The Department of Homeland Security has proposed requiring citizens of all 42 Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries to provide their social-media handles from the past five years and email addresses used in the past decade before boarding flights to the United States. The proposed rule, published for comment on December 11, would take effect on February 8, 2026.
Currently, applicants under ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) can choose whether to disclose social-media information; the new policy would make disclosure mandatory and expand the data sought. DHS argues that social-media review is vital to identifying extremist affiliations and fraud. Privacy advocates warn of chilling effects and note that even high-risk visa categories do not face such sweeping scrutiny.
Travelers confused about the shifting entry requirements can turn to VisaHQ for hands-on assistance. The agency’s specialists monitor DHS rule-making in real time, walk applicants through the expanded social-media and email disclosures, and submit error-free ESTA requests via its secure portal. More information is available at https://www.visahq.com/united-states/.
![Visa Waiver Travelers May Have to Reveal Five Years of Social-Media History Under New DHS Proposal]()
Travel-industry groups fear the rule could deter visitors just as the United States prepares to co-host the 2026 World Cup. The U.S. Travel Association projects a potential $2.4 billion drop in inbound spending if just 3 percent of VWP travelers opt out. European officials have hinted at reciprocal measures, raising the specter of a regulatory spat.
Corporate mobility managers should monitor the rule-making and prepare guidance for employees on acceptable social-media disclosure. Companies may also need to adjust travel timelines if additional vetting lengthens ESTA approvals.
Public comments are open for 60 days. Observers expect legal challenges on First Amendment and data-protection grounds, but DHS officials say the measure will “move forward on schedule” absent a court order.
Currently, applicants under ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) can choose whether to disclose social-media information; the new policy would make disclosure mandatory and expand the data sought. DHS argues that social-media review is vital to identifying extremist affiliations and fraud. Privacy advocates warn of chilling effects and note that even high-risk visa categories do not face such sweeping scrutiny.
Travelers confused about the shifting entry requirements can turn to VisaHQ for hands-on assistance. The agency’s specialists monitor DHS rule-making in real time, walk applicants through the expanded social-media and email disclosures, and submit error-free ESTA requests via its secure portal. More information is available at https://www.visahq.com/united-states/.
Travel-industry groups fear the rule could deter visitors just as the United States prepares to co-host the 2026 World Cup. The U.S. Travel Association projects a potential $2.4 billion drop in inbound spending if just 3 percent of VWP travelers opt out. European officials have hinted at reciprocal measures, raising the specter of a regulatory spat.
Corporate mobility managers should monitor the rule-making and prepare guidance for employees on acceptable social-media disclosure. Companies may also need to adjust travel timelines if additional vetting lengthens ESTA approvals.
Public comments are open for 60 days. Observers expect legal challenges on First Amendment and data-protection grounds, but DHS officials say the measure will “move forward on schedule” absent a court order.
