New Rules for Entering the USA:
Social Media Activity from the Last 5 Years
Starting in 2026, travelers wishing to enter the United States will face a significant new change in entry procedures. U.S. authorities have announced that visitors will be required to provide details about their social media activity from the past five years.
This measure has been introduced to strengthen national security—but what does it mean for travelers? Let’s take a closer look.
Travelers planning to visit the United States will be required to provide details of their social media profiles, including those used over the past five years. This includes major platforms such as Facebook, Twitter (X), Instagram, and LinkedIn. Applicants will need to declare which accounts they use and may be subject to enhanced screening.
2. Security Motivations
The decision to request social media information is driven by the need to strengthen national security. U.S. authorities aim to identify potential threats and suspicious behavior by analyzing travelers’ online activity. This new approach is intended to prevent individuals who may pose a security risk from entering the country.
Implications for travelers
1. Privacy and ethical concerns
The requirement to share social media information raises important privacy concerns. Many travelers may feel uncomfortable disclosing details about their online activity. It is essential for travelers to understand the implications of this measure and consider how their personal data may be reviewed and used.
2. Travel preparation
Travelers will need to prepare in advance for this new requirement. It is advisable to review privacy settings on social media profiles and remove content that could be considered inappropriate or controversial. Taking a proactive approach can help avoid complications during the entry process.
3. Potential delays and complications
Providing social media information may lead to delays in visa applications or travel authorization approvals. Travelers should plan accordingly and submit their applications well ahead of their intended departure date.
Delays and responsibility
1. Longer processing times
Visa and travel authorization processes may take longer, as authorities may need additional time to carefully review the social media information provided. This could result in significant delays.
2. Possible delays at check-in
Airlines may be required to verify social media-related information before allowing passengers to board. This could lead to delays at check-in, particularly during peak travel periods.
3. Risk of missing flights
Travelers who are not adequately prepared for the new regulations may face unexpected delays, increasing the risk of missing scheduled flights. Submitting visa or travel authorization applications well in advance is crucial.
Responsibility for delays
1. U.S. authorities
U.S. authorities, such as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), are responsible for implementing the new regulations. If delays result from extended security screening procedures, responsibility may lie with these institutions.
2. Airlines
If delays occur during check-in or boarding due to additional verification requirements, airlines may bear responsibility. Each airline has its own policies regarding refunds and compensation.
3. Travelers
If a traveler fails to properly prepare for the new requirements and experiences delays due to incomplete or inaccurate information, they may be considered partially responsible.
Possibility of financial compensation or refunds
1. Ticket refunds
If a traveler misses a flight due to delays linked to the new regulations, they may be entitled to a ticket refund or rebooking, depending on the airline’s policies.
2. Compensation for damages
In general, airlines are not obligated to compensate passengers for inconvenience or losses caused by delays related to government regulations. However, if a traveler can demonstrate airline negligence, compensation may be possible.
3. Travel insurance
Travelers may consider purchasing travel insurance that covers delays and cancellations. Some policies provide coverage for additional expenses incurred due to travel disruptions.
ReFly is a trusted partner specializing in helping passengers obtain compensation for air travel disruptions such as delayed flights, cancellations, or denied boarding. With a team of experts boasting years of experience in the aviation sector, ReFly acts as an intermediary between passengers and airlines.
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ReFly is committed to protecting air passenger rights under EU Regulation EC 261/2004, which provides compensation of up to €600 per passenger for delayed, canceled, or overbooked flights. ReFly’s legal team specializes in managing these claims, ensuring passengers receive the compensation they deserve when their travel plans are disrupted.
The £220 compensation for a canceled flight specifically applies to flights under 1500 km.
£350
The £350 compensation for a canceled flight applies to flights between 1500 km and 3500 km.
£520
The £520 compensation for a canceled flight applies to flights over 3500 km.
The new regulation requiring travelers to provide social media information marks a major shift in the U.S. entry process. While authorities present this measure as a way to enhance national security, it is essential for travelers to understand the potential impact on their privacy and to properly prepare their social media profiles in advance.
If these new procedures lead to flight delays or cancellations, services like ReFly can support passengers in claiming the compensation provided under European regulations. With a simple process and a 98% success rate, ReFly is a reliable solution for travelers who want to protect their rights without dealing with the complexity of compensation claims on their own.
Stay up to date with ReFly.org for the latest news and updates on travel procedures and passenger rights!
Frequently asked questions about flight disruption compensation
Starting in 2026, travelers will be required to provide details about their social media activity from the last five years in order to enter the United States.
This regulation has been introduced to strengthen national security and help authorities identify potential threats by analyzing travelers’ online activity.
Travelers must provide information about the social media profiles they have used over the past five years, including platforms such as Facebook, Twitter (X), Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Travelers are advised to review their social media privacy settings and consider removing any inappropriate or sensitive content. It is also strongly recommended to submit visa applications well in advance to avoid potential delays.
Delays may occur due to the time required to review social media information. Airlines may also be required to verify this information before allowing passengers to board.
ReFly is a trusted partner specializing in assisting passengers in obtaining compensation for missed flights or missed connections caused by extended security checks. ReFly offers a fast and straightforward compensation process, handling all necessary documentation on your behalf and ensuring a high success rate for claims.
ReFly operates in accordance with regulations
related to passenger rights
Only a few air travelers are aware of their rights, and many of them lack the legal understanding necessary to claim compensation for flight delays. Even if they are aware of their rights, the process of requesting compensation from airlines can be challenging.
