In December 2025, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced a new proposal that would require prospective visitors to hand over their social media handles to customs agents.
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The proposed change would require applicants to provide certain information, including social media data, as part of their ESTA application. ESTA is the Electronic System for Travel Authorization that the US uses to manage incoming tourists from non-visa waiver countries—aka countries in good standing with the US.
(In other news, travelers from non-visa waiver countries could face a visa integrity fee of $250when applying for entry to the United States. Non-visa waiver countries include Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, and India, amongst others. This fee hasn’t yet been enacted, but could be later this year.)
Last year, ESTA applications doubled in price from $21 to $40, which went into effect on September 30, 2025. The big question is—what’s going on with social media handles? Are foreign visitors to the US actually asked to hand over their information?
Social media handles—are they required for ESTA applicants?
As of January 6, 2025, CBP hasn’t yet enacted a requirement for ESTA applicants to list their social media handles. In fact, though CBP has proposed the change, there’s still plenty to hammer out. The current proposed setup would require applicants to provide their social media history for five years—but there are no more specifications.
For now, the proposed change remains part of a 60-day public comment period. That should end in mid-February, meaning the social media requirements will either be passed or nixed.
However, it’s important to note that CBP officers have the right to inspect any and all electronic devices of inbound travelers. It’s fully within their authority to request access to social media accounts during additional security screenings. These checks are taken when officers become suspicious of an incoming visitor.
In addition to requiring ESTA applicants to provide social media information, proposed changes would also require them to provide ten years’ worth of email addresses, along with family member details.
