Tourists from dozens of countries may be asked to produce five years of social media history as a condition of entry to the United States. Such changes are included in the proposal presented by American officials.
See also: Strong words from Donald Trump. Ukraine “is no longer a democracy” and Europe “is weak”
As “The Guardian” explains, under the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) plan, tourists will have to disclose their social media activity, e-mail addresses, phone numbers and details of family members from the last five years.
The rules are intended to cover all visitors, regardless of whether they require a visa or use the ESTA system. The proposal has been published in the Federal Register and the public has two months to comment.
The text continues below the video
The new regulations could significantly impact U.S. tourism, which is already struggling. Introducing the obligation to disclose personal data and activity on social media may discourage potential visitors, especially in the context of the upcoming FIFA World Cup and the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028.
Do you want to enter the USA? Show your social media
The new conditions will affect people from dozens of countries who can stay in the United States for 90 days without a visa, provided they complete an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) form.
As “The Guardian” notes, the proposed actions may exacerbate tensions in international relations and affect the perception of the USA as a country open to tourists.
Earlier this year, the World Travel and Tourism Council said the United States was the only one of 184 economies it analyzed that was expected to see a decline in spending by international tourists in 2025.
|
Andrea Izzotti / Shutterstock
Experts quoted by “The Guardian” warn that the new regulations may result in a decline in the number of tourists visiting the USA.
Tourism in the United States is already declining – in California, the number of foreign visits decreased by 9 percent, and pedestrian traffic on Hollywood Boulevard dropped by 50 percent. Additional fees for visiting national parks and restrictions on issuing visas only deepen this problem.
See also: Donald Trump is tightening the screw. This is how officials will screen applicants for visas
The Trump administration has previously imposed restrictions on visas and migration. In August, USCIS announced it would check for “anti-American” views on social media when assessing visa applications.
International students must unlock their social media profiles, and those involved in moderating online content may have difficulty obtaining visas.
