Switzerland and Italy Join France, Poland, Germany, UK, Denmark, and Other Countries in Responding to US New Visa Regulations Requiring Social Media History Disclosure

The new year will bring a significant shake-up to international travel as the United States moves forward with a proposal to implement strict changes to its visa process. Among the countries most impacted are Switzerland, Italy, France, Germany, and others, as travelers from 42 Visa Waiver Program (VWP) nations will be required to disclose up to five years of social media history, along with other personal details.

As the proposal stands, travelers entering the United States under the VWP will need to submit social media identifiers, phone numbers, email addresses, family information, and undergo biometric screenings as part of their Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) application process. This sweeping change is set to impact millions of travelers globally, particularly in Europe, as the U.S. government looks to enhance security vetting measures for those seeking entry for business, leisure, or other short-term visits.

A Major Shift in Travel Protocol

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced this proposal in December 2025, marking a pivotal moment in international travel. If the rule is finalized, travelers from European nations like Switzerland, Italy, France, Germany, and the UK will no longer just fill out basic application forms to enter the U.S. They will now be required to provide a comprehensive history of their social media activity, including usernames and handles used over the past five years. Additionally, personal details such as phone numbers, email addresses, and family member information must be disclosed. Biometric screenings, including fingerprint and iris scans, will also become mandatory for these travelers.

This shift is part of the U.S. government’s ongoing efforts to enhance national security and improve the vetting process for travelers entering the country. With the rule likely to be enforced later in 2026, the U.S. aims to stay ahead of potential threats and streamline the screening process for individuals seeking to enter the country under the VWP.

A Global Shake-Up: Impact on European Travelers

As of now, Switzerland, Italy, France, Germany, and other European Union (EU) nations have not officially objected to the proposal. However, the requirement for five years of social media history has raised concerns, particularly in relation to privacy and the possible violation of the EU’s stringent data protection laws, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). As these rules could require travelers to divulge intimate personal details from their online lives, critics argue that they could compromise personal freedoms and privacy.

For many citizens from these VWP countries, the new regulations mark an unprecedented level of scrutiny, creating anxiety about potential delays or rejections of ESTA applications. Public outcry has been mounting across Europe as individuals worry about the consequences of sharing such detailed personal information. Although there has been no unified official response from the affected countries, the debate surrounding privacy rights versus security measures is expected to continue.

The Privacy Concerns That Come With Disclosure

One of the most contentious aspects of this new U.S. visa policy is the disclosure of personal social media activity. Travelers will be required to share not only their public posts but potentially private messages and interactions, raising serious concerns about digital privacy. For some, the idea that the U.S. government could be examining their online profiles, including controversial opinions or political views, is deeply troubling.

Critics also argue that these measures could violate basic civil liberties, including the right to free speech and freedom of expression. While the U.S. government asserts that this rule is designed to protect national security, many in Europe view it as an overreach, particularly given the ongoing tension between data protection laws in the EU and the U.S.’s approach to data collection.

At the heart of the opposition is the concern that this rule could lead to unfair profiling based on social media activity. For instance, a traveler who posts political opinions that align with certain viewpoints might be flagged as a security risk, despite no real evidence of malicious intent.

Biometric Scanning and Its Effects on Processing Times

In addition to social media disclosures, travelers will also be required to undergo biometric screening as part of the ESTA application process. This will include taking fingerprints and iris scans, further tightening security protocols at U.S. borders. While these measures are expected to increase security, they will likely add significant delays to the ESTA approval process.

The average processing time for ESTA applications could rise by up to 22 minutes per applicant. For millions of travelers, this means longer wait times and potential disruptions to travel plans, particularly during peak seasons such as the 2026 World Cup or other major international events.

What Travelers Need to Know: How to Prepare for the Changes

With this new proposal set to be finalized by the end of 2026, travelers from affected countries should start preparing now to avoid unnecessary delays or denials when applying for ESTA. Here are some key steps that travelers should consider:

• Review Your Social Media History: Travelers should start reviewing their social media activity to ensure that their profiles are aligned with U.S. expectations. If there are any posts that could raise red flags, it might be wise to delete or edit them in advance.
• Be Transparent on Your ESTA Application: Ensure that all information provided in the ESTA application is accurate and complete. Failing to disclose the required social media history could lead to rejection or delays.
• Plan Ahead for Your ESTA: Given the likely increase in processing times, it is recommended that travelers apply for ESTA well in advance of their trip. With potential delays in processing, waiting until the last minute could jeopardize travel plans.
• Monitor Family Members’ Social Media: Since family information is also required, travelers should ensure that their family members’ social media activity does not pose any issues for their application.

What’s Next: The Future of US Visa Regulations

The proposal for social media disclosure is still in the public comment phase, with the final decision set to be made after the comment period closes in February 2026. Once the rules are finalized, travelers from the affected VWP countries will need to comply with the new requirements in order to visit the U.S.

The U.S. government is expected to review the public feedback before making the final decision on these changes. Depending on the results of this review, travelers could see the implementation of these rules as early as mid-2026, well in time for the busy summer travel season.

As this process unfolds, travelers from affected countries should continue to monitor updates from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and prepare accordingly. The new visa regulations could mark a major turning point in how international travelers are vetted, leading to both heightened security and, for many, potential frustrations.

Conclusion: A New Era of Travel Security and Privacy Concerns

As countries like Switzerland, Italy, France, and Germany brace for the changes ahead, travelers must prepare for a future where digital footprints are a key part of border security. While the U.S. government’s intention is clear—to bolster security and safeguard the nation from potential threats—many travelers and privacy advocates fear that this move could lead to a loss of individual freedoms and unnecessary delays in travel. As the situation evolves, one thing remains certain: travelers will need to stay informed and adaptable to the changing landscape of international travel.

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