US May Require Five Years of Social Media History for Tourists

If you are planning a trip to the United States, a new proposal from American officials could affect how visitors are screened. Tourists from visa waiver countries such as the UK, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore may be asked to provide five years of their social media history before boarding a flight.

This proposal is not final, but it could significantly change how tourists are screened before entering the United States. With the World Cup and the 2028 Olympics coming up, stricter digital checks are likely to affect travellers worldwide. So what does this mean for Filipino travellers and why should we care even if we are not part of the visa waiver group? Let’s break it down.

What exactly is U.S. planning to collect from tourists?

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The US Customs and Border Protection has filed a proposal requiring ESTA applicants to submit five years of social media information. This means usernames and handles from platforms they used during that period. The plan also adds older email addresses and telephone numbers to the vetting list. It requests more detailed personal information, including the names, birth dates, and places of residence of parents, siblings, spouses, and children.

Currently, ESTA applications only ask for basic contact information. Social media disclosure has been optional since 2016. Experts now say that skipping this section in the future could be interpreted as hiding something, which may negatively affect the application.

Also read: US to End Dual Citizenship? Here’s What Filipinos Should Know

Travellers who will be affected by U.S. social media checks

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The rule targets citizens of about 40 visa waiver countries. This includes the UK, France, Germany, Japan, Australia, South Korea, and Singapore. Travellers from these countries can stay in the United States for up to 90 days without a visa as long as they have a valid ESTA.

Filipinos are not part of this group and still need a proper visa to visit the United States. However, it is worth noting that the US is increasingly using social media and digital checks for visas, especially for student and worker categories. The trend suggests that digital screening could affect more travellers over time.

Why does U.S. want to check the social media of tourists?

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Officials cite national security as the main reason. The Department of Homeland Security and CBP point to an executive order from President Donald Trump earlier this year that focuses on tightening border screening. There is also a political backdrop, including recent travel bans and policy reviews following security incidents.

Trump has stated that he is not worried about tourism numbers dropping due to these checks. He emphasised that the priority is safety and ensuring that people who pose a risk do not enter the country.

Travel industry response to new social media requirements

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Travel groups have pushed back, saying that requiring five years of social media history could discourage millions of visitors. Tourism leaders warn it could slow down approvals, intimidate travellers, and reduce US tourism numbers.

Immigration experts also say that heavier data collection could result in longer processing times for ESTA approvals and a higher likelihood of travellers being flagged for additional scrutiny. Digital rights advocates have raised concerns about privacy and free speech, warning that these checks may harm civil liberties without proven security benefits.

Is this final? When will it take effect?

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No. This is not a final rule. The proposal has opened a 60-day public comment period. After reviewing the feedback, the government will decide whether to move forward, revise, or scrap the plan. If approved, the changes may be implemented gradually in the following weeks and months.

For now, ESTA rules remain the same. The discussions are still at an early stage.

What this means for Filipino travellers

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Filipinos applying for US visas should anticipate stricter digital screening in general. Some visa categories already require listing social media usernames, and the US trend is toward deeper online checks. Even though Filipinos are not part of the visa waiver program, the direction of US travel policy shows a clear move toward more invasive screening.

If you are planning a US trip next year, for the World Cup or a holiday to LA, New York, or Hawaii, it is worth keeping an eye on these changes and preparing your social media presence accordingly.

The United States remains one of the top long-haul destinations for Filipino travellers. The proposal to check social media history indicates that digital footprints are becoming more important when applying for travel authorisation or visas. Staying informed will help you prepare early, avoid surprises, and keep your US travel plans smooth, even if this rule does not directly affect you yet.