US Proposes New Social Media Disclosure for Foreign Tourists: What It Means for Global Travelers from Britain, France, Germany, Australia, Japan, and More

Published on December 16, 2025

In a major shift in US immigration policy, foreign tourists from 42 countries, including Britain, France, Germany, Japan, and Australia, could soon be required to share their social media histories as part of the visa process. The US administration’s proposed changes aim to enhance security measures by collecting detailed personal information, including social media activity, biometric data, and contact information. As a result, travelers will need to disclose their online presence from the past five years before visiting the United States. This proposal, tied to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) program, marks a new era of digital surveillance in international travel.

The move could create significant disruption for the travel and tourism industry, which has already faced challenges from travel bans and security concerns. The US Travel Association reports that the tourism sector supports millions of jobs and contributes substantially to the US economy, making these new regulations all the more impactful.

What Does the Proposal Include?

Under the new guidelines, tourists from nations that do not require a traditional visa—such as Britain, Germany, Australia, and France—would be mandated to disclose their social media accounts, including platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and others, covering the previous five years. Along with this, they would have to provide other sensitive data, including biometrics like fingerprints, facial recognition, and even DNA samples in some cases.

Additionally, travelers must provide detailed personal information about their phone numbers, email addresses, and family members’ data. The government claims that these measures are designed to enhance national security by improving the vetting process for travelers.

Why This Could Be a Blow to US Tourism

This proposed rule change is expected to have far-reaching consequences for tourism. The US Travel Association has already estimated a $12.5 billion loss in revenue from foreign tourism this year, and the new social media disclosure requirements are likely to exacerbate this trend. As more travelers become concerned about the loss of privacy and the potential for discrimination based on their social media activity, they may choose to avoid visiting the US.

Moreover, with the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics set to take place in the US, these regulations could negatively affect tourism, especially in cities expected to host large international crowds. Soccer fans and tourists from around the world could face barriers to entry, particularly those who are reluctant to share extensive personal information or feel uneasy about the impact on their privacy.

Global Impact: Which Countries Are Affected?

This new rule would affect citizens of 42 countries, including major international travel hubs such as Britain, France, Germany, Japan, and Australia, who are currently able to travel to the US under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). These countries have long enjoyed favorable travel conditions to the US, making the proposed changes a significant departure from previous policies.

Some of the countries affected by the proposed regulations include:

• Britain
• France
• Germany
• Australia
• Singapore
• New Zealand
• Qatar
• Israel
• Japan

What Travelers Should Know: Tips for Future US Visits

Given the potential for these new rules to impact travel plans, here are a few tips for travelers who may be affected:

• Prepare for Increased Scrutiny: Ensure your social media profiles are consistent with the information you’ve provided in other parts of your application. Inconsistencies may raise red flags.
• Expect Delays: With more data required, processing times for your ESTA application could increase. Be sure to apply well in advance of your intended travel date.
• Monitor Changes: The proposal is currently open for public comment, so keep an eye on the official announcements from the US government to stay informed about any modifications to the policy.
• Consult a Professional: If you have concerns about how the new rules may impact your visa application or ESTA approval, it may be helpful to consult with an immigration lawyer or travel consultant.

A Digital World with More Scrutiny: What’s Next?

While the proposal is still in the comment phase, the US administration is pushing ahead with its broader efforts to tighten immigration controls. The new social media monitoring policy may only be the beginning of increased surveillance of foreign tourists and residents, as the US continues to adapt its immigration system to modern challenges.

These changes could serve as a precedent for other countries, as more nations embrace digital surveillance and data collection as part of their entry requirements. The future of international travel may be one where privacy concerns and security measures collide, forcing travelers to navigate new bureaucratic hurdles.

A Turning Point for US Tourism?

As the world becomes increasingly connected, balancing security with tourism growth remains a challenge for many governments. For the US, this proposal represents a turning point in how it engages with international visitors. Whether it will help safeguard national security or turn away valuable travelers remains to be seen.

The decision on the social media data collection proposal will likely have lasting implications on the US tourism industry, influencing travelers’ decisions for years to come. In the meantime, travelers who are planning a trip to the US should stay informed and prepared for the changes that could shape their travel experience.