The United States is preparing a major overhaul of its entry procedures. According to an official notice published on December 10, 2025, in the Federal Register, the US administration is proposing to modernize and strengthen the ESTA. With the 2026 World Cup approaching, travelers may be required to rely more heavily on mobile devices, provide more personal data, and take a mandatory selfie to validate their application, if the plan is adopted as is.
Summary
Towards a more mobile and biometric ESTA
According to several analysts cited by specialized media outlets, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is considering making the official mobile app the primary channel for submitting ESTA applications. The website would remain accessible, particularly for checking the status of an authorization. CBP indicates that it ultimately wants to prioritize the mobile app to overcome certain technical limitations of the website.
The major new feature announced is the introduction of a mandatory "live" selfie : each applicant will have to provide a photo of their face, separate from their passport photo, to allow for biometric verification. This step is already being tested within the CBP ecosystem, and the project plans to extend it to all ESTA applicants.
Expanded data collection: what the CBP project entails
To comply withExecutive Order 14161 of January 2025, CBP proposes adding several "High-Value Data Elements" to the ESTA form, in addition to the data already collected. The Federal Register specifically mentions:
- the telephone numbers used during the last five years;
- email addresses used over the past ten years;
- IP addresses and certain metadata associated with the transmitted photos;
- social media identifiers used over the past five years;
- information on family contacts (names, dates and places of birth, addresses and contact details).
The project also plans to make mandatory ; whereas this field was previously optional for Visa Waiver Program travelers.
A reform still in public consultation
The proposed revision of the ESTA and I-94 forms is open for public consultation until February 9, 2026.Within this framework, citizens, professional organizations, and experts can comment on the necessity, proportionality, and administrative burden of the new data collection requirements.
Several observers point out that these changes could complicate the process for some travelers, particularly those less comfortable with digital technology. Others see it as a consistent development with the digitalization of border controls and the increasing use of biometric verification tools.
A strategic context ahead of the 2026 World Cup
This reform comes as the United States prepares to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Canada and Mexico , an event expected to generate an influx of additional visitors. For the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and CBP, these adjustments aim to strengthen security and the capacity to screen border flows, while pursuing the stated objective of smooth border crossings.
These developments, however, fuel the debate on the protection of individual freedoms and privacy; particularly in Europe; where the GDPR strictly regulates the collection and use of personal data.
Reminder: What is ESTA?
TheElectronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is an electronic authorization allowing stays of up to 90 days in the United States without a visa, under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). It is currently available to citizens of 41 countries, including France, Belgium, and Switzerland. Valid for two years, it must be obtained before boarding and costs USD 40 as of September 30, 2025.
Travelers who have been in certain countries since 2011 (including Cuba, Iran, Syria, and Yemen) are no longer eligible for ESTA and must apply for a B1/B2 visa. More practical information is available on our dedicated page regarding entry requirements for the United States.
Comparison: old vs new version of ESTA (draft)
| Element | Before the project | After (proposed) reform |
|---|---|---|
| Application method | Official website and mobile app | Mobile app takes priority; CBP plans to eventually restrict the filing of new applications to the mobile app |
| Identity verification | Biometric passport data | Systematic upload of a "live" selfie for facial verification |
| Data collected | Contact details; employment; travel information | Contact history (phone; email); social networks; IP address; family information |
| Price | 21 USD | 40 USD (since September 30, 2025) |
| Consultation | No reforms are currently underway | Project open for comments until February 9, 2026 |
Key takeaways
- The United States has published a draft for a major reform of the ESTA system.
- The text plans to generalize “live” selfies and strengthen biometric verification.
- Data collection would be expanded; with contact histories; email addresses; IP addresses and social networks.
- The reform is currently undergoing public consultation and could still evolve before its final adoption.
- This tightening of security measures is part of a broader context of heightened security; at a time when the country is preparing to host major international events.
And now ?
For tourism professionals and travelers, this reform project must be closely monitored. Until the legislation is adopted, current procedures remain in effect; however, it is likely that future travel to the United States will become more digital, more documented, and more regulated with regard to personal data. Both agencies and travelers would be wise to anticipate these changes, verify official information at the time of booking, and adapt their advice and practices accordingly.
Updates
Article updated on December 11, 2025; following the publication of the official CBP draft in the Federal Register.
Sources
Federal Register – US Customs and Border Protection
VisaNews
VisasUnited – Increased ESTA Fees
InfosTourisme.com – US Formalities
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