For the past few months, false rumors have been circulating regarding the mandatory provision of Facebook and other social network identifiers to obtain electronic travel authorization for the United States (ESTA). Many travelers think that obtaining an ESTA can only be done by entering their Facebook or other social network login information. Our ESTA FAQ will help you sort out the real from the fake.
This idea can be uncomfortable, and unfounded rumors can make applicants feel like they are being spied on, which can be uncomfortable. Social network logins are private and sensitive information. This is information that applicants value. Note that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is submitting an optional question about your Facebook and other social network credentials. Contrary to rumors, this question is not mandatory and obtaining the ESTA does not depend on it.
Travel authorization requests are automated via a computer system. As we know, registration is done online and there is no physical person behind each application. On the contrary, answering “yes” to the question about social networks and filling in your login information may result in a refusal to obtain the ESTA.
As you can see, in order to obtain your ESTA and put all the chances on your side, it is suggested to ignore this question and not to fill in your identifiers. This is a regulatory process and does not result in any penalties. Remember that this is an optional question that the applicant is under no obligation to answer.
The traveler will only need their current passport to complete the application form. Responses are given within a short timeframe, but can take up to 72 hours for certain requests that require verification with the American authorities. Refusals are rare and are often due to input errors and lack of knowledge about how the system works. It is therefore easier to use professional services, for a fee, to speed up and simplify the process. This will avoid possible mistakes when submitting.