US to Require Five-Year Social Media History for Visa Waiver Tourists: What You Need to Know

Published on December 11, 2025

In a significant update to the travel authorization process, the United States has announced that it will require tourists from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries to submit their social media history as part of their Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) application. The move, which will impact travellers from countries including the UK, Australia, France, and Japan, requires visitors to provide up to five years’ worth of social media activity when applying for entry into the U.S.

The change is part of a broader effort by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to tighten security measures, following recent high-profile security incidents and the Trump administration’s ongoing concerns about foreign visitor vetting. These new requirements, which have opened a 60-day public comment period, are intended to bolster the U.S.’s efforts to review and assess incoming visitors more thoroughly.

What the New Rules Mean for Tourists

The new requirement will primarily affect tourists visiting the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program, which allows citizens of specific countries to travel to the U.S. for short stays without requiring a visa. As part of their ESTA application, travellers will now need to submit their social media history spanning up to five years, including accounts for popular platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Additionally, the CBP has also outlined new procedures to collect other sensitive information. This includes email addresses used in the past ten years, telephone numbers from the past five years, and family member details. In a bid to enhance the accuracy of identity verification, applicants will also be required to upload a selfie as part of their application process. This will improve the verification system, ensuring that the person applying for travel is indeed the one submitting the information.

The Bigger Picture: Enhanced Scrutiny of Digital Footprints

This move reflects a global trend towards digital scrutiny, with many countries increasingly focusing on a person’s digital footprint as a key part of their security protocols. The U.S. had already introduced similar requirements for visa applicants, and now this policy extension applies to the ESTA system for Visa Waiver Program tourists. While these measures are seen as a way to protect national security, they also raise questions about privacy and the extent to which governments should have access to an individual’s digital history.

For tourists and business travellers planning to visit the U.S., it is crucial to ensure that all social media handles and data are correctly disclosed when applying for ESTA, as failure to do so could lead to visa denial and disqualification for future travel authorizations.

What’s at Stake for Business and Tourism Travel

For business travellers, this means an extra layer of paperwork before visiting the U.S. to attend conferences, meetings, or corporate events. While the added step is designed to enhance security, it could delay travel plans or even block entry if there are discrepancies in social media history or if travelers do not comply with the new requirements.

Tourists looking to explore the U.S. or visit family members will also need to prepare for these changes. Those who are unaware of the new rules may find their trips delayed or rejected, especially as privacy concerns grow regarding what is shared during the ESTA process. Those who engage in frequent travel will need to stay updated on policy changes and ensure their digital presence is clean and compliant.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Prepare for the New ESTA Process

1. Gather Your Social Media Handles

• Make sure you know the social media platforms you’ve used in the past five years. This includes Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and any other platforms that might require submission.

2. Review Your Digital History

• Take a look at the content you’ve posted on these platforms. Ensure that everything complies with U.S. travel rules. Posts related to illegal activities, violence, or controversial content might raise red flags.

3. Include All Required Information

• Along with your social media details, be ready to provide email addresses, telephone numbers, and family member details as required by the new ESTA application guidelines.

4. Upload a Selfie

• This is a new requirement to help with identity verification. Ensure that your selfie is clear and follows the guidelines provided by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

5. Be Transparent and Accurate

• Double-check that the information you provide is accurate. Providing false information or omitting social media profiles could lead to the rejection of your ESTA and disqualification for future U.S. travel.

6. Stay Updated

• Keep an eye on any changes to the ESTA process or public comments regarding the policy update. Government websites, such as CBP.gov and Travel.State.gov, will provide the most accurate and current information.

Key Points to Remember:

• Five-year social media history required for U.S. tourists from Visa Waiver countries.
• This includes email addresses, phone numbers, and family details.
• Selfies will be required for identity verification.
• Failure to disclose correct information can result in visa denial or future eligibility issues.
• Tourists and business travellers should review their digital history and be aware of these changes before applying for ESTA.

Conclusion: Preparing for New Travel Rules to the U.S.

As the U.S. government tightens its border security measures with the inclusion of social media checks for travellers from Visa Waiver Program countries, it is crucial for tourists and business travellers to adapt. By preparing the necessary documents and social media details in advance, travellers can ensure a smooth application process for their ESTA and avoid potential delays or denials.

For those planning to visit the U.S. in the coming months, understanding and complying with the new rules will help avoid any surprises. The introduction of these measures marks a growing trend toward increased scrutiny of digital footprints globally, which will likely become a standard part of international travel in the years to come.

Disclaimer: The Attached Image in This Article is AI Generated