A new proposal from US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) could significantly change how millions of international travelers apply for entry into the United States.
Citizens of 41 visa-waiver countries currently use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) for short visits, but forthcoming rules may require applicants to share much more personal and digital information than ever before. Under the draft plan, providing a five-year history of social media accounts – previously optional – would become mandatory for all applicants.
The new proposal arrives as the US prepares for major travel surges linked to global events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
It also follows similar tightening of entry systems in other countries, including the UK’s digital travel permit requirement set to launch in 2026, referenced in our guide to the UK ETA system, and the United States’ own new visa bond requirement introduced for 2025.
Together, these shifts signal an era of more robust digital vetting across major travel destinations.
Expanded Data Requirements Raise Privacy Concerns
Beyond social media disclosures, CBP’s draft rule outlines a much broader set of information that ESTA applicants would need to provide. Travelers may soon be required to list every phone number and email address they have used within the past five years, as well as the names and birth dates of close family members.
In an unexpected addition, the agency may also require applicants to submit a mandatory selfie. Officials are exploring whether to expand biometric screening to include DNA and iris scans in the future.
These changes come at a moment when several travelers have reported being denied US entry based on their online activity. Some were turned away after border officers examined social media posts deemed critical of US political leaders. The proposed mandatory transparency could formalize this digital review process, raising questions among travelers about what online content might be scrutinized.
The tightened rules echo recent policy updates for foreign workers and students. Beginning December 15, all applicants for H-1B visas and their dependents will undergo a review of their online presence – similar to checks already imposed on student visa holders. Authorities have reminded travelers that a visa is considered “a privilege, not a right,” underscoring a firmer national stance on pre-entry screening.
Higher Barriers for Travelers Amid Rising Costs
Stricter digital vetting is just one of the new challenges international visitors may face. Recent increases in US national park entry fees – specifically higher prices for foreign tourists – have drawn criticism from businesses that rely heavily on international travel. Combined with potential new ESTA requirements, these changes could add both financial and procedural hurdles at a time when global tourism is still recovering.
The ESTA proposal is currently open for public comment for 60 days. Once the review period ends, CBP will determine whether to finalize the rules, adjust them, or incorporate additional biometric elements.
For now, travelers planning trips to the US should stay informed, carefully review their digital presence, and prepare for the possibility of more comprehensive screening.
