The United States may soon introduce significantly stricter screening rules for citizens of over 40 countries that are part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). According to a new notice issued by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), foreign visitors who currently enter the US without a visa could be required to submit far more personal information including social media history, contact details, and even biometric data before receiving travel authorisation.
The proposal, now open for public review for 60 days, suggests collecting “high-value data fields” from travellers who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA). This system allows citizens of 42 nations, including the UK, Japan, Australia, France and South Korea, to stay in the US for up to 90 days without a visa.
If implemented, travellers may need to provide social media accounts from the last five years, all phone numbers used in the same period, email addresses used in the last ten years, IP addresses and photo metadata, as well as extensive details of family members. The proposal also highlights the possibility of collecting biometrics such as facial scans, fingerprints, DNA and iris data. Business-related contact details may also be required.
CBP clarified that the rule is not yet final and no immediate change has taken effect. The agency said the proposal aims to strengthen security after recent incidents, including the attack on National Guard members in Washington. Officials emphasised that this move is part of an ongoing effort to refine vetting systems for foreign arrivals.
Travellers from non-VWP countries already submit social media information a requirement first introduced during Donald Trump’s earlier term and continued under President Joe Biden. The latest proposal appears to extend and intensify those measures under the current Trump administration.
The outcome of the 60-day review period will determine when and whether the new rules come into effect.
