New US Biometric Entry-Exit Rules 2025: A Major Shift for International Travelers
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, December 26, 2025, marks a historic transformation in American border security. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has officially activated its full-scale National Biometric Entry-Exit Program, fundamentally changing how non-U.S. citizens interact with border authorities.
📌 Key Highlights
- Mandatory Facial Recognition: Required for all non-citizens entering or exiting the US.
- All Ports of Entry: Now active at airports, seaports, and land border crossings.
- Immediate Effect: The policy is live as of today, Dec 26, 2025.
What is Changing?
For years, facial recognition was a pilot program in select airports. Today's mandate removes the "trial" status, making it the permanent standard for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Using high-resolution scanning technology, the system identifies travelers in seconds by comparing live images to a secure federal database of passport and visa photos.
Who is Affected?
The 2025 mandate is broader than any previous regulation. It applies to:
- International Tourists: All B1/B2 visa holders.
- Green Card Holders: Legal Permanent Residents must now participate in the biometric exit.
- Student & Work Visas: F, J, H1-B, and L-1 visa holders.
Note: U.S. Citizens can still opt-out of the biometric scan and request a manual document check by an officer.
"This technology is a critical step in modernizing our borders and ensuring that we have an accurate record of who is entering and leaving the country." — CBP Official Statement
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Does this replace my passport?
A: No. You must still carry your physical passport and valid visa. The biometric scan is an identity verification layer, not a document replacement.
Q: How long is my data stored?
A: DHS states that for non-citizens, biometric data is stored in a secure cloud-based system (IDENT/HART) for use in future travel and immigration records.
Written by Ihtisham Ali
Founder & Editor, USA News Today
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