US to Require Social Media Checks for Visa-Free Foreign Travelers

According to the notice published on Wednesday in the Federal Register, US Customs and Border Protection “is integrating social media as a required data component” into the screening process for individuals entering the United States.

This announcement specifically affects Visa Waiver Program participants from over three dozen countries who provide their information to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization, which automates their travel approval to the country. Unlike visa applicants, these travelers typically do not need to visit an embassy or consulate for an interview.
The alterations are likely to impact citizens from around 40 predominantly European and Asian nations who currently visit the US for tourism or business without a visa for up to three months. The public will have a 60-day period to comment on the proposed changes before they are finalized, as stated in the notice.

Under the suggested modifications, travelers must also submit additional details, including phone numbers used in the last five years and email addresses utilized over the past decade. Metadata from any electronically submitted images will also be required, along with relevant information about family members, such as their birthplaces and contact numbers.

The notice did not clarify what specific aspects the administration was examining in the social media accounts or the rationale behind the request for extra information. Nonetheless, the agency indicated it is acting on an executive order from President Donald Trump signed in January, which called for heightened screening of those entering the country to mitigate potential national security risks.

Since January, the Trump administration has intensified immigration and travel scrutiny for individuals seeking to enter the United States, as well as for those already present in the country.

Individuals from countries not part of the Visa Waiver Program already provide social media information. However, citizens from visa waiver countries were not previously required to furnish this information.