US Travel Industry Opposes New Social Media History Requirement for Foreign Visitors

Published on December 16, 2025

The U.S. Travel Association has raised concerns about a recent proposal by the Trump Administration that would require international visitors from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries to provide up to five years of social media history as part of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) process. The proposed changes, part of a broader review of the U.S. travel authorisation system, have prompted debate about privacy and the potential negative impact on tourism.

This move comes at a time when the U.S. is working to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the tourism industry looking to bounce back and attract visitors. However, this new rule could affect travellers’ willingness to visit the U.S., especially in light of privacy concerns and the increased scrutiny over digital footprints.

What the New Proposal Entails

The new proposal would require travellers from countries that participate in the Visa Waiver Program, which allows visa-free entry for up to 90 days, to submit their social media identifiers during the ESTA application process. These would include accounts on platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and others. Additionally, travellers would be required to provide personal data, including family information, phone numbers, and email addresses, as well as biometric data.

This move would expand the information that the U.S. government already collects from travellers. Currently, ESTA requires basic biographical details, answers to security questions, and travel information. The new proposal marks a significant shift toward more detailed background checks, including personal digital history.

US Travel Association’s Response to the Proposal

The U.S. Travel Association, which represents the interests of the U.S. travel industry, has voiced its concerns about the new rule. The association argued that the requirement for social media history could create a chilling effect on international travel. The group expressed worries that the rule could lead to potential visitors avoiding travel to the U.S., choosing instead countries with less intrusive entry requirements.

In a statement, the association highlighted the economic importance of international tourism, emphasising that foreign visitors contribute significantly to the U.S. economy through spending on hotels, transportation, attractions, and local businesses. A reduction in the number of international tourists due to privacy concerns could lead to billions of dollars in lost revenue.

Furthermore, the association raised questions about the effectiveness of the social media requirement in enhancing national security. While proponents of the measure argue that it will help screen travellers for security threats, the U.S. Travel Association questioned whether this level of scrutiny would actually improve safety or simply create barriers for legitimate travellers.

Impact on US Tourism and Visitor Sentiment

The potential changes to ESTA could significantly alter the travel landscape, especially for Visa Waiver Program travellers. The U.S. currently enjoys strong demand from countries like the United Kingdom, Japan, and Germany, with millions of visitors arriving each year. However, the new requirements may deter some of these travellers, especially those from countries with strong privacy protections.

There is concern that many tourists will not want to share personal details such as social media activity or biometric data to enter the U.S. In a climate of growing awareness about data privacy and online security, visitors may view this new policy as too intrusive, leading them to choose destinations with less stringent entry requirements. This could particularly affect travel to the U.S. during peak seasons, such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Tourism Industry Concerns

Tourism professionals have also raised concerns about the long-term effects of this proposal. Travel agents and operators worry that potential visitors will face confusion over the new rules and become hesitant to travel. These worries are compounded by inconsistent messaging from U.S. authorities about what information will actually be required and how it will be used. This lack of clarity has already created uncertainty in the travel industry.

What’s Next for the Proposal

The proposed changes to the ESTA system are still in the comment period, which means the public has an opportunity to provide feedback to the Department of Homeland Security. The proposed rules could be revised or delayed based on input from the public and industry stakeholders.

Given the concerns raised by the U.S. Travel Association and other groups, it remains to be seen whether the proposal will be enacted in its current form or whether it will be adjusted to better balance security needs with the goal of encouraging international tourism.

A Crossroads for US Tourism

As the U.S. Travel Association continues to scrutinise the proposed social media history requirements, the travel industry faces a pivotal moment in shaping the future of U.S. tourism. The balance between security and visitor convenience will be crucial in determining whether the U.S. remains a top destination for international travellers.

The final decision on the proposal could have significant ramifications on how the U.S. welcomes international visitors in the future. Until then, travellers and industry professionals will closely monitor developments, seeking clarity on how these changes will impact their plans and the broader U.S. tourism economy.