The United States is preparing to impose a significant new requirement on foreign visitors, proposing that travellers from visa-waiver countries-including the United Kingdom-submit nearly five years of social media history before entering the country. The plan, outlined in a regulation proposed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, would expand security vetting for millions of short-term travellers who previously faced minimal screening under the Electronic System for Travel Authorization program.
If implemented, the rule would require applicants to disclose all social-media handles used over a five-year period, covering platforms such as X, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube. The proposal also indicates that former email addresses, prior phone numbers, and other contact information may be required. CBP said the change is part of "a wider security initiative under the executive directive" aimed at mitigating foreign threats and public-safety risks.
The policy marks a sharp departure from the traditional treatment of visa-waiver visitors, who have been allowed to enter the U.S. with limited background checks and stay up to 90 days. Under the revised framework, ESTA applicants would be subject to scrutiny previously reserved for long-term visa applicants, adding a new layer of pre-travel preparation and potential uncertainty.
The proposed expansion has raised immediate concerns among UK travellers and immigration specialists. Lawyers warn that the measure could introduce several complications, including the need to "provide all social media accounts from the last five years," purge outdated content that may trigger additional review, and account for the possibility of rejection if authorities interpret online behavior as suspicious. Critics argue the requirement risks chilling speech by discouraging individuals from posting politically sensitive or controversial content.
Civil liberties groups say the proposal threatens privacy and freedom of expression, cautioning that individuals could be penalized for historical online activity that is lawful or innocuous. Others fear the screening process could become unpredictable, with border officials empowered to deny entry based on interpretations of digital footprints.
CBP has framed the plan as critical to national security, arguing it will enhance the government's ability to identify risks related to terrorism, extremism, and illegal migration. The agency emphasized that broader access to digital history would allow investigators to detect patterns or connections not evident through traditional background checks.
Travel-industry analysts say the policy could deter millions of potential visitors if implemented. Tourism groups warn that requiring multiple years of online disclosures may significantly slow application processing for ESTA, increasing the administrative burden on travellers and raising the possibility of delays during peak travel seasons. The move comes as global travel demand recovers and U.S. tourism industries push to rebuild inbound traffic.
Applicants are already being advised to prepare for the potential rule change. Recommendations circulating among travel advisers include reviewing social-media accounts for content that could be misinterpreted, compiling usernames across all platforms, and allowing additional time for ESTA approval. Some suggest applying earlier than usual to avoid delays should the rules take effect in the coming months.
