US Proposes Required Social Media History for Foreign Tourists

Thu Dec 11 2025 10:01:56 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The US government plans to require foreign tourists to submit five years of social media history before being cleared to enter the country, a move that raises privacy concerns.

The United States is considering a controversial proposal that would require foreign tourists, including those from the UK and other countries, to submit a five-year history of their social media activity as a condition for entry. This initiative, part of President Trump's strategy to enhance national security, has been met with criticism regarding potential impacts on civil liberties and tourism. Insights from travel experts suggest this may deter visitors during significant upcoming events such as the men's football World Cup and the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

Tourists from dozens of countries including the UK could be asked to provide a five-year social media history as a condition of entry to the United States, under a new proposal unveiled by American officials.

The new condition would affect people from dozens of countries who are eligible to visit the US for 90 days without a visa, as long as they have filled out an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) form. Since returning to the White House in January, President Donald Trump has moved to toughen US borders more generally - citing national security as a reason.

Analysts say the new plan could pose an obstacle to potential visitors, or harm their digital rights. Asked whether the proposal could lead to a steep drop-off in tourism to the US, Trump said he was not concerned.

No. We're doing so well, the president said on Wednesday. We just want people to come over here, and safe. We want safety. We want security. We want to make sure we're not letting the wrong people come enter our country. The US expects a major influx of foreign tourists next year, especially amid events like the men's football World Cup and the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

The proposal document was filed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its component agency Customs and Border Protection (CBP). It was published in the Federal Register, the official journal of the US government.

The proposal requires ESTA applicants to provide their social media from the last five years, without specifying which information will be needed. Currently, the ESTA requires less detailed information from travelers for a one-off payment of $40 (£30). It is accessible to citizens of approximately 40 countries, and allows visits to the US multiple times within two years.

The proposal additionally aims to collect applicants' telephone numbers and email addresses used over the last five and ten years, respectively, and more information about their family members.

Sophia Cope, of the Electronic Frontier Foundation, criticized the plan for potentially worsening civil liberties conditions, while immigration law practice Fragomen warned that these changes could lead to longer ESTA approval wait times.

This initiative follows a previous effort by the Trump administration to examine social media accounts of foreign nationals applying for student and H-1B visas. The goal remains to ensure safety by screening for entities posing a threat to national security.