U.S. Travel Association issued a statement following the proposed changes to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) application:
We are deeply concerned by the recent announcement by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that it may seek social media history from Visa Waiver Program travelers to the United States. And without more detail from CBP, there are legitimate questions from travelers about what information they might need to provide, and from security experts as to whether this policy would meaningfully increase America’s security. One thing that isn’t in question: this policy could have a chilling effect on travel to the United States.
Visa Waiver Program travelers come here to do deals with American businesses, buy American products and experience the beauty of our great nation. If we get this policy wrong, millions of travelers could take their business and the billions of dollars they spend elsewhere, only making America weaker. The administration has taken many positive steps in its first 11 months, including modernizing TSA policies, adding CBP officers, reducing visa wait times and organizing the entire government to prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. We look forward to working with them to continue to improve travel facilitation and restore the United States as the world’s most visited destination.
