Canadians Concerned As U.S. Proposes Mandatory Social Media History for Travelers

BLAINE, WA – Canadians and other international visitors have raised concerns during PNW Daily Live streams from the Peace Arch Border Crossing amid reports of mandatory social media history for travelers being examined at ports of entry.

The main worry from travelers planning to travel to the United States is that they may soon face a new requirement: providing their social media history from the past five years when applying for travel authorization.

The proposal comes from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) as part of updates to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which allows citizens from 42 countries—including Canada, the U.K., Germany, Japan, and Australia—to visit the U.S. without a traditional visa for up to 90 days.

Key Facts About the Social Media Requirement

• Mandatory Social Media Data
  Travelers applying for ESTA would need to provide all social media accounts they have used in the last five years, including platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter/X, LinkedIn, and others. Applicants must list usernames or handles.
• Application Method
  CBP plans to require all future ESTA applications to be submitted via the ESTA Mobile app. The existing ESTA website will remain available for informational purposes and to check application status but will no longer accept new applications.
• Purpose
  According to CBP, the social media requirement is part of compliance with Executive Order 14161 (Jan 2025), aimed at enhancing national security and public safety. Social media accounts help verify applicant identity and corroborate other submitted information.
• Who It Affects
  This requirement would apply to all travelers entering the U.S. under the VWP, including Canadians and other visa-waiver visitors.

Timeline for Implementation

Important: Nothing in the proposal is currently enforceable. Travelers are not required to submit social media history until CBP issues a final rule with an effective date.

Public Reaction

• National media outlets, including NBC News, report that the proposal has generated concern among travelers and tourism stakeholders, particularly with major international events approaching.
• Critics warn the requirement could discourage international visitors and potentially affect U.S. tourism.

Bottom line: If finalized, visitors entering the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program will have to share social media accounts from the past five years through the ESTA Mobile app. For now, this is a proposal under review and is not yet law.

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Brian Henderson

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