US intends to require social media checks for visa-free travelers from abroad.

As indicated in a notice released on Wednesday in the Federal Register, US Customs and Border Protection “is adding social media as a mandatory data element” in the screening process for those entering the United States.

This announcement affects participants of the Visa Waiver Program from over three dozen countries, who must submit their information to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization, which automatically processes their travel approvals. Unlike visa applicants, these travelers typically do not need to attend an embassy or consulate interview.
The proposed changes may impact citizens of around 40 predominantly European and Asian nations, allowing them to visit the US for tourism or business for three months without a visa. The public will have 60 days to provide feedback on the suggested modifications before implementation, as noted in the notification.

Under the new requirements, travelers will also need to furnish a range of other information, such as phone numbers used in the previous five years and email addresses from the last decade. Additionally, metadata from any electronically submitted images will be required, along with important details about the applicant’s family members, including their birthplaces and contact numbers.

The notice did not clarify what information the administration is seeking from social media accounts or the rationale for requesting additional details. However, the agency mentioned it is acting in accordance with an executive order issued by President Donald Trump in January, aimed at enhancing screening for individuals entering the country to mitigate potential national security risks.

Since January, the Trump administration has intensified immigration and travel scrutiny for both individuals seeking entry into the United States and those already present in the country.

Travelers from nations outside the Visa Waiver Program are already required to submit social media information. However, citizens from visa waiver countries were not previously obligated to provide such information.