Travelers wishing to visit the United States may be required to undergo stricter checks, according to recent proposals from the Trump administration. These include checking the social media account history for tourists benefiting from the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA), with the notice published in the Federal Register. The proposal specifically targets citizens from countries such as France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Israel, Japan, and Australia and could come into effect within 60 days, unless challenged in court.
In addition to social media, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) intends to collect other personal data, including phone numbers and email addresses. Critics of this measure emphasize the intrusive nature of data collection and concerns about the negative impact on tourism, especially in light of the upcoming 2026 World Cup. Additionally, recently, entry fees to national parks have been increased for international visitors, which could further discourage foreign travelers. The US Travel Association estimates a decrease in the number of international visitors by 2025, in the context of the strict immigration policy promoted by the current administration.
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