Belgians that wish to travel to the United States of America could soon face far stricter screening if a proposal submitted by US Customs and Border Protection (C.B.P.) is adopted. The ‘New York Times’ reports that visitors from Belgium and another 41 countries, most of which in Europe, could face having their social media activity from as much as the previous 5 years screened by US officials before they are given the all-clear to travel to the States.
Belgians could face strict screening of their social media if they wish to travel to the United States
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The proposal covers visitors from countries that are part of the US Visa Waiver Program that allows foreigners to visit the United States for up to 90 days without a visa. 42 countries, including Belgium and most other European countries are covered by the programme.
In a document filed on Tuesday in the Federal Register, C.B.P. said it plans to ask applicants for a long list of personal data including social media, email addresses from the last decade, and the names, birth dates, places of residence and birthplaces of parents, spouses, siblings and children.
Under the current system, applicants from visa waiver countries must enroll in the Electronic System for Travel Authorization programme. They pay 40 US dollar (around 34.5 euro) and submit an email address, home address, phone number and emergency contact information. The authorisation is valid for two years.