The United States plans to tighten the procedures surrounding the Electronic System for Travel Authorization, ESTA, by integrating stricter control measures. These changes, recorded in the Federal Register, are raising many reactions online, particularly due to the increased collection of personal and biometric data.
The 3 key points to remember
- The new ESTA rules will include an extensive data collection, including social media identifiers from the past five years.
- The ESTA application will now have to be submitted through the official mobile app, Esta Mobile.
- A public comment period is open to gather opinions on these proposals before their final adoption.
Enhanced collection of personal data
The United States plans to significantly modify the ESTA, a travel authorization that allows nationals of certain countries to make short stays without a visa. This revision will include a much broader collection of personal and biometric data than before. Among these new requirements, a systematic review of travelers’ social media accounts over a five-year period is being considered.
This change is causing many reactions, particularly because social media identifiers, although optional for several years, would become mandatory.
Transition to a mobile application
In an effort to modernize, ESTA applications will soon only be possible through the Esta Mobile app. The website will only serve to consult information and check the status of ongoing applications. This change is part of a broader movement towards the digitization of administrative processes.
Social media verification
Travelers will have to declare their social media identifiers for the past five years. Although passwords and private messages are not concerned, this measure will allow authorities to verify the online identity of applicants. Statements deemed problematic could affect the issuance of the travel authorization.
This measure aligns with Presidential Executive Order 14161, which aims to strengthen national security against foreign threats. However, it remains uncertain to what extent these checks will be systematically applied.
Context and implications for travelers
ESTA, or Electronic System for Travel Authorization, is a program launched by the United States to facilitate short stays without a visa for nationals of certain countries, mainly European. Since its implementation, ESTA has always been a topic of discussion due to the personal data it collects.
With these new measures, the United States seeks to strengthen its national security while adapting to technological developments. Travelers will now need to be aware of the implications of their online activities on their international travel possibilities.