Hours after CBP’s notice hit the Federal Register, U.S. and foreign travel stakeholders sounded alarms about the economic fallout. The U.S. Travel Association warned in a December 11 statement that requiring social-media disclosures could drive high-spending European and Australian tourists to competing destinations. Reuters interviews with would-be visitors show confusion over the breadth of data—some thought the U.S. would even demand private messages.
Erik Hansen, the association’s head of government affairs, said the industry is still clawing back from pandemic-era declines: “Any perception of hassle or privacy intrusion can shift demand overnight.” Analysts project the U.S. could lose up to US $6 billion in visitor spending if even 5 percent of Waiver-Program travelers stay away. Senator Patty Murray blasted the move on X, quipping, “It would be easier to just ban tourism.”
The rule’s timing—17 months before the United States co-hosts the FIFA World Cup—stokes particular concern among hospitality firms banking on a surge of inbound fans. Hotel chains say they may escalate lobbying efforts if DHS does not clarify data-retention safeguards.
![Travel Industry Blasts Trump’s Social-Media Vetting Rule as Tourism Threat]()
Travelers looking for a smoother path through the evolving U.S. entry landscape can turn to VisaHQ, which monitors policy shifts in real time and assists with everything from ESTA filings to full B-1/B-2 applications. The firm’s online platform streamlines paperwork, offers live support and helps ensure submissions meet the latest security requirements—details are at https://www.visahq.com/united-states/.
For corporate-mobility departments, the backlash signals possible delays in securing ESTA clearances for short-notice meetings, as travelers grapple with compiling data. Some companies are already advising executives to apply for B-1/B-2 visas, despite longer consular waits, to avoid sudden ESTA rule changes.
CBP officials counter that the requirement simply aligns ESTA screening with other visa classes and that “law-abiding tourists have nothing to fear.” A final rule is expected after the comment period, but industry groups vow to press for significant revisions.
Erik Hansen, the association’s head of government affairs, said the industry is still clawing back from pandemic-era declines: “Any perception of hassle or privacy intrusion can shift demand overnight.” Analysts project the U.S. could lose up to US $6 billion in visitor spending if even 5 percent of Waiver-Program travelers stay away. Senator Patty Murray blasted the move on X, quipping, “It would be easier to just ban tourism.”
The rule’s timing—17 months before the United States co-hosts the FIFA World Cup—stokes particular concern among hospitality firms banking on a surge of inbound fans. Hotel chains say they may escalate lobbying efforts if DHS does not clarify data-retention safeguards.
Travelers looking for a smoother path through the evolving U.S. entry landscape can turn to VisaHQ, which monitors policy shifts in real time and assists with everything from ESTA filings to full B-1/B-2 applications. The firm’s online platform streamlines paperwork, offers live support and helps ensure submissions meet the latest security requirements—details are at https://www.visahq.com/united-states/.
For corporate-mobility departments, the backlash signals possible delays in securing ESTA clearances for short-notice meetings, as travelers grapple with compiling data. Some companies are already advising executives to apply for B-1/B-2 visas, despite longer consular waits, to avoid sudden ESTA rule changes.
CBP officials counter that the requirement simply aligns ESTA screening with other visa classes and that “law-abiding tourists have nothing to fear.” A final rule is expected after the comment period, but industry groups vow to press for significant revisions.
