US visa requirements 2025: five-year social media history now mandatory for tourists

WASHINGTON: The US administration has tightened regulations for individuals planning to visit the United States, issuing new visa requirements that will apply from 2026.

According to an official statement, all foreign tourists entering the US will now be required to provide a complete five-year history of their social media accounts.

The notice, published in the Federal Register by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), states that travelers must also submit their email addresses, phone numbers, and details about their family members.

US officials say these measures are intended to strengthen national security and prevent illegal activities.

The directives take immediate effect as the US, Canada, and Mexico prepare to co-host the FIFA World Cup 2026.

With fans from around the world expected to apply for visas to attend matches in person, authorities aim to enhance screening procedures.

The US State Department had previously instructed travelers in June to make their social media profiles public.

However, the latest notice further tightens these rules by making the submission of a five-year social media record mandatory.

According to the news agency, the new requirements will make the entry process more stringent, requiring travelers to provide additional information so border authorities can better assess potential risks and enhance admission criteria.