The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Customs & Border Protection recently proposed a new rule to collect additional information from Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) travelers, including social media, personal and family contact information and biometrics — face, fingerprint, DNA, and iris.
DHS added the proposal to the Federal Register for public comment:
Federal Register: Agency Information Collection Activities; Revision; Arrival and Departure Record (Form I-94) and Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)
In essence, the recently released Federal Register Notice regarding changes to information collected on ESTA applications announces a 60-day public comment period for proposed new or revised information collection methods. These proposed changes are not yet final. Most are designed to support Executive Order 14161, aimed at protecting the U.S. from foreign terrorist and other national security and public safety threats.
IITA noted that the U.S. inbound sector continues to face headwinds — from rising costs and competitive global destinations to prolonged visa delays, increased entry requirements and a new entrance fee surcharge at national parks. Requiring social media disclosure and a history of personal and familial contact information could further damage the U.S. reputation as a welcoming, accessible destination and potentially redirect travelers to countries with more streamlined procedures.
“Inbound operators fully support strong security protocols, however, the proposed requirement to collect social media and extensive personal and family information introduces new privacy concerns and logistical barriers at a time when we can least afford additional deterrents to international visitors,” said Lisa Simon, CEO/Executive Director of IITA. “We urge CBP to fully assess the economic impact of this requirement an balance security needs with smart policy that supports — rather than suppresses — international visitation.”
In response to the outcry from the U.S. inbound travel community the Department of Homeland Security released this statement:
“Nothing has changed on this front for those coming to the United States. This is not a final rule, it is simply the first step in starting a discussion to have new policy options to keep the American people safe. The Department is constantly looking at how we vet those coming into the country, especially after the terrorist attack in Washington DC against our National Guard right before Thanksgiving.
This new proposal is in line with the January 2025 Executive Order 14161 to vet those who are coming into this country using the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) by allowing CBP to collect additional information from non-U.S. citizens applying through the visa waiver program from eligible countries.”
If you would like to provide input to this proposal, please submit your comments no later than February 9, 2026.
New Proposed ESTA Screening Policy Open for Public Comment
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Customs & Border Protection recently proposed a new rule to collect additional information from Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) travelers, including social media, personal and family contact information and biometrics — face, fingerprint, DNA, and iris.
DHS added the proposal to the Federal Register for public comment:
Federal Register: Agency Information Collection Activities; Revision; Arrival and Departure Record (Form I-94) and Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)
In essence, the recently released Federal Register Notice regarding changes to information collected on ESTA applications announces a 60-day public comment period for proposed new or revised information collection methods. These proposed changes are not yet final. Most are designed to support Executive Order 14161, aimed at protecting the U.S. from foreign terrorist and other national security and public safety threats.
IITA noted that the U.S. inbound sector continues to face headwinds — from rising costs and competitive global destinations to prolonged visa delays, increased entry requirements and a new entrance fee surcharge at national parks. Requiring social media disclosure and a history of personal and familial contact information could further damage the U.S. reputation as a welcoming, accessible destination and potentially redirect travelers to countries with more streamlined procedures.
In response to the outcry from the U.S. inbound travel community the Department of Homeland Security released this statement:
If you would like to provide input to this proposal, please submit your comments no later than February 9, 2026.
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