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Concerns Raised Over Potential Impact of ESTA Social Media Proposal – Image Credit Unsplash
The U.S. Travel Association has expressed concerns about proposed changes to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) application that may require access to social media history for Visa Waiver Program travelers.
The U.S. Travel Association has issued a response to the announcement by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regarding potential changes to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) application. The proposed changes could involve collecting social media history from travelers using the Visa Waiver Program to enter the United States.
The association has raised concerns about the proposal’s implications, particularly the lack of detailed information from CBP. There are questions about what specific information travelers might need to provide and whether the policy would effectively enhance U.S. security measures. The association warned that the proposed changes could deter international travelers from visiting the United States, potentially harming the travel industry.
The Visa Waiver Program facilitates travel for individuals from participating countries to conduct business, purchase goods, and engage in tourism activities in the United States. The U.S. Travel Association emphasized the importance of maintaining a welcoming environment for these travelers, who contribute significantly to the U.S. economy.
The association also acknowledged the positive steps taken by the current administration in its first 11 months, including modernizing Transportation Security Administration (TSA) policies, increasing CBP officer numbers, reducing visa wait times, and preparing for future international events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The U.S. Travel Association expressed its intention to collaborate with the administration to improve travel facilitation further and enhance the United States’ position as a leading travel destination.
The U.S. Travel Association is the travel industry’s representative body, advocating for policies that promote travel to and within the United States. The organization continues to monitor developments related to the proposed ESTA changes and their potential impact on the travel sector.
