If you’re planning a trip to the United States next year, a new proposal might have you revisiting your social media history. The US government is considering a requirement for visa-exempt foreign tourists, including Australians, to disclose their social media information, email accounts, phone numbers, and extensive family history to the Department of Homeland Security before being approved for travel. This proposed change could significantly impact Australians planning to visit the US for leisure, business, study, or to attend events like the men’s Football World Cup.
Current Travel Process for Australians
Australia is part of the US Visa Waiver Program, which includes 42 countries. This program allows citizens to apply for travel through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) if the visit is for 90 days or less. Unlike traditional visa applicants, ESTA applicants typically do not require an interview at a US embassy or consulate. The ESTA application costs $US40 ($60) and currently asks for limited information such as parents’ names and current email addresses.
Since December 2016, listing social media usernames for the past five years has been optional on ESTA applications. However, under the new proposal, this would become mandatory. Some Australians have already reported being denied entry to the US and questioned about their online activities. In 2025, US Customs and Border Protection conducted 51,000 basic media searches and 4,000 advanced media searches of electronics at ports of entry, marking a 15% increase from 2024. The majority of these searches, 42,000, involved foreign nationals.
Background and Policy Evolution
This proposal is part of a broader trend initiated by former President Donald Trump, who advocated for “extreme vetting” of visitors and potential immigrants to the US. This approach began with a travel ban on seven predominantly Muslim countries in early 2017 and continued with various executive orders related to visas and immigration. In 2019, the Trump administration required travelers from non-visa waiver countries to provide social media details from the past five years if they wished to visit the US. Countries like Australia, the UK, and New Zealand were initially exempt.
The policy has persisted under President Joe Biden’s administration. In June, the US State Department directed student visa applicants to make their social media profiles public for “comprehensive and thorough vetting.” This rule will extend to H-1B skilled worker visa applicants and their dependents by December 15. Additionally, Trump’s updated travel ban in June added 12 more countries to the list.
Information Required Under the New Proposal
Alongside social media history, US Customs and Border Protection plans to request other information, including phone numbers used over the past five years and email addresses from the past decade. They may also ask for metadata from electronically submitted photos and extensive family information, such as places of birth and telephone numbers. An option for non-US citizens to provide a selfie upon departure is also included, allowing US customs to track their location and confirm their exit from the country.
Potential Impact on Travelers
International law expert Professor Donald Rothwell from the Australian National University warns that those most at risk are active social media users who have criticized US policies. Dr. Rothwell, who stopped accepting invitations to speak in the US in June, is among a growing number of academics avoiding travel to the US due to these stringent measures.
Global Comparisons and Reactions
While it is not standard practice for western democracies to require social media history access, travelers should be aware of local laws in regions like the Middle East, parts of Asia, and Russia. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) advises Australians against traveling to Russia, labeling Australia as an “unfriendly” nation. The UK’s travel advice notes that some British nationals have faced extensive identity and electronic device checks in Russia.
Many Middle Eastern countries impose strict laws on social media content, particularly regarding government criticism and photography. In China, access to many social media platforms is banned, and arrests have occurred over online posts. DFAT advises Australians with potentially blasphemous social media comments to avoid traveling to Pakistan.
Future Implications and Public Response
The number of Australians traveling to the US declined earlier this year, though it has since risen. When questioned about the potential impact on tourism, former President Trump stated, “We want safety, we want security, we want to make sure we’re not letting the wrong people come into our country.” A Customs and Border Protection spokesperson described the notice as “the first step in starting a discussion to have new policy options to keep the American people safe.”
The public has 60 days to comment on the proposed changes, which were published on Wednesday, before they potentially take effect. Australia’s response appears muted, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledging the US’s right to set its entry rules. A DFAT spokesperson emphasized that visa conditions are determined by the issuing country and advised Australians to thoroughly understand US entry requirements before traveling.
