The global business travel industry has come out strongly against a proposal by the Trump administration to require foreign travellers to disclose five years of social media history as a condition of entry to the United States. New survey data shows 85% of corporate travel professionals oppose the measure outright.
The findings, published by Business Travel Show Europe ahead of its annual event in London, reveal that just 2.5% of corporate travel professionals believe the US should be permitted to request this information. A further 0.84% agree in principle, but only if the rule applies exclusively to tourists.
Industry Split on Whether Rule Will Pass
Among the 85% who oppose the proposal, opinion is evenly divided on whether the Trump administration will ultimately succeed in bringing the policy into law. The survey polled 192 respondents in April 2026, including corporate travel buyers, managers, procurement professionals and events managers.
If the rule does take effect, 41% of corporate travel professionals say they would send fewer travellers to the US. A further 17% say they would rely more on video conferencing as an alternative, while 18% believe there would be no material impact on their travel programmes.
Red Tape and Data Privacy Concerns
Industry figures have pointed to the administrative burden the proposal would create for global mobility teams already operating under cost and efficiency pressures. The requirement to compile and submit years of personal social media data raises significant concerns around data privacy and traveller wellbeing.
Louis Magliaro, Executive Vice President at The BTN Group, said: “Corporate travellers already navigate complex visa processes, security checks and compliance requirements. Adding mandatory disclosure of personal social media history could add more red tape when travel managers are already under pressure to increase efficiencies, cut costs and improve traveller wellbeing.”
Broader Implications for US Business Travel
The proposal arrives at a time when US entry requirements are under close scrutiny across the corporate travel sector. A rule requiring systematic social media disclosure would place additional demands on travel managers responsible for preparing employees for international trips, particularly those travelling frequently to the United States from Europe and beyond.
Survey respondents were drawn from a broad geographic base, with 31% based in the UK, 42% in mainland Europe and 27% from the rest of the world. The spread suggests the concern is not limited to any single market but reflects a wide cross-section of the global corporate travel community.
Business Travel Show Europe, where 3,000 buyers, suppliers and industry leaders will meet to discuss travel trends and policy, takes place on 24 and 25 June 2026 at ExCeL London.
