In a significant move, the U.S. government has announced stringent changes to their Visa Waiver Program (VWP) for Hungarian nationals, impacting their ability to travel to the United States hassle-free. Effective in August 2023, the popular Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) will undergo modifications, reducing its validity period from 2 years to one year
5 June 2020
| Post bySocial media information is now a mandatory requirement for ESTA and visa applications for the USA. This latest change in visa policy is part of US President Donald Trump’s plan to set a “uniform baseline for screening and vetting standards and procedures”.
According to the latest global visa information, this requirement is now compulsory for all applicants for the US ESTA visa waiver, although it is not mandatory for US visa applications.
It is possible to obtain authorization to travel to the United States of America via the internet by completing an online application form. Travelers from countries that are part of the visa waiver program do not require a US visa, but must register their details online with the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
Completing the ESTA form involves submitting basic personal data, such as the applicant’s name and date of birth, passport details, and contact information.
Until recently, travelers had the option of including details of their social media presence, such as their Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram profiles on an ESTA application. Now, this information is compulsory.
The data submitted on the ESTA registration is used to pre-screen travelers before they arrive in the USA, to improve security for both US citizens and other travelers arriving in the country.
The names and details of applicants are checked against American and international databases and watchlists to identify and prevent the entry of individuals who represent a security risk. The aim of the system is to combat international crime and prevent terrorism and illegal immigration.
This streamlined system significantly speeds up the process of obtaining US travel authorization for visa-exempt citizens. It also enables travelers to pass through border control without any unnecessary checks and bureaucracy.
Should I Put Social Media on ESTA?
It is now mandatory to include social media details when completing the ESTA registration form.
All applicants for the US ESTA from eligible countries must now include the social media IDs of any of the following platforms that they have used over the past 5 years:
If the traveler has not used any social media accounts within the 5 years prior to completing the application, they may select the box marked “I do not have an online presence”.
Applicants are advised to answer truthfully, as their details will be screened by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) staff and individuals who provide false information may be denied entry to the USA.
With regards to the social media requirement on US visa applications, an official from the Trump administration announced that international travelers who lie about social media on their visa application could face “serious immigration consequences”.
It is recommended that all applicants for a US visa or ESTA fill out their form accurately and double-check their answers before submitting the form to ensure that all details are correct.
How Will CBP Use My Social Media Account Information?
US Customs and Border Protection are asking for social media information from ESTA and US visa applicants as part of their efforts do protect the United States by identifying potential risks to national security.
They may also be used to cross-reference the other information provided in the ESTA application.
The information will be processed in accordance with the ESTA Data Privacy Policy.
The social media details provided in the ESTA application form is unlikely to affect the traveler’s chances of having their entry to the United States approved.
If anything, it is likely to facilitate the screening process and allow the CBP to approve the ESTA more quickly, as it will be much easier for authorities to adjudicate issues related to identity, previous travel, and current occupation.
The ESTA application may be affected by social media only if the individual’s activity has raised concern about a security risk.
What Social Media Information Will CBP Be Able to See?
The information available depends largely on the individual’s account settings.
If the privacy settings on Facebook or Instagram do not allow for public viewing, then it is unlikely that screening staff from US Customs and Border Protection will be able to view your posts or information, unless they send a formal release of information request to the company running the social media site in question.
Accounts that are set to public viewing will be accessible to view the profile and screen the traveler.
Overall, the requirement to include social media details is simply an additional requirement on the ESTA application and should not be any cause for concern for the vast majority of visitors to the US.
International travelers who are not sure if they need to apply for a visa for the or register with ESTA can check visa requirements for America using the visa checker at the top of this page.
Related News
The United States government has announced that the US ESTA is now mandatory for citizens of all Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries entering the United States by land. This new policy will be introduced on October 1st, 2022. Visa-exempt travelers are still able to enter the US by land without a visa, but they will
The United States Department of State has redesigned the US passport and introduced the Next Generation Passport (NGP). From summer 2022, all passport agencies and centers in the US will issue the updated version of the travel document for all new US passport applications and renewals. When Did the US Next Generation Passport Come Out?
The United States of America is considering adding 4 countries to its Visa Waiver Program (VWP), according to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. If the decision is taken, nationals of these states will be able to visit the USA visa-free. To enter the country without a visa, they will simply have to register with the
