New US Travel Rules: Do I Need to Disclose 5 Years of Social Media History for My Visa or ESTA?
New US Travel Rules: Do I Need to Disclose 5 Years of Social Media History for My Visa or ESTA?
What changed — the short version
Key update: In early December 2025 U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) published a notice proposing changes to the ESTA application that would require applicants to provide social media identifiers and up to five years of social media history. This proposal is now open for public comment and not yet a final rule.
What “social media” disclosure could mean for you
The proposed changes would ask Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) applicants to list social media handles and potentially allow authorities to review public posts from the last five years. It also pairs with other proposed data fields — past phone numbers, past email addresses, photo metadata, and extended family details — aimed at tighter vetting.
Is this already required?
Not yet. The Federal Register notice published on December 10, 2025 starts a comment period (usually 60 days). Until agencies finalize the rule, the change remains a proposal. However, parts of this expanded vetting (online presence reviews) are being rolled out for specific visa categories already, so check your visa type.
Who is affected?
- Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries who use ESTA — potentially required to provide 5 years of social media history if finalized.
- Applicants for certain nonimmigrant visas (H‑1B, F, M, J) — separate guidance already expands online presence reviews for these categories.
- Tourists, business travellers, and short-term visitors planning to enter the US under VWP.
Visa Waiver Program Countries
Citizens from the following 41 countries can currently use ESTA to travel to the United States:
Practical steps to prepare (easy checklist)
- Make an inventory of all social accounts used in the last five years (handles and URLs).
- Download or screenshot posts you might want to explain or remove.
- Review privacy settings — but remember CBP and consular officers may still request access or review public content.
- Update your CV/cover letters and be ready to explain any posts that could be misinterpreted.
- Monitor official US government sites (CBP, State Department, Federal Register) for rule changes.
What are your rights and privacy concerns?
Public comment from privacy and civil rights groups highlights concerns about free speech and data privacy. If the rule becomes final, you would be required to provide the information as part of the application process. You may also see agencies request permissions to view online content; refusal could impact your application.
How long will this take to become law?
Federal rulemaking timelines vary. The December 10, 2025 notice begins the formal process and invites public comment. After comments close, the agency reviews feedback before issuing a final rule — this can take weeks or months. Until then, the policy is not enforceable.
Quick FAQs
Will regular tourists be singled out?
Not specifically; the policy is designed as a screening tool across applicants. However, civil liberties advocates are vigilant about potential overreach.
Can I delete my social media history?
You can delete posts, but agencies may ask for past usernames and handles. Deleting content doesn’t guarantee it cannot be recovered or seen via archives.
How to respond if your travel is urgent
If you need to travel soon and are worried about an application delay, consider applying for a visa through a US consulate (if eligible) or consult an immigration attorney for urgent situations. Keep evidence of travel bookings and explain time-sensitive needs when communicating with consular staff.
Bottom line — should you panic?
No. This is an important change to watch, but for now it is a proposal. Prepare responsibly by collecting your social account list and cleaning up anything that could be misread, but don’t cancel trips based on a proposal alone. Stay informed via official sites.
Further reading & official sources
We recommend checking the CBP website, the Federal Register entry dated Dec 10, 2025, and statements from the U.S. Department of State for visa-specific guidance.
