Australians are increasingly reconsidering their travel plans to the United States, coinciding with the announcement of new visa requirements that compel visitors to disclose their social media history over the last five years. This development has provoked considerable backlash, particularly in light of the upcoming FIFA World Cup set to be held in the US next year.
On Tuesday, the US Customs and Border Protection agency disclosed that tourists from 42 countries, including Australia, will now have to submit detailed social media activities as part of their Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) visa waiver application process. This move follows an executive order issued by former President Donald Trump aimed at tightening immigration controls and ensuring safety by scrutinizing potential visitors more vigorously.
Australians have reacted strongly to the prospect of sharing extensive personal data, including social media posts and contact information of family members. Many described the new regulations as “horrifying” and “draconian,” reflecting a widespread sentiment against what is viewed as an infringement on privacy and civil liberties.
Travel statistics indicate a significant decline in Australian visitors to the US, even before the details of the new rules were made public. In 2019, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, over 100,000 Australians were arriving in the US each month. Recently, that number has plummeted to the low 50,000s, with just 45,408 arrivals recorded in November, marking an 11% decrease compared to the previous year.
Individuals like Jonathan from Sydney, who had intended to attend the World Cup, have altered their plans. He expressed dissatisfaction with the idea of risking his family’s safety, particularly given the potential complications posed by his wife’s Chinese citizenship and his own critical remarks about Trump online. Another dual citizen echoed these fears, deeming the forthcoming requirements “terrifying,” especially as they apply to her family currently in the US.
Responses from Australian officials have highlighted the perplexity of the situation. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledged the US’s sovereignty in establishing entry rules, yet critics argue that this stance overlooks the need for diplomatic dialogues regarding such severe restrictions on travel and free expression. Advocates for civil liberties, such as Timothy Roberts from the New South Wales Council for Civil Liberties, have deemed the government’s response insufficient, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and contesting policies that infringe on civil rights.
Amid these tensions, the Australian government has advised travelers to thoroughly check US entry requirements, reminding them of the stringent regulations before attempting to cross into the United States. As the countdown to the World Cup continues, it remains to be seen how these new rules will further impact travel choices and perceptions of visiting the US among Australians.