Published on
January 2, 2026
In 2026, Italy joins Iceland, Malta, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, the UK, and over twenty other European nations in facing stricter travel barriers as the U.S. government tightens the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This overhaul, driven by a growing need for enhanced security, introduces expanded data collection, mandatory social media disclosures, and additional biometric requirements. These changes are set to reshape the U.S. entry process, significantly affecting travelers from VWP countries, especially as global events like the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics approach. With these new regulations, travelers from these nations must navigate a more rigorous approval process to secure their ESTA and continue enjoying easy access to the U.S.
In 2026, the United States government is implementing significant changes to its Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which will directly impact travelers from over twenty European nations, including Italy, Iceland, Malta, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. The newly proposed updates to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) bring tighter security measures, including expanded data collection, mandatory social media disclosures, and enhanced biometric requirements. These changes are set to reshape the way travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries interact with the U.S. immigration system, particularly as the U.S. State Department ramps up efforts to combat identity fraud and strengthen national security.
What Are the New Changes to the ESTA and How Will They Affect Travelers?
The U.S. State Department has announced a wide-reaching overhaul of the ESTA process, which is used by travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries to enter the United States for stays of up to 90 days for tourism, business, or transit purposes. The proposed changes, which are set to take effect by 2026, focus on gathering more comprehensive data from travelers prior to their arrival. These updates are designed to enhance security, improve border control efficiency, and ensure more detailed screening of travelers.
Some of the major updates include:
Mandatory Social Media Disclosure:
Travelers will now be required to submit their social media identifiers (usernames or handles) from the past five years. This aims to provide better insight into the activities of visitors and identify potential security risks before they arrive in the U.S.
Expanded Personal Information:
The U.S. government will require additional personal details, such as phone numbers (both personal and business) from the last five years, and email addresses from the past ten years.
Furthermore, family details (names, birth dates, places of birth, and contact numbers of parents, spouse, siblings, and children) will need to be disclosed to help authorities better track family connections.
Biometric Data Collection:
There is a push for more comprehensive biometric data to be collected, including face scans, fingerprints, iris scans, and even DNA (in select cases). This biometric information will be required as part of the application process.
Changes to the Application Process:
In addition to updating the data collected, travelers will also face shifts in the application process. The ESTA website will no longer be used to submit applications, with the process moving exclusively to the ESTA Mobile App. A live facial photo will also be required for all applicants beyond the standard passport photo.
The proposed changes also introduce an optional self-reporting feature via the CBP Home App, which would allow foreign nationals to confirm their departure from the U.S. with facial image recognition and geolocation.
Which Countries Are Affected by These Changes?
These updates will apply to travelers from all 42 Visa Waiver Program countries, including over twenty European nations. As of January 2026, the countries affected will include major European destinations such as:
Italy
Iceland
Malta
Portugal
Spain
Switzerland
United Kingdom
Germany
France
Netherlands
Belgium
Austria
Sweden
Norway
Denmark
Finland
Ireland
Poland
Greece
Notably, Bulgaria and Cyprus remain outside the Visa Waiver Program, despite their eligibility for short-term travel to the U.S. under separate visa arrangements.
How Will This Affect U.S. Travelers and Industry Professionals?
For travelers from these countries, the tightening of the ESTA process could result in increased processing times for approvals, potentially delaying travel plans, especially ahead of major international events like the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics. The U.S. State Department has indicated that these changes are designed to improve national security and prevent illegal entry, but they may have unintended consequences, particularly in the tourism industry.
Travel professionals are already warning that these more stringent measures could lead to dips in VWP arrivals. With additional scrutiny on travelers’ social media, family details, and biometrics, some tourism operators in countries such as Italy, Spain, and the UK may see a decrease in American visitors, as potential tourists opt for other destinations with less bureaucratic red tape.
The Impact on European Tourists: A Closer Look
The Visa Waiver Program is a cornerstone of travel between the U.S. and Europe, and any changes to its structure will have far-reaching consequences for both tourism and trade. Let’s explore some of the specifics of how these new changes could affect European travelers.
Iceland:
As one of the European Economic Area (EEA) nations, Iceland’s citizens enjoy seamless travel to the U.S. under the VWP. However, with the new changes, Icelandic travelers will face added hurdles in terms of data submission and biometric processing. Given the country’s strong tourism ties with the U.S., these changes may disrupt the flow of visitors to Icelandic tourism spots popular with American tourists.
Portugal & Spain:
Portugal and Spain, both major European tourism hubs, are set to be affected by the mandatory social media disclosures and family background checks. These new requirements may increase concerns over privacy and data security. Both nations are critical to U.S. tourism: the new requirements could impact travel agencies and business travel, as many visitors may reconsider the hassle involved in pre-approval processes.
Fee Structure: What’s the Cost?
In addition to the new data and biometric requirements, travelers will still need to pay the ESTA application fee. Starting January 1, 2026, the fee is set to increase slightly, from the current $40 to $40.27. This increase reflects the additional processing required by the U.S. government under the expanded ESTA system.
Here is a breakdown of the current and upcoming fees:
ComponentAmount (Current)Amount (January 2026)Processing/Management Fee$10$10.27Authorization Fee (if approved)$30$30Total$40$40.27
The ESTA is valid for up to 2 years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. Refunds are available for denied applications, though approved applications remain valid until their expiration date.
Public Concerns and Potential Outcomes
While the U.S. government emphasizes the security benefits of these changes, the general public and civil rights advocates are voicing concerns about the privacy implications. The U.S. State Department’s proposal to collect social media identifiers and other personal details from travelers has raised alarms over the potential for misuse and invasion of privacy. Many worry about increased surveillance and the implications for freedom of expression.
In terms of practical outcomes, travelers from affected countries may face delays in receiving ESTA approval as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and State Department enforce these new standards. If travelers fail to meet the new requirements or submit incomplete data, they could face denied entry or prolonged approval processes, which could affect tourism revenues.
As the U.S. government enacts stricter rules for Visa Waiver Program travelers, citizens of Italy, Iceland, Malta, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, the UK, and other European countries will need to comply with new data submission requirements. These changes are set to reshape the U.S. entry process for millions of visitors, with potentially significant impacts on both tourism and business.
In 2026, Italy joins Iceland, Malta, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, the UK, and over twenty other European nations in facing new travel barriers as the U.S. government tightens the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). These changes, driven by enhanced security measures, will require travelers to submit more detailed personal information and undergo stricter biometric screenings.
With 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympic Games on the horizon, these new identity verification measures will play a pivotal role in border security and international relations. Travelers must stay informed about the latest ESTA requirements, ensure their applications are complete, and be prepared for longer processing times. It’s vital to submit accurate and complete data to avoid unnecessary delays in approval and to continue enjoying seamless travel to the United States.
