Tourists to US would have to reveal five years of social media activity under new TRUMP plan

Thursday, December 11, 2025 -In a major shift in U.S. border policy, the Trump administration has unveiled a controversial proposal that would require tourists — including those from visa‑exempt countries — to disclose five years of social media activity before entering the United States. 

Under the planned change to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), travelers from about 42 countries such as the United Kingdom, France, Australia, Japan and others will have to provide social media histories as a mandatory part of their travel authorization — a sharp expansion from the limited personal data currently collected. 

In addition to social platforms, applicants may be asked for past phone numbers, email addresses, family details and even biometric identifiers, signaling one of the most expansive vetting procedures ever imposed on short‑term visitors.

The administration frames this sweeping requirement as an urgent national security measure aimed at preventing entry by individuals who might pose threats to the U.S. public or infrastructure. Officials argue that reviewing digital footprints provides critical insights that go beyond traditional background checks and helps protect American citizens. 

However, this move has sparked significant backlash from privacy advocates, tourism industry leaders and civil liberties groups, who argue that forcing travelers to open their social media accounts undermines personal freedom, chills free expression, and could deter millions from visiting. 

With only a 60‑day public comment period before finalization, the proposal is moving quickly and could be implemented early next year, just months before the 2026 FIFA World Cup — a global event expected to bring millions of fans to U.S. cities.

The potential impact on global travel and international relations is immediate and serious. Tourism experts warn that making digital surveillance a prerequisite for entry may hurt U.S. tourism growth, disrupt business travel, and strain diplomatic ties with key allies whose citizens are most affected. 

Critics also highlight that similar social media screening is already applied to other visa categories, such as work or student visas, and extending it to short‑term visitors marks a drastic policy expansion. Whether this rule will stand as proposed or be altered after public input remains uncertain — but the urgency of the debate reflects broader tensions over security, privacy and America’s global image as a welcoming destination.