Edith HejbergPublished in the Federal Register, the US government’s official daily journal, the plan would make these disclosures mandatory.
The Trump administration has proposed a controversial new policy requiring all tourists entering the United States to disclose their social media activity from the past five years.
The measure would apply to visitors from every country, even those who don’t currently need a visa to enter the US, such as citizens of the UK, Australia, Germany, and Japan.
Social media, emails, and phone numbers under scrutiny
Under the proposed rule, travelers must provide all social media handles used over the previous five years.
In addition, they would need to disclose past email addresses, phone numbers, and extensive personal details, including the names, birthplaces, and birthdates of family members and children.
Mandatory for all, regardless of visa status
Published in the Federal Register, the US government’s official daily journal, the plan would make these disclosures mandatory.
Even those using the simplified Electronic System for Travel Authorization (Esta) process would be subject to the rule. The Department of Homeland Security has not issued public comments on the plan.
Public has two months to weigh in
The notice invites public comment over a 60-day period, offering a short window for feedback.
However, given the administration’s record, critics worry the process may be a formality rather than a genuine opportunity for change or input.
World Cup tourism could take a major hit
The timing of the proposal raises concern as the US prepares to co-host the FIFA World Cup next year with Canada and Mexico.
The tournament is expected to attract millions of international fans, but the new rules could complicate travel plans or deter visitors altogether.
International tourism to the US already in sharp decline
Tourism to the US has plummeted during Trump’s second term.
California expects a 9% drop in foreign visits this year, while Los Angeles’s Hollywood Boulevard saw foot traffic fall by half this summer. Las Vegas has also reported a major slump in tourist numbers.
Canadian travel to the US has fallen drastically
Tensions with Canada have contributed to a sharp drop in travel. In July 2025, car trips by Canadian residents to the US fell nearly 37% compared to the same month in 2024. Airline travel from Canada also declined by more than 25%, according to Statistics Canada.
National parks now cost more, and celebrate Trump
In another blow to tourism, the Trump administration added a $100 daily fee per person to visit national parks such as Yosemite and the Grand Canyon.
Free entry is now only offered on Trump’s birthday, ending a tradition of free admission on Martin Luther King Jr Day.
Crackdown on visa applicants and “anti-American” views
The administration has also tightened visa rules. In August, US Citizenship and Immigration Services said it would begin reviewing social media posts for “anti-American” sentiment when assessing visa applications, raising fears of ideological vetting.
Students forced to unlock social media for visa checks
Foreign students now face intense scrutiny. They’re being asked to unlock social media accounts during visa applications, with refusal seen as suspicious.
Several students have reportedly been detained for pro-Palestinian speech, prompting concern among civil liberties groups.
Journalists face shorter visas under new rule
The Trump administration is also targeting foreign media. A new rule proposes slashing visa durations for foreign journalists from five years to just eight months, a move that has sparked backlash from international press freedom organisations.
Anyone linked to content moderation could be denied entry
The government has instructed officials to reject visa applications from individuals who have worked in fact-checking or content moderation.
These roles are now being broadly accused of enabling “censorship” of speech in the US.
Border agents can still search devices, or deny entry
Customs and Border Protection already has the authority to search travelers’ devices. While people can refuse, they risk being denied entry.
CBP claimed it searched around 47,000 devices in 2024, but experts believe that number may rise significantly under the new administration.
