British comedian Dom Joly barred from US after attacks on Donald Trump

The Esta programme typically permits British travellers to visit America without obtaining a formal visa, but Mr Joly's online commentary about the US president appears to have triggered his exclusion from the scheme.

The revelation emerged today when the British comedian discussed the matter publicly, highlighting what appears to be increased scrutiny of visitors' digital footprints by American immigration authorities.

His case raises questions about the extent to which social media activity may now influence travel permissions to the United States.

Speaking to Times Radio, the comedian addressed the situation directly, acknowledging his forthright approach to commenting on the incoming president online.

"I don't hold back on Trump or his ilk, but it is very odd," the comedian said during the interview.

The broadcaster and writer expressed surprise at the development, suggesting the rejection caught him off guard despite his awareness of his own outspoken digital presence.

Mr Joly has previously characterised Trump as a "lying sex offender," a "dangerous megalomaniac," and a "narcissistic man" who has "admitted to assaulting women."

The comedian indicated that his experience is not isolated, noting he is aware of numerous individuals who have encountered comparable difficulties when attempting to travel to America.

His comments suggest a pattern of Esta rejections that may be linked to critical commentary about Mr Trump on social media platforms, though the precise criteria used by US authorities remain unclear.

Some of those affected have resorted to using burner phones when crossing into American territory, Mr Joly revealed, indicating concerns about digital surveillance extend beyond visa applications.

The comedian's remarks point to a growing unease among some travellers about how their online activity might be monitored or used against them by US border officials.

The practice of carrying secondary, untraceable mobile phones appears to have become a workaround for those who fear their social media history could cause complications at the border or during their stay in America.

Mr Joly's travel credentials are extensive, making the US rejection particularly notable for someone accustomed to visiting challenging destinations worldwide.

Born in Lebanon, the broadcaster has built a reputation as an adventurous travel writer, documenting journeys to some of the planet's most unconventional locations.

His book The Dark Tourist: Sightseeing in the World's Most Unlikely Holiday Destinations chronicled visits to places including the Chernobyl exclusion zone, North Korea and the Killing Fields of Cambodia.

His well-documented history of travelling to restricted or dangerous regions stands in stark contrast to his current predicament with US immigration authorities.

Despite the Esta rejection, Mr Joly may not be permanently excluded from American soil.

A potential route remains open through the traditional visa application process, which would require the comedian to attend a formal interview at the US Embassy.

This pathway differs from the electronic travel authorisation system, involving direct engagement with embassy officials who would assess his application in person.

The visa interview process offers applicants the opportunity to explain their circumstances and potentially address any concerns that led to their Esta being denied.

For Mr Joly, this represents his remaining option should he wish to travel to the United States, though it involves a more rigorous and time-consuming procedure than the streamlined Esta system he was previously able to use.