Trump Proposes Requiring 5 Years of Social Media History from Tourists

Plan could disrupt international travel and tourism to the US ahead of 2026 World Cup

Apr. 10, 2026 at 4:39pm

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A fractured, abstract painting of a smartphone screen displaying social media app icons in overlapping geometric shapes and vibrant colors, conceptually representing the disruption and invasion of privacy caused by the Trump administration's proposed tourist social media disclosure policy.The Trump administration's proposal to require tourists to disclose 5 years of social media history could create a chaotic new reality for international travel to the US.Las Vegas Today

The Trump administration is proposing a controversial plan that would require all international tourists, including those from visa-waiver countries, to disclose their social media activity from the past five years, as well as provide email addresses, phone numbers, and family information. This proposal has raised concerns about privacy and could significantly impact tourism to the US, especially ahead of the 2026 World Cup co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico.

Why it matters

This proposal is part of the Trump administration's broader efforts to tighten immigration and travel restrictions, which have already led to a decline in foreign visits to the US. The potential disruption to international tourism, a key economic driver, could have far-reaching consequences, especially for major events like the 2026 World Cup.

The details

The proposal, published in the Federal Register, would apply to all international tourists, regardless of visa requirements or ESTA eligibility. Visitors would be required to disclose their social media history, email addresses, phone numbers, and family information. The public has two months to comment on the proposal, but the Department of Homeland Security has remained silent on the matter.

  • The proposal was published in the Federal Register in April 2026.
  • The public has two months to comment on the proposal.

The players

Trump administration

The current US presidential administration, led by former President Donald Trump, which is proposing the controversial plan to require international tourists to disclose their social media history.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The US government agency responsible for implementing the proposed plan, which has remained silent on the matter.

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What’s next

The public has two months to comment on the proposal, but the DHS has remained silent on the matter. The outcome of this proposal could have significant implications for international travel and tourism to the US, especially ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

The takeaway

This proposal is the latest in a series of restrictive immigration and travel policies implemented by the Trump administration, which have already led to a decline in foreign visits to the US. The potential impact on international tourism, a crucial economic driver, raises concerns about the administration's priorities and the long-term consequences for the country's global reputation and competitiveness.