The Trump administration is considering a major change to US visa requirements that could impact millions of travellers worldwide. Under the proposed rule, visitors from 42 countries that currently enjoy visa-waiver privileges would need to provide five years of social media history before entering the United States.
Officials say the move is aimed at strengthening national security and improving vetting processes. Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram would be included, and applicants would need to disclose usernames and handles used over the past five years. The policy would apply to tourists, business travellers and others using the visa-waiver program.
Critics argue the proposal raises serious privacy concerns and could discourage tourism. Civil liberties groups have warned that collecting such extensive personal data could lead to profiling and misuse. They also question whether the measure would effectively prevent security threats, given the sheer volume of information to be reviewed.
Supporters of the plan believe it is a necessary step in an era where online activity can reveal potential risks. They point to past cases where social media posts have been linked to extremist behaviour, arguing that better screening could save lives.
The proposal is still in its early stages and would require public comment before implementation. If approved, it could mark one of the most significant changes to US travel policy in recent years, adding a new layer of complexity for international visitors.
