WASHINGTON: The United States is preparing to impose tougher entry requirements for millions of travelers applying for visas.
Under the proposed regulations, applicants may be required to provide five years of social media activity, old email addresses, phone numbers, family information, and biometric records as part of the entry process.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has described this move as essential for national security, citing the need to strengthen screening procedures.
However, critics argue that it represents an unwarranted intrusion into personal privacy and a step toward expanded surveillance.
These new requirements are expected to apply to travelers from the 42 countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA). This list includes nations such as the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Israel, and Qatar.
At present, sharing social media information is optional for these travelers. The proposed changes recommend making it mandatory, whereas travelers from non-ESTA countries have already been required to provide social media information, a policy initially introduced during former President Trump’s administration and maintained under President Biden.
The DHS has opened a 60-day public comment period before finalizing these rules. While it remains unclear exactly what content U.S. officials will examine on social media accounts, the initiative is linked to a Trump-era executive order mandating stricter screening for all entrants into the United States.
