The United States government has proposed a new requirement for travelers from certain countries, which would involve submitting their social media history as part of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) process. This proposal, unveiled on Wednesday, would affect tourists from over 40 countries, including most European nations, Chile, Brunei, and New Zealand, who currently need to apply for an ESTA to enter the US without a visa for up to 90 days.

Under the proposed plan, travelers may be asked to provide up to five years’ worth of social media history. However, the specifics of how this would work remain unclear, and experts are concerned that it could lead to longer delays in obtaining ESTA forms and potentially deter tourists from visiting the US. The country has already experienced a decline in tourism over the past few months, particularly from Canada, where many travelers have chosen to boycott the US in response to President Trump’s tariffs.

The US government has not yet implemented the proposal, and its potential impact on the tourism industry is still uncertain. President Trump has downplayed concerns, stating that the plan is intended to ensure that “we’re not letting the wrong people come into our country.” Despite this, experts warn that the added requirement could lead to increased processing times and discourage visitors from applying for ESTA forms.

The US tourism industry has been experiencing a downturn in recent months, with a notable decline in visitors from Canada. The proposed social media requirement could exacerbate this trend, potentially affecting the country’s economy. As the proposal is still in its early stages, it remains to be seen how it will be implemented and what impact it will have on travelers and the tourism industry as a whole. The US government will need to carefully consider the potential consequences of this plan and weigh the benefits of enhanced security against the potential costs to the tourism sector.