U.S. Travel Gets Tighter: Social Media and Family History Now a Must for ESTA Approval
The United States is introducing stricter travel rules for visitors. Foreign tourists will soon be required to provide their social media handles and family history when applying for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). These new rules aim to strengthen security checks for travelers under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
New Requirements for ESTA Applications
Starting soon, travelers will need to share their social media accounts from the past five years. This includes accounts on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. In addition, applicants must provide information about family members linked to terrorism or extremist activities. These updates come as part of the U.S. government’s effort to improve national security.
Why the Changes Matter
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) believes that social media information can help identify potential security threats. By reviewing an applicant’s online activity, authorities aim to spot risks before travelers enter the country. The addition of family history questions is meant to identify any ties to terrorist groups.
Impact on International Travelers
This change will affect travelers from countries that participate in the VWP. Countries like Canada, the UK, and Australia are among the largest groups of visitors to the U.S. These new requirements might cause some concern. Travelers are not used to sharing details about their online presence or family background in official applications.
What You Need to Know
Tourists applying for ESTA will now need to answer new questions about their social media accounts and family history. It’s important to answer these questions truthfully. Travelers should submit their ESTA applications early to avoid delays. The process remains mostly the same, but these new questions will be a key part of the application.
These changes reflect the U.S. government’s commitment to enhancing national security. By asking for more personal information, the U.S. hopes to better assess potential risks before travelers arrive.
