New US Travel Requirements Could Stifle International Tourism: Foreign Visitors to Face Social Media Data Scrutiny Starting February

Published on December 15, 2025

In a significant development for international travelers planning visits to the United States, the U.S. government has proposed a new policy that could substantially alter travel plans for millions of foreign visitors. Starting February 8, 2026, travelers from 42 countries eligible for the US visa waiver program will be required to submit their social media handles used within the last five years as part of their Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) application. This marks a major shift in US border control policy, drawing criticism from the U.S. travel and tourism industry, which fears the new measures could severely dampen tourism to the U.S.

Industry Concerns Over Impact on U.S. Tourism

The U.S. Travel Association, a major industry group representing travel businesses, expressed serious concerns regarding the potential “chilling effect” this new policy could have on international tourism. According to the association, the new social media data collection requirement, along with other personal information mandates, could lead travelers to reconsider their trips to the U.S. in favor of other, more open destinations. This policy could lead to a significant decline in the flow of international tourists, who contribute billions of dollars annually to the U.S. economy.

“The policy is unlikely to go unnoticed,” said the U.S. Travel Association. “If implemented as planned, the result could be millions of travelers opting out of visiting the U.S., redirecting their travel plans elsewhere. This not only risks reducing global tourism revenue but could weaken America’s position as a travel destination.”

The new rules, part of broader security measures originally proposed during the Trump administration, also include requests for additional information, such as email addresses from the last ten years and detailed family history. Although the rule affects all visa waiver travelers, it is expected to be most impactful for citizens of countries in Europe and other long-standing U.S. allies.

Understanding the New Travel Requirements: Social Media Data and Personal Information

Under the new policy, foreign visitors to the U.S. who are citizens of visa-waiver countries will be required to provide social media account handles from the past five years. Additionally, the policy will require travelers to disclose not only their personal details such as addresses and birthdates but also information on immediate family members like parents, siblings, and spouses.

For the first time, the U.S. government would have access to social media activity, alongside other personal information, including email addresses used in the last decade. This policy follows the precedent set by the Trump administration’s executive orders, which sought to enhance the scrutiny of foreign travelers to ensure national security. However, critics argue that the new social media requirement crosses a line, potentially infringing on privacy rights and deterring international visitors.

How This Could Affect Global Events Like the 2026 World Cup

The timing of this policy shift coincides with one of the most anticipated global events, the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The U.S. is counting on a major influx of international tourists during the tournament to help boost tourism revenue, which has been sluggish since the policies of the Trump administration took effect.

Despite the optimism surrounding the World Cup, industry professionals are concerned that these new border control measures could discourage international visitors from attending. With the added burden of providing sensitive social media data and personal information, potential tourists may choose to visit countries with less invasive entry requirements.

Will the New Policy Affect Only Social Media Accounts or All Online Data?

While the primary focus of the new policy is on social media accounts, the broader implications of the rule may also create confusion regarding which online activities will be scrutinized. According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the scope of social media information to be submitted includes handles from platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and others. The added requirement for email addresses and family-related data further complicates the process, potentially making it more difficult for travelers to comply.

For many tourists, the prospect of submitting this level of detailed personal information before even stepping foot in the U.S. raises questions about privacy and data security. Travelers may feel that they are being asked to expose too much of their personal lives to the U.S. government, which could deter them from following through with their travel plans.

The Future of U.S. Travel: Can the Industry Bounce Back?

The U.S. travel industry has expressed hopes that this policy will be re-evaluated before it takes effect. With billions of dollars at stake, the potential consequences of these new regulations on the tourism sector cannot be ignored. A major part of the appeal of the U.S. as a travel destination has been its relatively easy entry requirements for foreign nationals, particularly those from the 42 countries in the visa waiver program.

While security measures are important, the U.S. Travel Association urges the government to balance security concerns with the need to maintain the U.S.’s position as a global leader in tourism. The 2026 World Cup, expected to attract millions of international visitors, may be the tipping point that prompts the U.S. government to reconsider the full extent of its new travel data requirements.

Public Opinion and Industry Advocacy: What Comes Next?

As the public comment period on the new rules continues, stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality industries are pushing for a reconsideration of the proposed changes. Travel agencies, hotel chains, and airlines have all expressed concern that these new measures could deter foreign visitors, especially those in the key markets of Europe and Asia.

It remains to be seen how the public response to the policy will shape the final version of the rule. As global travel ramps up, it is crucial that the U.S. government balances national security with the economic benefits that come from a thriving tourism industry. The coming months will likely see continued debates, public outcry, and calls for adjustments to the policy.