Article: Have Australians Stopped Flying to the USA? Here’s What the Data Says…

[Aeryn]

So they are wanting more information for an ETSA than they currently ask for for an actual Visa except the interview?? May as well scrap the ETSA scheme.

I wouldnt be able to tell you most of the email addresses Ive had in the past 10 years; as a consultant/contractor Im given new/temporary email addresses for every client job; and these are archived/deleted once the job wraps. I dont keep a list as once you move on your cant access them so pointless.

What happens you forget one you dont have anymore? Or that email address has now been claimed by someone else - usernames for deleted accounts on gmail/hotmail only get quarantined for 1-2 years before someone else can take it for a new account.

Id also worry about any validation being done on basis of an email address as with all the data breaches, who know who has or has spoofed your address or mobile number somewhere you dont know about.

Ive always left the social media part of the ETSA blank, as apart from a tightly controlled Facebook account which is mostly travel photos and check-ins so I remember good restaurants etc; and linked in which is essential for work, I dont use things like X or Instagram or make political posts etc.

 

[cjd600]

I just completed new ESTA.
Social media was optional.
Parents names required (not DOB or place of birth)
Nothing about prior email addresses
USD40 pp

 

[BCons]

I just completed new ESTA.
Social media was optional.
Parents names required (not DOB or place of birth)
Nothing about prior email addresses
USD40 pp

This extended social media history thing is currently just a proposal from CBP and yet to be considered by trump admin, but reasonable to say US border reqmts/restrictions hv only gone one way this year..

 

[Himeno]

Ive always left the social media part of the ETSA blank, as apart from a tightly controlled Facebook account which is mostly travel photos and check-ins so I remember good restaurants etc; and linked in which is essential for work, I dont use things like X or Instagram or make political posts etc.

CBP would likely find that odd because they stupidly can't think that someone not using/having "social media" accounts could be possible.

 

[Melburnian1]

This extended social media history thing is currently just a proposal from CBP and yet to be considered by trump admin, but reasonable to say US border reqmts/restrictions hv only gone one way this year..

US Customs and Border Protection is accepting public comments for 60 days according to a report in 'The Australian' on Thursday 11 December 2025.

The ESTA website is proposed for decommissioning with applications to be moved to a new mobile platform.

But changes won't occur for at least months (assuming the changes proceed). Perhaps it'll take longer than that.

Will the USA's State Department have the resources to vet millions of social media posts? Will it partly use AI despite that often being accused of having a left-wing bias?

 

[desafinado74]

I got my ESTA approved 5 months ago (Going to US in April next year) Left the social media question blank. I also applied for the Global Entry program, which will be open to every Australian next week.
Gotta admit, all these news is making me a bit nervous, but i will not be cancelling my trip,and i think i will be ok to enter the US