US asks visa applicants for social media handles

According to a US State Department official, consular officers can now demand extra information from applicants they deem to require "more rigorous national security vetting" (photo: AFP

The United States has begun asking some would-be visitors applying for visas to provide their identities on social media, among other more vigorous screening methods.

A State Department official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AFP new security procedures had gone into effect on May 25 for travelers deemed to present a risk.