The United States plans a rule that may make ESTA travellers share five years of their social media activity. Travel Pulse Canada
Many people planning trips to the United States may soon face a new requirement. A recent notice on the Federal Register shows that the American government wants to add social media checks to the ESTA process. The plan would require visitors to share social media account details from the past five years.
ESTA is the Electronic System for Travel Authorization. It applies only to citizens of countries that take part in the U.S. visa waiver program. These countries include Japan, Australia, the United Kingdom, and most of the European Union.
Canada does not belong to the visa waiver program. Canadians who travel with a Canadian passport do not fill out an ESTA form. However, Canadian permanent residents who hold passports from visa waiver countries will still need to meet the new requirement if it becomes law.
Rule Still Under Review
This plan is not final. The U.S. government opened a 60-day period for public comments. Officials will review all feedback before deciding how to move forward.
The Federal Register notice also outlines other proposed changes to U.S. entry and exit rules. These changes aim to expand digital tools and increase the information collected from travellers.
Other Proposed Updates
One major change would involve the CBP Home mobile app. Travellers who must complete an I-94 form could use the app during departure. The app would gather passport information, a facial image, and geolocation data to confirm that the traveller has left the country.
Another plan would update the ESTA mobile app. Travellers would take real-time selfies, which the app would match with their passport photos.
Officials also propose shutting down the current ESTA website. Travellers would then use the mobile app only.
The notice lists several new “high value data” fields that the ESTA form may soon include. These fields cover a wide range of personal information, such as:
- Past phone numbers
- Old email addresses
- Family details, including names and birthplaces
- Work contact information
- Biometrics
These proposals show how the United States continues to expand digital screening at its borders. If approved, the new measures would give U.S. Customs and Border Protection far more information about travellers before they arrive.
Growing Attention on Digital Records
The plan reflects a broader shift toward more detailed checks of digital activity. Governments around the world are examining how social media, travel patterns, and online identity can affect border security. The U.S. proposal adds to this trend and may influence future travel rules in other countries.
For now, nothing changes for visitors. The review period continues, and officials wait for public input. Travellers should watch for updates, as final rules may arrive later this year.
