The German business‑trip association VDR has urged the federal government to take decisive action against the upcoming tightening of U.S. entry rules. “Germany and the EU should make it clear to the United States that procedures must be proportionate, privacy‑compliant and practical” President Christoph Carnier told “Handelsblatt”.
The new measures, expected to take effect from mid‑2026, would require travellers to disclose detailed social‑media activity and biometric data. Carnier said these demands go “far beyond what is practicable and proportionate for business travel”. While recognising the United States’ legitimate security interests, the association insists that any new processes must not unnecessarily impede international mobility.
A particular concern is the potential intrusion into personal data. “No company wants to mix private and official activities” Carnier noted. Many firms view the U.S. proposals as clear conflicts with European data‑protection standards, and they cannot obligate employees to reveal sensitive personal information. If the disclosure of e‑mail addresses, phone numbers or social‑media profiles becomes mandatory, VDR says the willingness of employees to travel on business to the United States would decline noticeably.