Supporters planning to attend the upcoming World Cup in the United States could face scrutiny of their social media activity dating back five years, potentially barring entry if their posts do not align with US presidential approval. This new visa requirement, intended to enhance national security, has drawn sharp criticism from fan organizations, human rights groups, and political figures who argue it infringes upon fundamental freedoms.

The measure mandates that individuals applying for travel visas to the US for the tournament must submit details of their online presence. Officials will then review these posts to determine if they meet specific criteria, with disapproval potentially leading to visa denial. This policy applies to fans traveling to the US, which is co-hosting the event with Mexico and Canada.

Fan advocacy groups have voiced strong opposition, emphasizing that freedom of expression and privacy are universal human rights that should not be relinquished upon crossing international borders. They argue that such a policy creates a climate of surveillance that undermines the inclusive spirit of the World Cup and urge FIFA, the sport’s governing body, to intervene and pressure the US administration to reconsider.

Human rights organizations have labelled the new entry requirements as an “outrageous demand” that directly contravenes established free speech principles. They contend that the policy violates FIFA’s own human rights policies and that the World Cup should not be used as a pretext to exclude or harass individuals whose opinions differ from those of US officials.

Elected officials have also condemned the plans, comparing them unfavorably to practices in authoritarian states and warning of significant damage to the US tourism industry. Millions of potential visitors, including football fans, may feel unsafe and opt against travel, impacting the economic benefits of hosting such a major international event.

Under the proposed rule, all US visitors, even those from visa-waiver countries like the UK, France, and Germany, would be required to provide extensive personal information, including social media activity, phone numbers, and addresses from the past five years. This policy is slated to take effect early next year, just before the tournament’s commencement in June.

While proponents cite national security as the primary motivation, aiming to prevent individuals with sympathies towards US adversaries from entering the country, critics maintain the policy is overly broad and politically motivated. They argue it goes beyond legitimate security concerns and encroaches on the rights of ordinary citizens and journalists.

A spokesperson for US Customs and Border Protection clarified that the measure is not a final rule but rather an initial step in exploring new policy options to ensure public safety. The department is continually reviewing its vetting processes for individuals entering the United States.

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Keywords: World Cup visa, US entry requirements, social media scrutiny, freedom of expression, human rights, Donald Trump policy, football fans, FIFA