US EditionMillions of travelers could skip visiting the US if proposed social media policy is implemented, industry experts warn
The proposed rule requiring five years of social media info for Visa Waiver travelers could reduce arrivals by 23%, risking $15.7 billion in lost visitor spending, WTTC warns.
- On February 9, 2026 the Federal Register comment period closes for a CBP proposal to collect five years of social-media account names from some ESTA applicants, with WTTC warning of $15.7 billion lost visitor spending.
- The Trump administration said the change is intended to protect the US from foreign terrorists and would require ESTA applicants to provide five years of social-media usernames plus expanded contact and family history.
- The WTTC survey found one-third of nearly 5,000 surveyed travellers would be less likely to visit the US, and two-thirds of the 4,563 respondents were already aware of the proposed social media checks.
- Modelling shows the US could lose as many as 4.7 million arrivals in 2026, a 23% drop from ESTA countries risking major events like America's 250th birthday celebration and FIFA World Cup matches in Miami.
- Amid below‑prepandemic arrivals, U.S. Travel Association and industry groups said last year the proposed social media policy is worrisome, while WTTC noted March 2025 arrivals were about 5.4 million, roughly 86.4% of March 2019.
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35 Articles
The U.S. continues with an analysis of a measure that would force visa applicants and other travelers to show their social media history in order to be admitted. One report noted that the decision could cause economic damage to the U.S. country. In turn, a global organization conducted a survey in which it assessed the potential impact of the initiative.Visits: reviewing social networks to tourists could cost thousands of millions to the U.S. Th…
Jersey Hired Warns Proposed U.S. Border Mandates Threaten New Jersey's Tourism and Logistics Workforce
JERSEY CITY, N.J., Jan. 29, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Jersey Hired, the Garden State's leading hyper-local job board and talent platform, today issued a statement regarding the potential economic impact of the proposed U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) mandates. The proposed rules, which would require international visitors to provide five years of social media history, threaten to significantly deter international travel and jeopardize th…
Daily Post-Athenian
US scrutiny of visitors' social media could hammer tourism: trade group
A US plan to step up scrutiny of foreign visitors' social media use threatens to cut tourist spending by up to $15.7 billion this year as people decide to stay away, an industry group said Thursday.
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