United States to Demand Five Years of Social Media History From All Visitors — Including Britons

In a major expansion of immigration‑screening rules, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is proposing that all foreign travellers — including citizens of visa‑exempt countries such as the United Kingdom — provide a full five‑year record of their social media accounts before being allowed entry into the United States.

The requirement, disclosed in a notice published on Tuesday in the official government register, would make social media disclosure mandatory for anyone applying under the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) — the waiver scheme that currently allows travellers from 42 countries to visit the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa. Under the new proposal, travellers would have to submit all social media handles used in the last five years — not just a current account.

But social media isn’t the only new demand. The proposed enlargement of entry requirements would also ask travellers for all email addresses and phone numbers used in the past five years, along with detailed personal information about close family members. Biometric data — including selfies, facial recognition, fingerprints and potentially iris or DNA data — may also be required.

Supporters of the change argue that this sweeping data collection will strengthen identity verification and improve threat detection at the border. Meanwhile, critics have sounded alarms over the breadth of what is being asked. Civil‑liberties advocates warn the proposal amounts to a sweeping expansion of digital surveillance, raising urgent privacy concerns with little evidence that it meaningfully enhances security.

For Britons — and travellers from dozens of other visa‑free countries — the shift would dramatically change what “routine travel” to the U.S. looks like. Under current rules, they only need an ESTA, a valid passport, and standard personal information (address, contacts, emergency info). Under the new proposal, the barrier becomes far higher: travellers may need to share years of digital history and biometric data even before boarding a plane.

The move comes as part of a larger tightening of U.S. immigration and immigration‑adjacent policies under the Donald Trump administration. Previously, social media disclosure was required only for visa‑applicants such as students, workers, or immigrants. Now, the expansion would sweep in casual visitors and tourists.

Travel‑industry insiders and analysts warn the effects could be far‑reaching. Some believe that the extra scrutiny will deter many potential visitors altogether, especially those concerned about privacy. With upcoming global events expected to draw international guests — including the 2026 World Cup — the timing could significantly alter tourism flows, particularly from countries now under the visa waiver program.

For now, the proposal is not yet final. The public has been invited to comment during a 60‑day notice period. Until this comment window closes and the rule is finalized, it remains a proposal — but a dramatic one, with the potential to reshape what entry to the U.S. will mean for millions of visitors worldwide.