The Trump administration plans to require travelers from dozens of visa-free countries to provide additional personal information before entering the United States, including up to five years of social media activity, this according to a proposal announced on December 9 by the Department of Homeland Security.
The change would affect visitors using the Visa Waiver Program, which allows citizens of 42 countries, including the UK, Germany, and Australia, to enter the US for up to 90 days without a visa, provided they obtain electronic travel authorization.
Applicants would need to submit not only social media account access, but also extensive personal information—including email addresses from the past 10 years and details about immediate family members, such as names, birth dates, and places of birth and residence. The system is designed to ensure travelers are eligible for visa-free entry and do not pose security risks.
US tourism is facing a sharp decline as stricter policies drive foreign travelers away, with industry experts warning that the drop in visitors could further strain the country’s already fragile economy. Tourism Economics estimates losses could reach up to US$64 billion this year.
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