In a move that may create a chilling effect on foreigners’ travel of Route 66, the U.S. plans to require travelers to disclose five years of their social media history as a condition of entry.
The plan, posted on the Federal Register, was reported by the BBC and several U.S. news outlets, as well.
The plan would affect visitors from dozens of countries. Several European travelers who regularly travel on Route 66 stated to Route 66 News and on social media that they would cancel their trips if the plan goes into effect.
Because many Route 66 businesses report that one-third to one-half of their business comes from foreign travelers, the economic effect of this plan could be significant.
More details about the plan, via the BBC:
The proposal says “the data element will require ESTA applicants to provide their social media from the last 5 years”, without giving further details of which specific information will be required.
The existing ESTA requires a comparatively limited amount of information from travellers, as well as a one-off payment of $40 (£30). It is accessible to citizens of about 40 countries – including the UK, Ireland, France, Australia and Japan – and allows them to visit the US multiple times during a two-year period.
As well as the collection of social media information, the new document proposes the gathering of an applicant’s telephone numbers and email addresses used over the last five and 10 years respectively, and more information about their family members.
President Donald Trump was queried about the potential effect of the administration’s plan:
Asked whether the proposal could lead to a steep drop-off in tourism to the US, Trump said he was not concerned.
“No. We’re doing so well,” the president said on Wednesday.
“We just want people to come over here, and safe. We want safety. We want security.
“We want to make sure we’re not letting the wrong people come enter our country.”
Numerous Route 66-related businesses have already reported a decline in revenue this year, which they blamed on the administration stoking fear in foreign travelers and a weaker economy.
During a recent lodgers tax advisory board meeting in Tucumcari, New Mexico, city officials reported that motel-tax revenue had fallen at least 20% this summer.
(Image of Facebook in a cellphone by Esther Vargas via Flickr)