US Implements Stricter Visa Waiver Program for Iceland and European Nations in 2026

New Travel Regulations for European Visitors to the US

Beginning in 2026, citizens of Iceland and more than twenty other European nations participating in the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP) will encounter stricter travel requirements for entry into the United States. These changes, driven by a focus on enhanced security, include expanded data collection, new biometric mandates, and a modernized application process for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

Expanded Data Collection and Social Media Scrutiny

A key aspect of the tightened regulations involves a significant expansion of data collection from VWP travelers. Applicants for ESTA will be required to provide more comprehensive personal information. This includes mandatory disclosure of social media identifiers used over the past five years, as well as historical digital contact information and detailed family particulars. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is implementing these measures to strengthen identity verification and combat fraud and identity theft.

Biometric Requirements and ESTA Modernization

Travelers from VWP countries will also be subject to enhanced biometric screening. Major US international airports are set to implement biometric entry and exit systems, utilizing facial recognition technology to replace traditional passport stamps. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) plans to broaden biometric collection beyond fingerprints to include facial recognition, voice analysis, and electronic document matching. Furthermore, the ESTA application process itself will undergo modernization. Full implementation of ESTA will become mandatory for all VWP countries, with a potential shift towards a mobile-only application process. This mobile app is expected to incorporate advanced features such as NFC passport reading, facial recognition, and selfie-based liveness detection to ensure greater reliability and security.

Affected Nations and Rationale

The updated regulations will apply to travelers from all 42 Visa Waiver Program countries, encompassing a broad range of European nations. Among those specifically mentioned are Italy, Malta, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Poland, and Greece, in addition to Iceland. These changes are part of a broader effort by the U.S. government to enhance national security, reduce fraud, and limit overstays by foreign nationals.

Preparing for Travel to the United States

Travelers from Iceland and other affected European countries planning visits to the United States in 2026 and beyond are advised to familiarize themselves with these new requirements. It is crucial to apply for ESTA well in advance of travel, ideally at least 72 hours before departure, and to ensure all required data, including social media history and biometric information, is accurately provided. Consulting official U.S. government websites for the most current information is recommended to ensure a smooth travel experience.