Heading to the US? Be Prepared to Hand Over 5 Years of Your Online Life

Travellers planning to visit the United States may soon have to hand over five years of their social media history before entering the country. The requirement is part of a new proposal, according to a notice issued by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on Wednesday.

Under the proposal, visitors would need to provide all social media accounts used within the last five years. They would also be required to list phone numbers, email addresses, and personal details of close family members from the same period. Applicants must upload a recent selfie for identity verification, CNBC News has reported.

The measure’s goal is to increase screening for travellers entering the US for stays of less than 90 days. A similar question on social media history was added to the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) form in 2016, but it was optional. The new rule would make disclosure mandatory.

The changes form part of the ESTA application process, which is used by travellers from 42 visa-waiver countries. The updated policy is expected to take effect on December 15.
According to U.S. authorities, the move is part of a broader effort to tighten immigration and border security under President Donald Trump. It follows a series of recent restrictions on foreign travel.
Belize, however, is not one of the 42 countries in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. This means Belizeans do not use ESTA and instead must apply for a B1/B2 visa to enter the United States.