muesliJun 1, 2019

I guess that means I won't be able to visit my friends in the US for the foreseeable future. That's incredibly sad, but at some point you just got to take a stance and make a decision. Several lines have been crossed, and for me personally that's just one too many.

Dear American friends: only you can fix this horrible mess. Go and vote.

Show threadRuss
@fribbledom fwiw it's still "optional" for ESTA - I just filled it in the other day (and ignored that question). I think that article applies to people who are required to apply for a visa.
Jun 1, 2019 at 5:51pmWeb
Show threadmuesliJun 1, 2019

@russss

Yes, it doesn't apply to everyone as I understand the news. However it used to be optional for years and apparently that changed today/yesterday. So you may have just been lucky this time. I'm sure they'll make it mandatory for everyone. It's just the logical next step.

Show threadmuesliJun 1, 2019

@russss

Also keep in mind that the ESTA is merely a travel authorization. I'm not sure what it's like for UK citizens, but at least the rest of Europe still needs to apply for a visa to visit the states (even though you can do it on arrival and it used to be more of a formality).

Show threadRussJun 1, 2019
@fribbledom I think the rest of Europe is treated the same as the UK - it's a visa waiver rather than a visa-on-arrival - but ultimately that doesn't make much difference if they decide they don't like you.
Show threadmuesliJun 1, 2019

@russss

I guess you're right, technically it's not a proper visa, even though they still call it "Tourist Visa" on the German forms.

Show threadShy bunnyJun 1, 2019
@fribbledom It’s as you surmise - this new “social media” disclosure requirement isn’t for ESTA (the visa waiver program), yet, only actual visas (H-1B, O-1, etc). Almost certainly just a matter of time - another few years, and I’d be surprised if it doesn’t shift to being mandatory for the visa waiver program as well.