U.S. Travel Association has issued a statement following the proposed changes to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) application.
The USTA said that: “We are deeply concerned by the recent announcement by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that it may seek social media history from Visa Waiver Program travellers to the United States. And without more detail from CBP, there are legitimate questions from travellers about what information they might need to provide, and from security experts as to whether this policy would meaningfully increase America’s security.”
And USTA made clear that: “One thing that isn’t in question: this policy could have a chilling effect on travel to the United States.”
The USTA pointed out that: “Visa Waiver Program travellers come here to do deals with American businesses, buy American products and experience the beauty of our great nation. If we get this policy wrong, millions of travellers could take their business and the billions of dollars they spend elsewhere, only making America weaker.”
It notes that: “The administration has taken many positive steps in its first 11 months, including modernizing TSA policies, adding CBP officers, reducing visa wait times and organizing the entire government to prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. We look forward to working with them to continue to improve travel facilitation and restore the United States as the world’s most visited destination.”
To see the proposed changes, just click here.
The U.S. Travel Association is the national, non-profit organization representing the $1.3 trillion travel industry, an essential contributor to our nation’s economy and success. U.S. Travel produces programs and insights and advocates for policies to increase travel to and within the United States.
Go to www.ustravel.org for more.
Tags: Electronic System for Travel Authorization, U.S. Travel Association
