taiwan
• United Kingdom (subject to specific residency conditions)

This expansion of requirements comes amid growing concerns over global security, with many countries taking extra precautions to ensure the safety of their citizens. By increasing the amount of personal information required, the US government hopes to enhance its ability to monitor and vet travelers before they enter the country.

However, the new measures have sparked criticism from privacy advocates who argue that these new requirements could be overly intrusive. Concerns have been raised about the potential for misuse of personal data, as well as the difficulties travelers may face in providing such extensive information. For many, the increased burden of submitting biometrics and personal data could create significant barriers to travel, especially for those who are not comfortable with sharing such sensitive details.

Despite these concerns, the US government remains focused on enhancing its security protocols, aiming to create a safer travel environment for all. As the changes are set to take effect in January 2025, travelers planning to visit the US will need to familiarize themselves with the new ESTA requirements and ensure they meet all necessary criteria to avoid delays or complications during the application process.