Published on
December 16, 2025
The U.S. is tightening its entry requirements for visa-free travelers by mandating the disclosure of five years’ worth of social media history and biometric data. This move, which affects visitors from countries like Australia, the UK, France, Germany, and others, is part of a broader effort to enhance national security and better vet incoming travelers. With these new rules, the U.S. aims to address growing security concerns, although it has raised concerns within the tourism and international travel sectors about potential privacy issues and the impact on global travel.
The administration under former US President Donald Trump is planning to implement a new rule that would require foreign visitors, who are currently exempt from needing a visa to enter the country, to provide a comprehensive social media history covering the past five years. The move, which is outlined in an official notice, would require travelers to submit their social media history, along with biometric data such as facial recognition, fingerprints, and even DNA. Additionally, visitors would need to disclose other “high-value data fields” including phone numbers from the past five years, email addresses from the last decade, and personal details of family members.
This initiative follows a January executive order by the former President, aimed at tightening the vetting process for travelers seeking to enter the United States. Under the new rule, citizens from 42 countries, including the UK, France, Germany, Australia, Singapore, New Zealand, Qatar, Israel, Japan, and many European nations, who currently do not require a visa to enter the US, will be impacted. These travelers are already required to provide certain personal details when applying for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), but the new rule will make the submission of social media data a mandatory part of the process.
The proposed regulations, which are open for public comment until February 9, aim to strengthen the security screening process. However, their implementation raises concerns about the potential effects on both international tourism and privacy. While the impact of the changes remains uncertain, experts predict that these regulations could discourage travelers from applying for ESTA, as they may view the requirements as an invasion of privacy or a burdensome addition to the application process.
For the US tourism industry, this proposal represents a further blow to a sector that already faces challenges. According to the US Travel Association, the travel and tourism industry is worth approximately $2.9 trillion to the national economy and supports about 15 million jobs. This new policy comes at a time when the US is expected to see a significant drop in foreign tourist spending, with estimates projecting a loss of $12.5 billion in revenue this year. The new policy may dampen the enthusiasm of international visitors who might be put off by the additional requirements, potentially reducing the influx of tourists in the coming years.
The timing of this proposal is particularly significant given that the US will co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Mexico and Canada, an event expected to draw large numbers of soccer fans from around the world. Additionally, the US is preparing to host the 2028 Summer Olympics, an occasion that will likely bring millions of international visitors. The proposed travel restrictions, coupled with a recent move to increase fees for entry to US national parks, could undermine efforts to boost the country’s tourism industry during these high-profile events.
Beyond tourism, the Trump administration has also placed significant emphasis on scrutinizing the social media activity of foreign nationals, especially those on student visas. In recent months, the State Department has revoked around 6,000 student visas, citing security concerns. The administration’s scrutiny of social media accounts has led to an environment where prospective international students are discouraged from applying to study in the US, fearful that their online presence could negatively impact their application. Students are being asked to set their social media profiles to public, and a lack of social media activity may be seen as a red flag by visa officers.
The crackdown on student visas has raised concerns that these changes could discourage global talent from pursuing education in the US, as applicants may be reluctant to share personal and sensitive online data. Furthermore, applicants may feel the pressure to curate their online presence to avoid potential issues during the visa approval process.
As these regulations continue to evolve, the long-term effects on US tourism and international student enrollment remain uncertain. What is clear, however, is that the proposed social media and biometric requirements represent a significant shift in the way the US interacts with foreign visitors. While the administration argues that these measures are necessary to ensure national security, critics warn that they could lead to a reduction in the number of international visitors and students, ultimately impacting the country’s economy and global reputation.
The US administration’s plans to collect social media data and biometrics from foreign visitors without a visa could be a significant deterrent to tourism, especially considering the ongoing efforts to attract international tourists for major events like the World Cup and the Olympics. Additionally, the tightening of student visa regulations could harm the US’s position as a top destination for higher education. As these proposals move through the public comment period, it remains to be seen whether they will be implemented, and what lasting impact they will have on the travel industry and international relations.
