Photo: Shutterstock U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has published a comprehensive document outlining changes to the conditions for obtaining a visa to enter the United States (ESTA). The new requirements for the visa currently used by individuals seeking to enter the United States for tourism purposes.
According to the document, some of the changes have already been approved as part of emergency regulations while others are still undergoing the public comment phase. Here are the main sections.
Selfie: Every ESTA applicant will be required to upload a face picture (selfie) in addition to the passport photo, even if the application is submitted by a third party.
Social media: In accordance with a presidential order issued in January 2025, the US Internal Revenue Service will begin requiring ESTA applicants to provide information about their social media activity for the past five years.
Personal data: The document requires “high-value data”, including phone numbers and email addresses dating back up to 10 years, to be collected. The list also covers IP data, family members, and residential details.
Extended biometric data: Extended biometrics such as fingerprints, DNA, and eye scans will be collected.
Self-reported departure: One of the most notable changes is the ability to self-report departure from the United States using the CBP Home app. To do this, travelers will need a selfie, passport data, and location data to create a biometrically verified departure record, which is a special tool designed to reduce gaps in entry and exit information.
Once all requirements receive the necessary approval in the coming weeks, they will come into effect at a preestablished date.
Photo: SHUTTERSTOCK