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Travellers entering the United States under the ESTA visa waiver programme are expected to face stricter application requirements, including mandatory disclosure of social media accounts, past email addresses, and phone numbers, under a controversial update expected to be introduced in the coming days.
The changes would apply to citizens of all ESTA-eligible countries, including the UK, France, Australia, and most European nations. A section of the application that previously asked applicants to voluntarily provide social media details covering the past five years is set to become compulsory. In addition, applicants would be required to list email addresses used over the last 10 years and telephone numbers from the previous five years.
The Trump administration first signalled the update in December 2025, with implementation initially scheduled for Sunday, February 8. As of Tuesday, February 10, the new data requirements have not yet officially taken effect, though US authorities are expected to confirm the changes shortly. However, a significant increase in the ESTA application fee—from $21 to $40—was introduced as planned on Sunday.
According to the US government, the measures are part of a broader strategy to address “potential risks to national security,” outlined in an executive order signed by President Donald Trump in January 2025.
Concerns Over Delays, Privacy, and Rejections
ESTA allows eligible travellers to visit the US for tourism or short-term business without applying for a full visa, similar to the UK’s ETA system or the EU’s upcoming ETIAS programme. Applications are completed online or via a mobile app prior to travel.
Under the proposed rules, applicants would be required to submit the additional personal data during the digital application process. Rémi Vénitien, president of the US Tourism Office in France, told Le Figaro that the requirement would apply to all major platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, and Snapchat.
Officials estimate the added questions could extend application times by at least 30 minutes, though travellers may face longer delays if they struggle to recall old contact details or inactive online accounts. This could particularly affect those applying at short notice.
There are also concerns that past online activity could trigger additional scrutiny. The US State Department has previously instructed embassies processing student visas to examine social media content for signs of hostility toward the United States, its institutions, or values. A similar review process is expected for ESTA applicants.
Mr Vénitien warned that travellers may be questioned further at US border controls if authorities—or automated systems—flag concerns during screening. Importantly, such checks could occur only after arrival, leaving travellers uncertain about their final entry status until reaching the country.
He also cautioned against withholding or misrepresenting information, noting that doing so could result in refusal of entry or future travel bans.
Tourism Industry Warns of Economic Impact
Tourism groups have strongly criticised the proposed changes, arguing they could deter visitors and damage an already weakened tourism sector. Industry estimates suggest US tourism declined by 6% last year, raising fears that stricter entry requirements will worsen the downturn.
Patrice Caradec, president of the French Association of Tour Operators, said the measures were likely to discourage European travellers and complicate travel planning. He warned that any additional barriers to obtaining travel authorisation could negatively affect consumer confidence.
The World Travel and Tourism Council has forecast that the updated ESTA rules could lead to 4.7 million fewer visitors to the US in 2026—a 23% reduction from visa-waiver countries—resulting in an annual economic loss exceeding $15 billion.
Industry leaders have urged US authorities to reconsider the changes, particularly with the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching, which will be co-hosted by the United States.
