Entry to the United States | Social-media activity as the new “passport” — including for Greeks

Social-media history from the past five years may soon become the new passport requirement for citizens wishing to visit the United States from 42 countries, including Greece.

This requirement is not yet in force. It is a proposal submitted by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to the Federal Register, launching a public-comment period.

According to a document filed on Wednesday (10 December) with the Federal Register, U.S. Customs and Border Protection intends to make it mandatory for travelers to provide social-media information from the past five years.

CBP, part of the Department of Homeland Security, argues that the new requirements strengthen compliance with an executive order issued under President Donald Trump, aimed at protecting the country from terrorism and other national-security threats.

The document states that adding social-media details constitutes a “mandatory data element” for travelers using the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA). It does not yet specify which exact data will be required. At the same time, authorities are considering collecting phone numbers from the past five years, email addresses from the past decade, as well as additional information on the applicant’s family members. A photograph of the applicant will also be required.

A CBP spokesperson told the BBC that the new proposals are the “first step” toward discussing potential changes to entry policy.

These developments come only a few months after confirmation that the ESTA fee is nearly doubling — from USD 21 to USD 40. The program applies to citizens of 42 countries and allows multiple visits to the U.S. of up to 90 days within a two-year period.

The U.S. expects heavy tourist inflows in the coming years due to major international events: the 250th anniversary of independence, co-hosting the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Responding to questions about whether the new measures might discourage travelers, Donald Trump stated that the goal is clear: “to ensure that we are not allowing the wrong people into our country.”