The US border authorities (CBP) want to relax the controversial proposal to screen foreign travelers via social media. They hope to reassure international tourists in the run-up to the World Cup summer.
Source: BFM, Travel Weekly, AFAR
At the beginning of December, the American government submitted a proposal to carry out additional checks on foreign tourists. The measure would affect travelers with an electronic travel permit (ESTA), including Belgians. They would now have to share their social media accounts, email addresses and family information. Anyone who refuses risks not being allowed into the country.
Relaxed approach
The introduction of the measure, which was seen by many as a violation of privacy, caused a lot of criticism both abroad and in the American tourism sector. Matt Davies, director of the US Customs and Border Protection Service (CBP), is now calling for a relaxation. In addition, the amount of information travelers would have to provide would depend on their answers during the application procedure. Only one in 10,000 travelers would have to provide additional information.
Davies responds to the many concerns among international travelers. “You are more likely to be struck by lightning than to have your mobile phone checked,” he reassured. The ESTA requirements regarding social media will probably not be introduced until the end of this year.
Image problem
With the World Cup, the celebration of the 250th anniversary of American independence and the 100th anniversary of Route 66, the US is hosting numerous events this year that could attract international travelers. But concerns about visa requirements and entry procedures hold back many foreign tourists. For example, aviation analysis agency Cirium reports that the number of bookings from Europe to the US this summer is 15 percent lower than last year.
To attract more tourists, tourism organization Brand USA is launching the initiative “Get Facts. Get Going”. International travelers can use the platform with questions about a visit to the United States. According to the organization, the website comes at a crucial time, as the US is struggling with a major image problem internationally.
