A new US government notice has outlined additional data requirements that could impact travellers from 42countries. According to the notice, individuals who are part of America’s Visa Waiver Program may soon need to provide their social media history, telephone numbers and email addresses used and biometrics, to enter the US.
The new notice by the US Customs and Border Protection, is now out for public review. As part of its screening process, the US will now collect social media history and other “high-value data fields” from travellers eligible to enter the country without a visa.
This change will apply to traveller who can enter the US for up to 90 days without a visa and are currently screened through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
This is the latest move in the US administration’s measures to restrict immigration and comes days after a planned travel ban for nearly 30 countries after two National Guard members were shot dead in Washington.
