US to Require Foreign Tourists to Share 5 Years of Social Media History – What This Means for Global Travelers

Published on December 10, 2025

The Trump administration has announced a controversial plan that could impact foreign tourists entering the United States. According to a notice published in the Federal Register on December 10, 2025, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is proposing to require all foreign visitors to provide their social media history from the past five years as a condition of entry. This proposed rule would apply not only to travelers from countries that require visas to enter the U.S., but also to nationals from countries that do not currently need visas for entry.

Social Media History and Other Data to Be Mandatory for Tourists

Under the new proposal, travelers would be required to disclose their social media history, including the platforms they have used in the past five years. The administration has stated that the disclosure would be mandatory for anyone seeking entry into the U.S., regardless of whether they come from a country with a visa requirement. Currently, nationals from certain countries like the United Kingdom and Germany can travel to the U.S. without a visa through the Electronic System for Travel Authorizations (ESTA). However, this new rule could add an additional hurdle for travelers from these countries.

Impact on Visa-Waiver Countries and Increased Scrutiny

The countries that are part of the visa-waiver program (VWP), such as the United Kingdom, Germany, and several other European nations, would now be affected by this proposed rule. The changes would apply to those travelers as well, who previously enjoyed simpler entry procedures like submitting an ESTA instead of a visa. For these citizens, providing their social media history would be an additional step in the process of entering the U.S.

With U.K. citizens among those who can currently travel to the U.S. without a visa, this proposal has sparked significant concerns, particularly about privacy and the scope of data collection. As part of the new measure, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) would also ask for additional information, including the email addresses, telephone numbers, and the addresses of family members used over the past five years.

Expanding the Collection of Personal Data

In addition to social media histories, the Trump administration is seeking to expand its data collection efforts. The newly proposed rules would require tourists to provide a host of other personal details. These include their email addresses, telephone numbers, and the addresses and names of family members used in the past five years. This move represents a significant expansion of the government’s scrutiny of foreign visitors, raising concerns about the security and management of such sensitive personal data.

Concerns from Privacy Advocates and Civil Rights Groups

The proposal has been met with criticism from privacy advocates, who argue that such data collection could infringe upon individual privacy rights. The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), a digital rights advocacy group, has expressed concern that these actions are part of a broader trend of government surveillance, particularly targeting foreign students and tourists. The EFF has warned that the U.S. government’s intention behind this new requirement could be seen as a means to “surveil and suppress foreign students’ social media activity.” The organization views these moves as part of an ongoing effort to increase the government’s reach over individuals from other countries.

Moreover, the collection of such vast amounts of personal data could present risks related to data breaches and misuse, further raising alarm among advocates of civil liberties. Critics argue that requiring people to hand over their social media histories and personal contact information could disproportionately affect travelers from certain countries and infringe on their right to free expression.

The Broader Context of U.S. Immigration Policies Under the Trump Administration

The proposal to collect social media histories is consistent with the Trump administration’s broader stance on immigration. Throughout his presidency, Donald Trump made a campaign promise to tighten borders and implement stricter immigration controls. This proposal, if enacted, would be one of several steps in the administration’s ongoing efforts to bolster national security by monitoring and controlling foreign visitors more closely.

Additionally, in June 2025, the State Department mandated that certain visa applicants change their social media profiles to public, and this expanded to include H-1B visa applicants and their dependents in 2025. The State Department also announced that it would start reviewing applicants’ online presence as part of their visa applications. These developments signal a clear push by the Trump administration to regulate and monitor online activities as part of its immigration enforcement efforts.

The Timing of the Proposal and Its Potential Impact on the 2026 FIFA World Cup

This proposal comes at a time when the United States is preparing to host the FIFA World Cup in 2026, which is expected to attract millions of international visitors. These events are set to bring large numbers of tourists from countries where travelers do not require visas to enter the U.S., such as the U.K. The World Cup could serve as a catalyst for the new rules, as many of the attendees will likely be from countries that have historically enjoyed visa-free access to the U.S.

The potential implementation of such a policy may make it more challenging for World Cup visitors to attend the tournament, especially those from countries that have traditionally been eligible for the Visa Waiver Program. While the proposal aims to enhance security, it also risks complicating the travel plans of thousands of fans attending the event.

Public Feedback and the Future of the Proposal

The Department of Homeland Security has provided a 60-day window for the public to comment on the proposal, which will allow citizens, privacy advocates, and international travelers to express their opinions on the potential impact of the new regulations. The proposal is still in the early stages, and it remains to be seen how public comments will influence the final decision.

Conclusion: Increased Surveillance or Enhanced Security?

The proposed rule requiring foreign tourists to disclose five years of social media history raises significant concerns regarding privacy, data security, and potential overreach in government surveillance. Critics argue that this new requirement could hinder tourism and complicate entry for millions of travelers, while supporters claim it will help enhance security measures.

As the U.S. moves forward with plans to host international events like the FIFA World Cup and continue its ongoing efforts to regulate immigration, this proposal may serve as a preview of broader trends in immigration policy. The public’s feedback in the coming weeks will play a pivotal role in determining whether the new rules will be implemented or revised.