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

Al JazeeraEN 2 min read 100% complete by By ReutersDecember 15, 2025 at 07:23 PM

AI Summary

medium article 2 min

The US Travel Association has expressed concern that a new US government proposal requiring tourists from 42 visa waiver countries to submit social media handles used over the past five years could negatively impact travel to the United States. Announced in December 2025 and expected to take effect in February 2026, the change would affect millions of visitors who currently can enter the US for up to 90 days without a visa by completing an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) form. The association fears the policy, stemming from a 2020 executive order, could deter travelers and billions of dollars in tourism revenue. Since 2019, applicants for immigrant and non-immigrant visas have already been required to share this information.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

United States ×260% US Travel Association 70% Donald Trump ×280%

Keywords

social media data 90% travel 80% us travel association 70% visa waiver program 70% chilling effect 60% tourists 60% foreign visitors 50% us customs and border protection 50% donald trump 40%