US social media rules for tourists could have ‘chilling effect’ on travel

US Travel Association responds to a government notice requiring tourists from 42 countries to submit social media data.Published On 15 Dec 2025A group representing the United States travel and tourism industry has warned that a proposal to require millions of foreign visitors to provide social media handles used over the past five years could have a “chilling effect” on visits to the US.The US Travel Association issued its comments in a statement on Monday on the proposed change, which was announced in a US government notice last week and expected to take effect on February 8. It would require travellers from countries in the visa waiver programme to submit the social media data.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3History Illustrated: Venezuela and the US thirst for foreign oillist 2 of 3Louvre shut down as museum staff stage strike over working conditionslist 3 of 3England’s resident doctors to strike for five daysend of list“If we get this policy wrong, millions of travellers could take their business and the billions of dollars they spend elsewhere, only making America weaker,” the association said. “One thing that isn’t in question: this policy could have a chilling effect on travel to the United States.”Applicants for immigrant and non-immigrant visas have been required to share that information since 2019.The administration of US President Donald Trump has taken a range of steps to tighten the vetting of foreigners entering the US. The requirement for additional information stemmed from a Trump executive order issued on January 20 calling for visitors to the US to be “vetted and screened to the maximum degree”, according to the notice published by US Customs and Border Protection.The visa waiver programme allows travellers from 42 countries, mostly in Europe, to visit the US for up to 90 days without a visa. They must complete an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) form, which under the change would require the submission of social media handles.