Journalists may be required to disclose their social media profiles to obtain US visas

Journalists seeking US visas may be asked to make their social media profiles public, Bild reported.

The Trump administration is planning to tighten visa requirements for foreign journalists, which could include vetting their social media accounts. According to The Daily Signal, certain categories of visa applicants, including foreign journalists, will be required to make their Instagram, Facebook and Twitter profiles public.

The plans have not yet been officially confirmed. However, White House press secretary Caroline Levitt shared the news on Twitter, but did not directly confirm it. The US State Department is also not releasing details. “The goal is to demonstrate that applicants are eligible for visas under US law and to ensure that no individual poses a threat to the security of the United States,” a spokesperson for the agency said in response to a request for comment.

Some types of US visas, such as student visas, already require applicants to disclose their social media accounts. This could now be extended to other categories.

In July, the Trump administration also announced that it would limit the length of stay of foreign journalists and students in the country. Student visas will be issued for a maximum of 4 years, while visas for foreign journalists will be issued for a maximum of 240 days (with the possibility of extension).

The rules for tourists could soon be tightened. According to the US government’s plans, which were announced in early 2026, tourists are also expected to be required to disclose their social media usage.