In Brief: New survey data show that 85% of corporate travel buyers oppose a US government proposal requiring foreign visitors to disclose 5 years of social media history at the border, with many warning that it could reduce business travel to the United States.
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Corporate Travel Sector Pushes Back Against US Social Media Disclosure Proposal – Image Credit Unsplash
Industry Opposition to Social Media Disclosure Proposal
A significant majority of corporate travel buyers are expressing concern over a US government plan that would require foreign visitors to provide five years of social media history when entering the country. According to a recent survey by Business Travel Show Europe, 85% of respondents oppose the proposal, with only 2.5% in support and less than 1% willing to accept it for leisure tourists only.
The proposal, introduced by US Customs and Border Protection and detailed in the Federal Register, would apply to travelers from over 40 countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program, including the United Kingdom. It would mandate disclosure of all social media handles used in the past five years, along with historic email addresses, phone numbers, and metadata from submitted photographs. The stated aim is to identify applicants displaying “anti-American” sentiment, following an executive order signed in January 2025. The plan is currently in a 60-day public comment period.
Potential Impact on Corporate Travel
The survey results indicate that the proposed policy could significantly affect business travel to the United States. If implemented, 41.18% of corporate travel programs say they would send fewer employees to the US, while 16.81% would increase their reliance on video conferencing instead of in-person meetings. Only 18.49% of respondents believe the policy would have no impact on their travel plans.
These findings are consistent with a broader trend of UK businesses exploring alternative markets beyond the US and Europe for new business opportunities. The potential for increased administrative requirements is a key concern for travel managers already dealing with visa backlogs, geopolitical risks, and rising travel costs.
Concerns Over Privacy and Administrative Burden
Industry representatives and data privacy experts have raised concerns about the scope of the proposed rule. Requiring five years of digital history from millions of Visa Waiver users would make the US border-screening process among the most intrusive in developed countries. There are also concerns about the practical challenges of ensuring compliance across entire workforces, particularly among senior executives with extensive digital footprints.
Louis Magliaro, executive vice president of The BTN Group, highlighted the potential for increased administrative work, noting that corporate travelers already face complex visa and compliance requirements. He warned that the new rule could add further complications for travel managers tasked with improving efficiency and controlling costs.
Broader Implications for Major Events and Future Travel
The timing of the proposal is notable, as the US is set to host major international events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Industry observers have suggested that the new requirements could have wider consequences for these events, potentially discouraging travel to the US.
Survey data was collected from 192 respondents in April 2026, representing a mix of corporate travel buyers, procurement professionals, events managers, and executive assistants. Respondents were based in the UK, mainland Europe, and other regions.
Policy Debate Expected at Industry Gathering
The upcoming Business Travel Show Europe, scheduled for June 2026 in London, is expected to focus on the ongoing debate over the US social media disclosure proposal. Other key topics on the agenda include sustainability, the use of artificial intelligence in booking, and traveler wellbeing.
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