The United States has issued a new notice proposing changes that could affect foreign visitors from over 40 countries. Under this proposed rule, travelers who are part of America’s Visa Waiver Program may need to provide detailed personal information before entering the country. This includes social media history, email addresses, telephone numbers, and even sensitive biometrics such as DNA and iris scans. The notice is currently open for public review, giving citizens 60 days to submit their views before the policy is implemented.
The move is part of a broader effort to tighten screening for travelers entering the US without a visa. Visitors from Visa Waiver Program countries can currently stay in the US for up to 90 days after being approved through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). The new rule would expand the information required during the screening process, aiming to improve security and detect potential threats before travelers arrive in the country.
Officials stated that the new measures are intended to protect American citizens, particularly after recent security incidents. The proposed changes come amid ongoing discussions about immigration policies and border safety. Although the notice is under public review, it is not yet a final rule and will not take effect immediately.
According to the official document released by the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), visitors under the Visa Waiver Program would need to provide several types of personal and family information. This includes social media accounts used in the last five years, all telephone numbers and email addresses used during the same period, and IP addresses linked to electronically submitted photos.
Family details will also be requested, including the names, dates of birth, places of birth, and residential history of parents, spouses, siblings, and children. In addition, travelers would have to submit business contact information, such as telephone numbers from the past five years and email addresses from the last ten years.
Biometric data would also form part of the new requirements. The CBP has listed face scans, fingerprints, iris scans, and DNA as potential items for collection. These measures are seen as an expansion of existing security protocols, which already required social media information from travelers outside the Visa Waiver Program.
The goal of this data collection is to ensure that individuals entering the United States are thoroughly screened for security risks. By gathering information from multiple sources, authorities hope to better understand travel patterns, connections, and potential threats. The CBP has emphasised that the public review period allows citizens to provide feedback on privacy concerns and the practicality of the proposed measures.
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The Visa Waiver Program currently includes citizens from over 40 countries, mostly in Europe, Asia, and Oceania. Some of the countries are Australia, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, South Korea, and New Zealand. These travelers are normally eligible to enter the US without a visa for short visits of up to 90 days, mainly for tourism, business, or transit purposes.
The notice clarifies that the rule has not yet taken effect. CBP officials stated that no changes have been made to the current entry process, and travelers can continue to follow the existing guidelines. The agency emphasized that the notice is meant to start a discussion about new policy options to enhance security, rather than immediately impose new requirements.
Public feedback will be collected for 60 days, allowing individuals, organizations, and privacy experts to comment on the proposal. The agency plans to review the submissions before finalizing any rule. Officials also noted that the process is consistent with previous security measures introduced during the Trump administration, which required social media details from travelers outside the Visa Waiver Program. This policy remained in effect during President Joe Biden’s term.
Experts say that if the rule is implemented, it could have significant effects on international travelers. They may need to prepare additional documentation and be ready to submit detailed personal and family data. Travel agencies and airlines may also need to adapt their procedures to comply with the new requirements.
While the proposal has raised privacy concerns, CBP has stressed that the changes aim to protect Americans and prevent potential security threats. The proposed collection of social media, DNA, and IP data would allow authorities to identify risks that may not be apparent through traditional screening methods.
In conclusion, the US’s proposed rule for Visa Waiver Program travelers is an important development in international travel and security policies. It requires social media history, email and phone records, family information, and biometric data, including DNA and iris scans. The notice is under public review for 60 days, after which authorities will consider feedback before implementing any final rule. Travelers from the affected countries should stay informed about these potential changes, as they may impact travel planning and entry requirements in the near future.
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