Updated on 19.02.2026

ESTA & US entry in 2026: Data and security checks planned

The US is planning comprehensive changes to ESTA and the entry process: stricter security checks, possible new mandatory information—such as social media details—and expanded international criminal data exchange. Nothing has been decided yet, but travelers should follow developments closely.

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The USA is planning extensive changes to ESTA and the entry process. In addition to additional mandatory information in the ESTA application a technical modernization of the Proof of entry and exit (I-94) in the room. At the same time, an executive order was signed to expand the international exchange of criminal data.

The announced changes are currently causing noticeable uncertainty among many travelers. However, it is important to note that nothing has been decided yet, and the details and timetable are still open - everything in the ESTA procedure currently remains unchanged. Below is the current status.

Modernization of I-94 and ESTA

On December 10, 2025, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) published a notice in the Federal Register. The public comment period ended on February 9, 2026. Following the conclusion of the public comment period, the review and decision phase will now follow. Whether and to what extent the proposed changes will be implemented is currently still open.

A realistic implementation period would be summer or fall 2026, but there are no binding dates.

I-94: Planned technical modernization of proof of entry and exit

The aim is a more precise identity check and more accurate tracking of entries and exits.

The focus is particularly on:

Improving the biometric assignment of entries and exits
More precise recording of departures, especially at land borders (Canada/Mexico)
Avoidance of incorrect overstay entries

In addition, a voluntary digital exit confirmation via smartphone app is planned.

The app could:

take a selfie
carry out a biometric comparison with the entry data
confirm via location data that the person is outside the USA

The aim is to achieve technically more reliable documentation of actual departures

ESTA: Possible new mandatory information and detailed queries

The possible changes to the ESTA procedure in particular are currently making waves and are the subject of intense debate. Further data collection is under discussion as part of a planned modernization

Social media queries already exist in the ESTA application, for example, but only on a voluntary basis. In regular US visa procedures, on the other hand, such information has been standard for several years. It is now being discussed whether this information will also become mandatory in the ESTA procedure in future.

1. social media

Details of all social media platforms used in recent years
Storage of all usernames/handles
Comparison of publicly accessible content with security data

2. extended contact and identity data

History of previous e-mail addresses (last 10 years)
History of previous telephone numbers (last 5 years)
Extended residence history

3. family and contact environment

Detailed information on parents, spouses, siblings, children) in the form of names, dates of birth, place of birth, nationalities, places of residence and telephone numbers for the last 5 years

CBP is also considering:

To use the ESTA website in future only as an information and retrieval portal (e.g. to check existing applications)
Offer the actual application exclusively via the mobile app

This would effectively require a smartphone to submit the application.

The important thing is: The points mentioned are currently at the planning stage. It has not yet been decided which queries will actually be introduced, whether they will be mandatory and when they might be implemented.

Executive Order 14385 - Enhanced criminal data exchange

On February 6, 2026, the Executive Order 14385 signed by Donald Trump.

The aim is to expand the international exchange of criminal records data between US authorities and partner states, in particular countries in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

Key messages:

Extended access of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on American and international criminal record data
Mutual data exchange with VWP countries, provided that corresponding agreements exist
Use of this data for visa decisions, ESTA authorizations and entry controls

The Executive Order is already in force. However, technical and operational implementation is expected to begin gradually over the course of 2026 and is expected to be fully reflected in the visa and ESTA processes by the end of 2026 or early 2027.

The official ESTA and visa forms will not change for the time being. However, the background checks are expected to become much more comprehensive and more internationally networked.

However, cooperation with the respective partner states is a prerequisite for effective implementation. Direct or automated access by US authorities to German or European criminal records is currently not legally possible without specific bilateral or multilateral agreements. Strict data protection regulations apply within the EU, meaning that an extended exchange of data is likely to be politically and legally challenging and will require appropriate coordination.

However, should there be closer cooperation and technical integration, the probability would increase significantly that Criminal law matters are recognized in the course of ESTA or visa checks, even if they were not or incompletely stated in the application.

Practical implications for travelers and companies

If the discussed changes to the ESTA procedure are implemented, an expansion and intensification of security checks is to be expected.

This could mean for applicants:

More comprehensive background checks
Greater sensitivity in the event of incomplete or incorrect information
More frequent administrative processing with longer processing times
Possibility of a retrospective review of ESTA authorizations already issued

In particular, the planned additional ESTA data queries are currently causing discussion both internationally and within the USA. Representatives of the US tourism industry and trade associations are warning of possible negative effects on travel and business travel, especially in view of upcoming major events such as the FIFA World Cup. Accordingly, it is currently unclear which of the proposed measures will actually be implemented and when.

Irrespective of this, the stronger international networking of security data increases the likelihood that discrepancies or undisclosed facts will be identified.

Conclusion

There are currently no changes to the ESTA procedure. Applications can still be submitted as usual and the existing requirements remain unchanged.

At the same time, current developments point in a clear direction: more intensive audits, more data transparency and greater international cooperation. However, it has not yet been decided which specific changes will be made.

It is therefore advisable for travelers and companies to submit a careful and complete application and to check possible risks at an early stage.

We are constantly monitoring developments and will inform you as soon as binding regulations are finalized.

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Updated on 19.02.2026