DNA, IP addresses: What US may ask visitors to submit, who will be affected

The Trump administration proposed sweeping changes to the US travel authorisation process last week. The changes that were outlined in an 11-page notice will significantly impact how international visitors enter the country.

While the mandatory submission of social media accounts from the last five years grabbed most headlines, this requirement is just one part of a much broader overhaul. These modifications represent some of the most significant updates to US travel screening in recent years.

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The changes are currently open for public comment before final implementation. Here's everything you need to know:

What is this all about?

The Department of Homeland Security has proposed a slew of changes for visitors entering through Electronic System for Travel Authorisation, or ESTA.

What is ESTA?

ESTA is an online pre-approval system that allows citizens from 42 countries, under the Visa Waiver Program, to visit the US for tourism or business for up to 90 days without getting a traditional visa. It's approved electronically, usually within hours, and is valid for 2 years. Once approved, you can travel to the US multiple times during that period without reapplying.

Is this not a normal visa?

The ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) is used by travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries who want to visit the US for tourism or business for 90 days or less without getting a traditional visa. It's a simpler, faster process than applying for a visa.

Traditional visas are separate applications processed through US embassies and consulates, and this document doesn't mention changes to those applications.

What are the proposed changes?

The document proposes the following changes:

1. ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) website decommission - The ESTA website application process will be shut down, making the mobile app the only way to apply for a new ESTA. The website will remain available only for information and checking application status.

2. Romania removal from VWP - Romania is being removed from the list of Visa Waiver Program countries.

3. Mandatory social media - ESTA applicants must now provide their social media accounts from the last 5 years (previously optional).

4. High value data elements - ESTA applications will require extensive additional information including:

   • Phone numbers from the last 5 years

   • Email addresses from the last 10 years

   • IP addresses and photo metadata

   • Family member information (names, birth dates, birthplaces, addresses, phone numbers)

   • Business phone numbers and email addresses

   • Biometrics (face, fingerprint, DNA, and iris)

Who will this affect?

Here are the countries that are under the Visa Waiver Program, eligible for the ESTA.

1. Andorra

2. Australia

3. Austria

4. Belgium

5. Brunei

6. Chile

7. Croatia

8. Czech Republic

9. Denmark

10. Estonia

11. Finland

12. France

13. Germany

14. Greece

15. Hungary

16. Iceland

17. Ireland

18. Israel

19. Italy

20. Japan

21. Latvia

22. Liechtenstein

23. Lithuania

24. Luxembourg

25. Malta

26. Monaco

27. Netherlands

28. New Zealand

29. Norway

30. Poland

31. Portugal

32. Qatar

33. San Marino

34. Singapore

35. Slovakia

36. Slovenia

37. South Korea

38. Spain

39. Sweden

40. Switzerland

41. Taiwan

42. United Kingdom

Meher Dhanjal

meher@khaleejtimes.com

Meher Dhanjal is a Digital Journalist who breaks news first and breathes second. She loves chasing page views and finding stories that tug at readers’ heartstrings.