Thai nationals seeking visas to the United States will now be required to make their social media profiles publicly accessible, following expanded screening measures introduced by the US Department of State. The new policy took effect on March 30, according to the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok.
Under the updated guidelines, applicants across a broader range of nonimmigrant visa categories must permit authorities to review their online presence as part of the vetting process.
The affected categories include A-3, C-3 (for domestic workers), G-5, H-3 and their H-4 dependents, as well as K visas (K-1, K-2, K-3), alongside Q, R, S, T and U visa classifications.
The latest measures build on existing screening protocols already applied to H-1B visa holders and their dependents, in addition to applicants under F, M and J visa categories, all of whom are subject to comparable background checks.
To comply with the new requirements, applicants are instructed to adjust the privacy settings on their social media accounts to “public” or “open,” enabling US authorities to review their digital activity.
The State Department said it evaluates all available information during the visa screening process to determine whether an applicant may be inadmissible to the United States, including individuals who could present a risk to national security or public safety.
“Every visa adjudication is a national security decision,” the department said, stressing that applicants must demonstrate their eligibility and intent to comply with the conditions of their stay.
Officials further noted that a US visa is regarded as “a privilege, not a right,” highlighting the importance of maintaining rigorous screening procedures.
The announcement, however, quickly sparked backlash online, with critics voicing concerns over its implications for privacy and accessibility.
Some questioned how the policy would apply to individuals who do not actively use social media, raising doubts about fairness in the application process.
Others argued that requiring applicants to make their profiles public could infringe on personal privacy, stressing that visa procedures should remain confidential.
The measure also drew political criticism, with some commentators directing their concerns at the White House and linking the requirement to the broader immigration stance associated with Donald Trump.
