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ESTA changes: social media, selfie and app – what is planned?
Last checked: · Sources: CBP, DHS, Federal Register
Since December 2025, changes to the ESTA application have been under discussion: details of social media accounts, a selfie and possibly applications via app only. Much of this is a proposal, not applicable law. This guide separates what CBP has actually published from what is being reported.
What CBP published in December 2025
On 10 December 2025, CBP published a notice in the Federal Register (90 FR 57208) on the collection of data for ESTA and Form I-94. It is a so-called “60-day notice” inviting comments; the comment period ran until 9 February 2026. Among other things, it mentions:
- Social media as a mandatory field: applicants are to be required to state their social media accounts from the last five years. CBP bases this on Executive Order 14161 of January 2025.
- A selfie in the application: for applications via the website, a photo of the face is to be required in addition to the photo of the passport data page. Anyone applying on behalf of another person is also to provide a photo of the applicant.
- Applications via app only: according to the notice, CBP intends to discontinue the ESTA website as an application channel and to accept new applications exclusively via the ESTA mobile app. The website would remain available for information and status checks.
- Further data fields (“high value data fields”): for example telephone numbers from the last five years, email addresses from the last ten years, names and dates of birth of family members, and biometric data where technically feasible.
The notice cites, among other reasons, better identity verification (facial comparison, reading the passport chip via NFC) and the fight against fraudulent third-party sites. You will find the source below; if in doubt, read the original text.
What of this applies – and what does not
Such a notice is neither a law nor a final rule: it opens a procedure under the Paperwork Reduction Act in which authorities gather feedback. So far, providing social media details in the ESTA application is not mandatory; under the proposal, CBP wants to make it a mandatory field.
According to press reports from May 2026, CBP is revising the proposal after heavy criticism. A CBP representative reportedly spoke of possibly requiring the detailed information only from “certain groups” after a risk assessment (a “waterfall” approach) and expected further details in the autumn. Implementation is not expected before the end of 2026, and a further consultation procedure would be needed. As of the date of this guide, we are not aware of any final rule requiring social media details from all applicants.
What you can do in practice now
- Apply early: if the application becomes longer (additional details, photo), extra time is valuable. The timeline is in the guide when to apply for ESTA.
- Prepare your passport and photo: clearly legible passport details and a sharp, current photo avoid queries (ESTA and passport).
- Provide truthful information: false or incomplete information can lead to a denial (denial: Travel Not Authorized).
- Only trust CBP’s own channels: the ESTA system is operated by CBP. If the website were discontinued as an application channel, CBP’s app would be the way to go; if in doubt, always check the source with CBP itself first.
The decision on your authorisation is made solely by CBP. You can apply yourself with CBP at any time; our offer and our prices describe what we provide in addition. Should the application channel change, we will adapt our offer and this guide. Answers to standard questions can be found in the FAQ; you can reach the application assistant under apply for ESTA.
What about applications that have already been approved?
The published documents do not indicate that ESTA authorisations already granted would become invalid as a result of the proposed changes. An authorisation generally remains valid until it expires (ESTA validity). Under the proposal, new mandatory details would apply to new applications. CBP provides binding information.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I already have to state my social media accounts for ESTA?
- According to CBP’s notice of 10 December 2025, the field is to become mandatory; as of the date of this guide, we are not aware of any final requirement for all applicants. The current application form shows which fields are mandatory.
- Will the ESTA website be discontinued as an application channel?
- CBP proposed this in December 2025: new applications are to be possible exclusively via the ESTA mobile app. According to our information, this has not yet been finally decided. Check the current status directly with CBP.
- Do I need a selfie in the ESTA application?
- For applications via the website, the notice provides for a photo of the face in addition to the photo of the passport data page. Whether and from when this will be required can be seen in CBP’s current form.
- Are ESTAs that have already been approved affected?
- The published documents do not indicate that existing authorisations will become invalid. The proposed details concern new applications. Only CBP provides binding information.
You will find more answers in the ESTA FAQ.
Sources and date
Checked on 4 October 2026. The information is based on the following government sources. Rules and fees can change; the current publication by CBP is decisive. This article is general information and not legal or immigration advice.
Next steps
Prepare your application, compare prices or keep reading – the decision is always made by CBP.