US Visa Waiver Travelers Face Social Media Scrutiny from Feb 2026 Tourism Industry Warns of Visitor Exodus

Starting February 8, 2026, travelers from 42 Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries must submit five years of social media handles (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter, LinkedIn), ten years of email addresses, five years of phone numbers, and detailed immediate family information (names, birthdates, addresses for parents, siblings, spouses) as mandatory ESTA fields, per U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s proposed rule under Executive Order 14161.​

Previously optional since 2016, this shift to required disclosure—aligned with visa processes—enables algorithmic and human vetting of public posts for security risks, potentially delaying approvals from minutes to days and raising privacy/data security fears among allies like the UK, EU nations, Japan, Australia, and South Korea. The U.S. Travel Association warns of a “chilling effect,” with millions redirecting to less invasive destinations, threatening billions in tourism revenue ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.​

A 60-day public comment period (ending ~February 9, 2026) allows industry pushback from airlines, hotels, and agencies; no passwords or private access required, but “controversial” content could flag denials. Travelers should apply early (72-hour buffer), review profiles, and monitor updates via CBP’s site.​

Economic and Tourism Risks

International visitors pump billions into U.S. jobs/hotels; post-Trump policy sluggishness could worsen with VWP complications for short business/leisure trips. Europe/Asia markets may pivot to Canada/EU amid World Cup hype.​

Compliance Tips

• List all handles used (no passwords); declare “none” if applicable.
• Gather old emails/phones/family data pre-application.
• Firms: Brief staff, extend lead times for executives.​

Key Points:

• Mandatory from Feb 8, 2026: 5-yr social media, 10-yr emails, 5-yr phones, family details for 42 VWP nations.
• Vetting delays/privacy risks; no visa needed but ESTA essential for 90-day stays.
• U.S. Travel: Billions lost, tourism chill pre-2026 World Cup.
• Rooted in EO 14161; comments due Feb 2026—possible revisions.
• Affects allies (UK/EU/Japan); selfies/biometrics may follow.
• Advice: Apply early, clean profiles, check esta.cbp.dhs.gov.