Australians are rapidly abandoning travel plans to the United States as the US Customs and Border Protection agency (CBP) announces new regulations requiring visitors to disclose their social media history for the past five years. This decision follows an executive order from former President Donald Trump, aimed at enhancing security by preventing entry to individuals with “hostile attitudes” towards the US and its values. The regulations, which are set for a 60-day review, will affect travelers from 42 countries, including Australia, and will be integrated into the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) application process.
Public reaction has been swift and overwhelmingly negative, with many Australians describing the requirements as “horrifying” and “draconian.” Tourists now face not only the need to provide their social media accounts but also extensive personal information about family members, including phone numbers and residency details. This announcement has led to a noticeable decline in travel data, with arrivals from Australia dropping significantly since pre-pandemic levels.
Travel Data Reflects Growing Concerns
Before the pandemic in 2019, approximately 100,000 Australians visited the US each month. Recent statistics show this number has plummeted, with only around 45,408 Australians arriving in November 2023, marking an 11% decrease compared to the previous year. Many Australians have opted to rearrange family reunions and vacations to avoid entering the US altogether.
“The whole thing disgusts me and is horrifying, frankly,”
said Jonathan, a 42-year-old Sydney resident who had planned to attend the upcoming FIFA World Cup but has since changed his plans. Expressing concerns for his family’s safety, he stated, “It’s not worth the risk. Why would you put your family in danger for a holiday?” Jonathan, who has openly criticized Trump online, worries that his political views could complicate his family’s entry into the US, especially given that his wife is a Chinese citizen.
Another Australian, who also requested anonymity, described the new rules as “terrifying.” “I was already planning not to visit until the next election, and now definitely will not,” she said. Her sentiment reflects a broader trend among Australians who feel increasingly wary of the implications of US immigration policies.
Implications of New Immigration Rules
The new regulations require travelers to submit a range of personal information, including all phone numbers held over the past five years, email addresses for the last decade, and biometric data such as fingerprints and iris scans. Critics argue that these measures exceed what is acceptable for a democratic nation and infringe on personal freedoms. Shadow Home Affairs Minister Jonno Duniam voiced concerns, stating that the proposals go “beyond what a freedom-loving western democracy would do.”
In response to these criticisms, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized that the US is a “sovereign nation” with the right to establish its entry requirements. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has advised Australians to stay informed about US entry conditions, cautioning that the requirements are strict and subject to change.
As travel plans shift and Australians reconsider their options, many are choosing alternative destinations such as Canada and Mexico. Families currently living in the US are now facing difficult decisions about how to maintain connections with relatives and friends in Australia. For many, the prospect of visiting the US has become fraught with anxiety and uncertainty, marking a significant change in travel dynamics between the two nations.
The impact of these new rules on the tourism industry remains to be seen, but the immediate reaction from Australians indicates a growing reluctance to engage with the US amid changing political landscapes and security measures.
