DNA, biometrics, email history: US plans stricter screening for visa-free travellers from 42 countries | Explained

Representational Image

The United States is considering new screening rules that could significantly increase the amount of personal information required from travellers who enter the country without a visa. A new notice issued by the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) outlines plans to collect extensive data, including social media history and certain biometric details, from people arriving under the Visa Waiver Program.

The proposal is currently open for public review. If approved, travellers from 42 countries who are allowed to enter the US for up to 90 days without a visa will face stricter checks through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization, also known as ESTA. These travellers have traditionally undergone lighter security procedures, but the new rules would change that.

According to the official CBP document, visitors may soon have to provide social media history from the past five years, telephone numbers used over the last five years, and email addresses used over the last ten years. CBP also plans to collect IP addresses and metadata linked to photos submitted online. The government says this information will help strengthen security checks and identify possible risks earlier in the screening process.

The proposal goes even further by seeking detailed information about family members. Travellers may be asked to provide the names of parents, spouses, siblings and children, along with their phone numbers from the last five years, their dates and places of birth and their residential history.

Biometric data could also become part of the new process. The document lists face scans, fingerprints, DNA samples and iris scans as possible requirements for future screening. Business phone numbers and business email addresses from the past five to ten years are also included.

This notice comes as part of broader steps taken by the Trump administration to tighten immigration rules. It follows recent announcements about possible travel restrictions for nearly 30 countries after two National Guard members were shot dead in Washington.

If these new requirements are approved, travellers using the Visa Waiver Program will have to share far more personal information than ever before, reflecting a major shift in how the US screens visitors.