What Travelers and Employers Need to Know
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has published a notice outlining several important updates to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) process used for admission to the U.S. as tourists or business visitors through the Visa Waiver Program. These changes reflect CBP’s ongoing efforts to improve identity verification, reduce fraud, and modernize traveler processing.
- Social Media Disclosures to Become Mandatory for ESTA
In compliance with Executive Order 14161, Protecting the United States From Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats, ESTA applicants will need to disclose social media identifiers used within the preceding five years.
- Major Proposed Change: Ending ESTA Website Applications
CBP plans to decommission the ESTA website application process entirely, transitioning to a mobile-only ESTA submission system. This proposed change is driven by security benefits such as improved biometric verification and reduced fraud vulnerability.
- ESTA Website Applicants Will Soon Be Required to Upload a Selfie
CBP intends to require ESTA applicants using the ESTA website to upload a facial photograph. This requirement aligns the website process with the mobile app and enhances identity verification.
- Expansion of “High-Value” Biographic and Biometric Data Collection
CBP plans to add several expanded data fields to ESTA applications, including historical contact information, family member details, and biometrics such as fingerprints and iris scans.
- CBP Pilots a New Self-Reported Exit Tool Through Mobile App Integration
CBP is testing a new feature, Voluntary Self-Reported Exit (VSRE), within the CBP Home mobile app. Eligible non-U.S. travelers will be able to self-report their departure by submitting passport information, a live selfie, and geolocation data. This will improve the accuracy of exit records, particularly at land borders.
These changes represent a significant move toward mobile-first processing, expanded biometric verification, and enhanced fraud prevention. Employers and travelers should prepare for increased documentation requirements and modified travel preparation workflows. Meltzer Hellrung is carefully following implementation of these changes and will provide further updates as they become available.
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