Washington: The United States is set to implement a comprehensive biometric entry-exit system for all non-citizens, including Green Card holders, effective December 26, 2025.
This move mandates the collection of facial photographs and other biometric data — such as fingerprints and DNA — at all USA entry and exit points, including airports, seaports and land crossings.
The new regulation removes previous exemptions for children under 14 and adults over 79. The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced it and published it in the Federal Register on Monday. This expansion aims to enhance border security, reduce visa overstays, and combat identity fraud. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) anticipates full implementation across all commercial airports and seaports within the next three to five years.
Although the initiative aims to bolster national security, privacy advocates have expressed concerns about it. A 2024 report by the US Commission on Civil Rights highlighted that facial recognition systems may misidentify Black and minority individuals at higher rates, potentially leading to civil rights issues.
The expanded biometric system fulfils a 1996 congressional mandate for an automated entry-exit tracking system, which has been partially implemented over the years. By integrating images from passports and travel documents with new photos captured at checkpoints, CBP aims to verify each traveller’s identity in real time, thereby improving immigration enforcement and border management.
As the December 26 deadline approaches, travellers are advised to be prepared for potential delays at border checkpoints due to the new biometric procedures. For the latest updates and information on the implementation of this system, travellers should consult official DHS and CBP resources.