The United States government is moving to tighten entry procedures for foreign travellers by introducing new requirements under the Visa Waiver Program.
Eko Hot News reports that the policy targets citizens of 42 countries eligible for visa-free travel to the U.S., including major European nations such as the United Kingdom, Germany, and France. The list also includes allies like Australia, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea.
The proposed policy will mandate applicants to submit five years of their social media history, according to a notice released by the Department of Homeland Security.
Under the Visa Waiver Program, travellers can visit the U.S. for up to 90 days for tourism or business without applying for a visa. However, they must secure approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA), which screens applicants for security risks.
The Trump administration is proposing to overhaul the ESTA platform by converting it into a mobile-only system. The redesigned application would require travellers to provide extensive personal information, including emails used over the past 10 years and contact details of immediate family members.
According to the notice issued by Customs and Border Protection, the submission of social media handles from the past five years will become a mandatory requirement. The proposal is part of efforts to enforce an executive order aimed at preventing entry by individuals deemed potential threats to national security.
Critics argue that the new measures could discourage international visitors and impact tourism, especially ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
The proposal still requires review by the White House budget office before implementation.
