U.S. Tightens Visa-Free Entry Rules Ahead of 2026 World Cup Chaos
The United States has announced stricter entry rules for visitors from 42 countries under the Visa Waiver Program. Starting in late 2025, travelers will need to disclose years of personal data, including social media activity, phone numbers, and emails. The changes, set to take effect within 60 days unless legally challenged, have raised concerns ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The new regulations require applicants to provide five years of social media history, phone numbers, and a decade’s worth of email addresses. Authorities claim these measures will enhance national security by offering deeper insight into travelers’ digital footprints. The rules form part of a broader immigration crackdown that has intensified since Donald Trump’s presidency.
The stricter requirements will affect millions of tourists and business travelers who visit the U.S. without a visa. European fans and teams heading to the 2026 FIFA World Cup—hosted across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico—will also face additional hurdles when applying for ESTA approval. So far, no court rulings have addressed the changes, though legal challenges remain possible.
Privacy advocates have warned that many travelers may be unprepared to share such extensive personal information. The new rules mark a significant increase in the barriers for visa-free travel, with no reported specific impacts yet.
The updated entry conditions are scheduled to begin in early 2026 unless blocked by legal action. Travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries will need to adjust to the expanded data demands. The changes could reshape how millions of visitors prepare for trips to the U.S. in the coming years.
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