US Implements Stricter Travel Guidelines By Requesting Five Years Of Social Media Activity And Detailed Personal Data From Visa-Waiver Travelers In New CBP Proposal Aimed At National Security: How This Affects You

Published on December 11, 2025

In response to a recent proposal by Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the US is enforcing more stringent travel regulations for tourists from nations that do not require a visa. Travelers will have to reveal five years of social media activity under this plan, in addition to specific personal data like phone numbers, email histories, and family histories. By enabling the US government to more thoroughly screen prospective travelers prior to their arrival, this proposal seeks to improve national security. It is important for travelers who intend to visit the US to stay up to date on these new regulations because they will result in more intrusive data collection and the possibility of delays or additional complexity in the travel process.

In a move that could significantly impact travelers from 42 countries, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has announced a proposed change to the travel authorization process. The new rules, if enacted, would require visitors from visa-waiver countries to provide an extensive amount of personal information before they can gain entry into the United States. The proposal, published in the Federal Register, calls for the collection of five years’ worth of social media activity, email history, family background, and more, aiming to strengthen national security measures.

Currently, travelers from 42 countries, including the UK, Germany, Japan, and Australia, can use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) to visit the United States without needing a visa. Under the existing system, ESTA automatically screens applicants and grants approval without an in-person interview at a US embassy or consulate. However, with the introduction of these proposed changes, travelers may soon be required to provide significantly more personal data.

What is the ESTA Program?

The ESTA program allows citizens from countries like Germany, Israel, New Zealand, and South Korea to enter the United States for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days without a visa. Previously, ESTA applicants were required to provide only basic information, such as their name, passport details, and the names of their parents. While applicants have always been asked about any criminal background, the system was designed to streamline the process for low-risk travelers.

Since its introduction, ESTA has been a quick and convenient tool for millions of people traveling to the United States. However, the proposed expansion of data collection could fundamentally change how travelers interact with the program.

The New Proposal: What’s Being Requested?

Under the proposed new rules, travelers would be required to disclose five years of their social media activity. This includes details from platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Applicants would also need to submit email addresses used in the past decade, as well as telephone numbers used over the last five years. Additionally, the CBP is considering adding “high-value data fields” to the ESTA application, including metadata from submitted photographs and detailed family background information. This could involve submitting family members’ places of birth, telephone numbers, and possibly other private details.

As part of an ongoing push to enhance security measures, the CBP also intends to gather biometric data, such as fingerprints, as part of the traveler screening process. The proposed changes are being introduced as part of the US government’s broader efforts to improve national security and identify potential threats before they reach US borders.

Social Media and Metadata: Key Concerns for Travelers

One of the most contentious aspects of the new proposal is the collection of social media data. While a question asking for social media information was initially added to the ESTA application in 2016, it was optional. This new proposal would make it mandatory for travelers to disclose their social media activity over the last five years. For many travelers, this raises significant privacy concerns. The CBP has not clarified what specifically would be examined on travelers’ social media accounts, leaving room for uncertainty about the scope of the data collection.

Additionally, the collection of email history and telephone numbers raises questions about how much personal information will be necessary for approval. With email and phone data going back as far as ten years, travelers could be forced to disclose information about their personal and professional lives that many consider private. Critics argue that this move could result in invasive screenings that affect travelers’ ability to visit the US freely and without concern for their privacy.

The National Security Justification

The proposed changes are being justified as a necessary step in the fight against national security threats. The US government has long argued that stronger screening measures are required to protect the country from terrorism and other forms of violence. By gathering more data, officials believe they will be able to make more informed decisions about who is allowed to enter the country.

This push for enhanced screening aligns with an executive order signed by President Donald Trump in 2017, which mandated greater scrutiny of foreign nationals entering the United States. The order called for the collection of additional personal information to prevent the entry of individuals who might pose a risk to national security.

The Impact on International Travelers

For travelers from countries in the Visa Waiver Program, this new proposal could create significant challenges. Although the ESTA process has traditionally been quick and efficient, the expansion of required information may lengthen the approval process and create confusion for those unfamiliar with the new requirements.

Travelers may also face new barriers when attempting to access the US for tourism or business purposes. Those who are uncomfortable with providing the requested data could choose to bypass the ESTA system altogether and apply for a traditional visa, which requires an in-person interview and additional paperwork. This could lead to delays, increased costs, and a more cumbersome process for frequent visitors to the US.

What Travelers Should Know

At this stage, the proposed changes have not yet been implemented, but travelers planning to visit the United States in the future should stay informed. The new requirements could be enforced as early as 2026, meaning travelers from eligible countries may soon be asked to disclose a significant amount of personal information that goes beyond the usual requirements.

To prepare for the potential changes, travelers should be aware of the following:

1. Social Media Disclosure: Travelers will likely be required to provide details about their social media activity for the past five years. This could include the names of social media accounts, posts, and interactions.
2. Email and Telephone History: Applicants may need to submit email addresses and phone numbers used over the past ten years, along with metadata from photos submitted during the application process.
3. Family Background Information: Expect more invasive questions about family members, including their places of birth and contact information.
4. Biometric Data: Fingerprints and other biometric information could become a requirement for entry under ESTA.

The US is introducing stricter travel guidelines, requiring visa-waiver travelers to disclose five years of social media activity and detailed personal data to enhance national security. This change aims to improve screening processes but could lead to delays and more invasive checks for travelers.

The proposed expansion of the ESTA program marks a significant shift in how the United States manages its border security. While the intention behind these changes is to enhance safety, they also raise important questions about privacy and the balance between national security and individual freedoms. As the proposal moves through the regulatory process, travelers will need to monitor developments and understand how these new requirements could affect their plans to visit the United States. In the meantime, it is recommended that travelers from eligible countries stay up-to-date with the latest announcements from US Customs and Border Protection to ensure they are prepared for any changes to the ESTA process.