New U.S. Travel Rule Requiring Social Media Handles for Visa Waiver Visitors Sparks Outrage and Could Deter Global Tourism Ahead of 2026 World Cup

Published on December 12, 2025

A new rule introduced by the Trump administration is causing significant waves in the travel and tourism industry, with travelers from countries in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) now required to provide their social media handles from the past five years. The regulation, set to take effect on February 8, 2025, will impact nationals from 42 countries, primarily from Europe and Australia, who have historically enjoyed the convenience of visiting the United States for up to 90 days without the need for a visa.

What’s Changing for Visa Waiver Travelers?

The U.S. Visa Waiver Program allows citizens from 42 countries to enter the U.S. without a visa for short visits of up to 90 days. However, under the new regulation, travelers under this program will now be required to submit their social media handles, including those used within the last five years, as part of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) form. This change extends the social media requirement, which has already been in place for applicants of immigrant and non-immigrant visas since 2019.

This expansion of the policy is sparking concerns among travel industry stakeholders and tourists alike. The new rule adds a layer of scrutiny, requiring travelers to provide extensive personal information, including not only social media handles but also email addresses used over the past decade, as well as detailed family data, such as the names, birthdates, and birthplaces of parents, siblings, children, and spouses.

Increasing Scrutiny of International Visitors

The new rule stems from an executive order issued by President Trump in January 2020, which directed U.S. authorities to enhance the screening process for foreign visitors. The aim is to gather more information about those seeking to enter the U.S., with an emphasis on ensuring the safety of the American public. While the change is positioned as a necessary step for national security, it raises important questions for the tourism industry, particularly in light of the United States’ role in hosting major global events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

For travelers, the new requirement introduces an extra step in the visa application process. The increased demand for personal data—especially regarding social media—has raised concerns about privacy and whether it could deter tourists from visiting the U.S. As global tourism continues to recover from the pandemic, many fear that this added scrutiny could further discourage international visitors from traveling to the U.S., particularly during the critical period leading up to major international events.

Travel Industry Backlash

The announcement has not been well received by the U.S. travel industry. Industry leaders had been hopeful that global events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the U.S. will co-host with Canada and Mexico, would provide a much-needed boost to the sector, especially after a downturn in tourism since Trump took office. Erik Hansen, head of government relations for the U.S. Travel Association, expressed concerns about the impact the new regulations could have on international visitation. He stressed that while security is important, the U.S. must also balance that with maintaining its attractiveness as a tourist destination.

The U.S. tourism industry has long relied on international visitors, particularly from countries in the Visa Waiver Program, to support its economy. According to Hansen, if the U.S. fails to implement an efficient, secure, and modern vetting process, international visitors may choose to travel to other countries with more streamlined entry requirements.

Political Response and Criticism

The policy has also drawn sharp criticism from political figures. U.S. Senator Patty Murray, a top Democrat from Washington state, voiced her concerns about the proposal, arguing that it is an unnecessary and overly restrictive measure that could discourage tourism. She specifically criticized Stephen Miller, a White House official known for his hardline stance on immigration, as the mastermind behind the new rule. Senator Murray suggested that the policy might as well be a ban on tourism altogether, as it could create an unwelcoming environment for visitors.

The move has also caught the attention of international experts. Bethany Allen, an analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, highlighted how the new U.S. border policy is more invasive than even China’s stringent travel restrictions. This comparison underscores the growing concerns about the U.S. becoming one of the most restrictive destinations for international tourists.

The Impact on U.S. Tourism and the Global Travel Market

The introduction of this new social media requirement may have long-term consequences for U.S. tourism. The travel and hospitality industries are already facing challenges in recovering from the sharp decline in international visitation that followed the implementation of other Trump administration policies. The new vetting process could deter potential visitors who are unwilling to share sensitive personal data, particularly those from European countries that have historically sent large numbers of tourists to the U.S.

The timing of this new policy is particularly concerning, given the impending 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is expected to draw millions of visitors to the U.S. for the global sporting event. Travel businesses had been hoping that the World Cup would help rejuvenate the industry, but this new requirement could potentially discourage tourists from attending, especially those from countries included in the Visa Waiver Program.

Global Tourism at a Crossroads

As the U.S. implements increasingly stringent travel policies, questions remain about how these changes will impact the broader global tourism landscape. While the intent behind the new rule is to improve national security, it risks alienating international tourists, particularly those who are drawn to the U.S. for leisure, business, and cultural exchange. The travel industry is particularly sensitive to any changes that might discourage tourism, as it represents a significant source of revenue for the U.S. economy.

With global events like the World Cup on the horizon, the travel and hospitality sectors will be closely watching how the administration addresses concerns from both industry leaders and political figures. The travel industry’s recovery could depend on whether the U.S. can strike a balance between enhancing security and maintaining its position as a leading destination for international tourism.

Conclusion

The Trump administration’s new rule requiring social media handles and additional personal information from travelers under the U.S. Visa Waiver Program has sparked significant backlash from the travel industry, political leaders, and international experts. While the policy is intended to bolster national security, its potential to discourage tourism to the U.S.—particularly in the lead-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup—has raised concerns across multiple sectors. As the public comment period continues, it remains to be seen how the administration will address the growing opposition to this policy and whether it will have long-lasting implications for the future of U.S. tourism.

[Source: Reuters]