The United States has introduced a major update to its border security procedures that now affects all non-U.S. citizens entering or exiting the country. As of December 26, 2025, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has begun implementing mandatory biometric entry-exit checks at a wide range of travel points — a development that every international traveller should understand.
What’s Changing
Under the new rules, biometric data collection — including facial images, fingerprints, and potentially iris scans — will be required for all foreign travellers and non-citizens, including:
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Visitors and tourists
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Students and temporary workers
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Green Card holders
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Transit or returning travellers
These biometric checks are now mandatory at all major entry and exit points such as airports, land borders, seaports, private aircraft departures, and pedestrian crossings. The expanded system eliminates previous exemptions that once applied to groups like young children and older adults.
How the System Works
When you enter or exit the United States:
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Facial images will be captured and compared to records linked to your passport, visa, or other travel documents.
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Fingerprints or other biometrics may also be required in some cases.
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The data is matched against the U.S. travel database in real time using specialized technology.
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Refusal to comply could result in delays, denied boarding, or refusal of entry.
U.S. citizens are not required to undergo these checks. They may choose to participate voluntarily or opt for a manual passport inspection instead.
Why It Matters
This marks the first time the U.S. has mandated biometric checks for every non-citizen at both entry and exit — completing a long-awaited national entry-exit system that was first mandated by U.S. law decades ago. The goal is to:
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Improve identity verification
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Reduce visa overstays
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Enhance border security
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Detect fraud and misrepresentation
For many travellers, this means border processing may take a little longer and documentation requirements will be more detailed than in the past.
What Travellers Should Do
If you are planning to travel to or from the U.S.:
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Arrive early for your flight — biometric checks may add time to your processing.
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Ensure all travel documents are current and accurate — mismatches could trigger secondary inspection.
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Prepare to be photographed and possibly fingerprinted — this is now standard.
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Keep copies of your travel history and visas handy in case questions arise during inspection.
This biometric system is expected to become the standard for secure and efficient travel at U.S. borders as technology expands and infrastructure improves.
Source: Travelobiz
At RoutePal, we stay on top of these travel rule changes to help you plan smooth, compliant journeys. Whether you’re travelling for tourism, work, study, or family visits, we can guide you on documentation, timing, and what to expect at the border so your trip goes as planned.