Dec 10, 2025, 2:24 p.mDec 10, 2025, 3:11 p.m
The US Border Patrol wants to require tourists to disclose their social media accounts when entering the US. Entrants would have to make their posts on social networks from the last five years available to border officials, according to a proposed change presented by the border protection authority.
The social media profiles should be made public. Image: imago
Social media includes platforms such as Tiktok, X or Instagram. The document is not legally binding, but is initially up for discussion after it is published in the Federal Register.
Such a tightening of the rules would affect all visitors who come to the USA with the electronic application Esta – the common, visa-free permit for tourists and business travelers from more than 40 countries that are part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Staying in the USA is therefore permitted for a maximum of 90 days.
When accessing the website ustraveldocs.com a corresponding popup appears. It states that all individuals applying for an H-1B, H-4, F, M or J nonimmigrant visa must set the privacy settings of all social media accounts to “public”.
image: Screenshot ustraveldocs.com
Check residence status and political statements?
The US authority justifies the planned change with the “protection of the USA from foreign terrorists and other threats to national and public security”. The mandatory verifiability of social media activities is part of a larger package that would regulate comprehensive data collection to track entry and exit if it comes into force.
It was already announced in August that the US government had significantly expanded the checks on visa holders. According to a report by the Washington Post, millions of people who are already in the USA were scrutinized – with an intensive look at the activities on their online channels. The background was therefore the intention to revoke visas if there was evidence of an overstay or criminal activity.
The Immigration and Naturalization Service (USCIS) had also announced that it would check immigrants for possible “anti-American” statements on the Internet when submitting applications. The government under President Donald Trump is taking rigorous action against immigrants who are staying in the USA without valid residence status. (fak/sda/dpa)