If you're a non-U.S. citizen who travels to or from the United States—whether you're a green card holder, work visa holder, or international visitor—major changes are coming to how your travel data is collected and tracked. Starting December 26, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security is implementing a comprehensive biometric entry-exit system that will fundamentally change the border crossing experience for millions of travelers.
This isn't just another minor policy tweak. For the first time, the U.S. government will systematically collect biometric data not only when you enter the country, but also when you leave. And unlike previous systems, virtually no one is exempt—not even children or elderly travelers who were previously given a pass.
Here's everything you need to know about this significant shift in U.S. travel policy and how to prepare.
What Is the New DHS Travel Rule?
The new rule establishes a comprehensive biometric data collection system for all non-U.S. citizens entering or exiting the United States. This means that every time you cross a U.S. border—whether you're arriving at JFK Airport, driving across the Canadian border, or departing from a seaport in Miami—you'll have your biometric information captured and stored.
The system relies heavily on facial recognition technology to create what DHS calls "galleries of images" associated with individual travelers. These photos are then compared across your various entries and exits to verify your identity, detect potential fraud, and track compliance with visa requirements.
First proposed in 2021, the rule has undergone years of development and public comment. Now, under the current administration's push to strengthen border security and address immigration concerns, it's finally being implemented as part of an integrated entry-exit tracking system.
Key Changes from the Current System
While biometric data collection isn't entirely new—U.S. Customs and Border Protection has been photographing arriving international travelers for years—this rule represents a massive expansion in several critical ways:
Exit data collection: This is the game-changer. For the first time, the U.S. will systematically collect photos and biometric data when you're leaving the country. Previously, exit tracking was inconsistent and often relied on airline manifests rather than direct biometric verification.
Expanded coverage: Two groups that were previously exempt from biometric collection will now be included: children under age 14 and seniors over age 79. This means families with young children and elderly travelers will all be subject to the same data collection.
All non-citizens affected: Whether you're a tourist visiting for two weeks, a student studying for four years, or a green card holder who's lived in the U.S. for decades, you're covered by this rule.
Multiple biometric touchpoints: Instead of just one photo at entry, travelers will now have their biometric data collected and compared at both entry and exit, creating a more complete picture of travel patterns and identity verification.
Who Does This Affect?
Understanding who falls under this new rule is crucial, because it's much broader than many travelers realize.
Covered Travelers
The rule applies to all non-U.S. citizens, which includes:
- Green card holders (permanent residents): Yes, even if you've lived in the United States for years and consider it home, you're subject to this biometric collection at every entry and exit.
- Work visa holders: Whether you're on an H-1B, L-1, O-1, or any other work visa, you'll have your biometric data collected.
- Student visa holders: F-1 and M-1 visa holders coming to study in the U.S. are covered.
- Tourist visa holders: All B-1/B-2 visitors for business or pleasure fall under the rule.
- Previously exempt age groups: Children under 14 and seniors over 79, who were previously exempt from biometric collection, are now included in the system.
The scope is comprehensive. If you're not a U.S. citizen, this rule applies to you.
Who Is Exempt?
The only group exempt from this specific rule is U.S. citizens. However, it's worth noting that many U.S. citizens already have biometric data collected through passport applications, TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and other programs—it's just not part of this particular entry-exit system.
What Data Will Be Collected?
Understanding exactly what information is being captured and how it's used is important for every traveler subject to this rule.
Types of Biometric Information
The system will collect several types of data:
Facial photographs: High-quality photos will be taken at both entry and exit points. These aren't just quick snapshots—they're biometric-grade images designed for facial recognition analysis.
Fingerprints: The existing practice of fingerprint collection for many travelers will continue, adding another layer of biometric verification.
Document data: Information from your passport, visa, and other travel documents will be captured and associated with your biometric data.
Biographic information: Basic personal details like name, date of birth, nationality, and travel history will be linked to your biometric profile.
How Data Will Be Used
DHS has outlined several specific uses for this collected data:
Creating identity galleries: Your photos and biometric data will be stored in databases that CBP calls "galleries of images." These galleries allow officials to quickly verify your identity across multiple border crossings.
Entry-exit comparison: One of the primary purposes is comparing your entry photo with your exit photo to verify that the same person who entered the country is the one leaving. This helps detect identity fraud and document misuse.
Discrepancy detection: If there's a mismatch between your entry and exit data, or if your appearance significantly differs from previous records, it may trigger additional investigation or screening.
Visa overstay tracking: By comprehensively tracking both entries and exits, DHS aims to better identify individuals who overstay their authorized period of admission—a major focus of the rule.
Fraud prevention: Comparing biometric data helps identify cases where legitimate travel documents are being used by unauthorized individuals.
Timeline and Implementation
Understanding when these changes take effect and how they'll roll out is essential for planning your travel.
Key Dates
October 27, 2024: The public comment period opened, allowing stakeholders, travelers, and advocacy groups to provide input on the proposed rule.
December 26, 2025: The rule takes full effect, marking the official start of comprehensive biometric entry-exit tracking.
3-5 years from implementation: DHS expects it will take several years to fully roll out the system across all ports of entry, including all airports, land borders, and seaports.
Phased Implementation
Don't expect every border crossing point to be fully operational on day one. The implementation will be gradual:
Technology improvements: Ongoing upgrades to facial recognition systems, cameras, and processing equipment at airports and border crossings.
Infrastructure development: Dedicated exit lanes and biometric capture stations are being built at various ports of entry.
Testing and refinement: Some locations have already been testing facial recognition and biometric exit systems, providing valuable data for the broader rollout.
TSA integration: At airports, the system will integrate with existing TSA verification processes, potentially streamlining some aspects of the departure experience once fully operational.
Why Is DHS Implementing This Rule?
Understanding the government's rationale helps put the rule in context, even if you have concerns about privacy or convenience.
Stated Security Goals
DHS has articulated several key objectives for this comprehensive biometric system:
Combating visa overstays: One of the most frequently cited justifications is addressing the problem of visa overstays, which some estimates suggest accounts for a significant portion of unauthorized immigration. By tracking both entry and exit with biometric verification, DHS aims to identify overstays more accurately and quickly.
Detecting document fraud: The comparison of biometric data helps identify situations where legitimate passports or visas are being used by unauthorized individuals. If someone attempts to enter using another person's documents, the facial recognition system should detect the mismatch.
Addressing terrorism concerns: Like many post-9/11 security measures, the rule is framed partly as a counterterrorism tool, helping ensure that individuals who enter the country are tracked and accounted for.
Improving data accuracy: DHS has stated that relying on airline manifests and other indirect methods of exit tracking has resulted in incomplete or incorrect data. Direct biometric collection aims to create a more reliable system.
Creating accountability: With comprehensive entry-exit tracking, individuals who violate the terms of their admission are more likely to face consequences, which DHS argues will encourage compliance.
Technology Improvements
Importantly, DHS points out that this rule is possible now because facial recognition technology has advanced significantly in recent years. The systems can now:
- Function accurately in various lighting conditions
- Process large volumes of travelers efficiently
- Operate without requiring dedicated exit lanes in all cases
- Integrate with existing security infrastructure
- Provide results with higher accuracy rates than earlier systems
What Travelers Should Expect
Knowing what to expect when you travel under this new rule can help reduce stress and ensure a smoother experience.
At Entry Points
Much of the entry process will feel familiar if you've traveled to the U.S. in recent years, since biometric collection at entry is already standard:
- You'll have your photo taken at the port of entry
- Your fingerprints may be scanned
- Your passport and visa will be verified
- CBP officers will review your documents and ask standard questions
- If there are any discrepancies in your biometric data or documents, you may be subject to additional screening
The main difference is that this data collection is now comprehensive, mandatory, and will be compared against your exit data in the future.
At Exit Points (NEW)
This is where travelers will notice the most significant changes:
Photo capture: When departing the U.S., you'll have your photo taken at the airport, seaport, or land border crossing. At airports, this might happen at the gate during boarding, at the security checkpoint, or at a dedicated station.
Biometric verification: Your photo will be compared against your entry photo and passport photo to verify your identity and ensure you're authorized to leave (this matters for individuals on certain visa statuses or under investigation).
Data recording: The system records that you've exited, updating your travel history and closing out your entry record.
Potential delays: Especially during the initial rollout phase, expect that this new exit process could add time to your departure. Plan accordingly.
Potential Impacts on Your Travel Experience
Be prepared for several possible impacts:
Longer wait times: As with any new system, expect some growing pains. Border crossings may take longer during the implementation phase as staff adjust to new procedures and technology.
Enhanced screening: If there's any mismatch between your entry data, exit data, and travel documents—even if it's due to a technical error—you may be pulled aside for additional questioning and verification.
Data sensitivity: If you've changed your appearance significantly since your last travel (weight change, facial hair, hairstyle, medical procedures), be prepared to explain this if the facial recognition system flags a potential mismatch.
Extra time needed: Smart travelers will allow additional time at borders and airports, especially in 2025 and 2026 as the system rolls out.
Privacy and Data Security Concerns
Any time the government collects and stores biometric data on millions of people, questions about privacy and security naturally arise.
What CBP Says
Customs and Border Protection emphasizes that this system is:
Necessary for national security: CBP argues that comprehensive biometric tracking is essential to address documented security threats and manage immigration effectively.
Addressing real problems: The agency points to concrete issues like visa overstays, document fraud, and incomplete traveler data that this system is designed to solve.
Efficient and effective: Officials note that the system enables faster, more accurate tracking of immigration status compared to previous methods.
Legally authorized: CBP maintains that it has the legal authority to collect this data as part of its border security mission.
Considerations for Travelers
While CBP emphasizes security benefits, travelers may have concerns about:
Extensive data collection: The system creates comprehensive profiles with multiple biometric data points for millions of travelers.
Long-term storage: Photos and biometric data will be stored in government databases for extended periods, creating "galleries" of images associated with individuals.
Data analysis: The comparison and analysis of this data across multiple entries and exits creates a detailed record of travel patterns.
Scope expansion: The inclusion of previously exempt groups (children and elderly) significantly expands the reach of biometric surveillance.
Potential misuse: Whenever large databases of sensitive biometric data exist, questions arise about potential unauthorized access, data breaches, or misuse.
It's worth noting that if you have privacy concerns, your options are limited—complying with this biometric collection is effectively mandatory for non-citizens entering or exiting the United States.
How to Prepare
Whether you travel frequently or occasionally, preparing for these changes will help ensure smoother border crossings.
For Upcoming Travel
Take these practical steps to prepare:
Stay informed: Regularly check the official Department of Homeland Security and Customs and Border Protection websites for updates about implementation at specific ports of entry.
Allow extra time: Especially for travel in late 2025 and throughout 2026, give yourself additional time at borders and airports. What used to take 30 minutes might take an hour during the adjustment period.
Update documents: Ensure your passport, visa, and other travel documents are current and contain accurate information. Any discrepancies between your documents and appearance could trigger additional screening.
Monitor specific ports: If you regularly use certain airports or border crossings, watch for announcements about when the new biometric exit systems will be operational at those locations.
Plan for delays: Build buffer time into your travel plans. If you have a connecting flight, allow more time between connections. If you're driving across a land border, don't schedule time-sensitive appointments immediately after crossing.
For Green Card Holders
If you're a permanent resident, remember:
You're not exempt: Having a green card doesn't exempt you from these requirements. You're subject to the same biometric collection as visitors.
Keep documentation current: Ensure your green card hasn't expired and accurately reflects your current information.
Understand the process: Familiarize yourself with both entry and exit procedures, as you'll experience them every time you travel internationally.
Monitor compliance: Since the system is designed partly to track visa and status compliance, ensure you're maintaining your permanent resident status properly (not spending too much time outside the U.S., for example).
Resources and Information
For the most accurate, up-to-date information:
- Department of Homeland Security: Visit DHS.gov for official policy announcements and updates
- Customs and Border Protection: Check CBP.gov for specific procedures, FAQs, and port-specific information
- Public comment information: If you want to review public feedback on the rule, this is typically available through the Federal Register
- Travel guidance: Look for updated traveler information and FAQs as implementation approaches
Related 2025 Travel Changes to Be Aware Of
While you're preparing for the biometric entry-exit system, be aware of other significant travel changes happening around the same time:
REAL ID requirement (May 7, 2025): U.S. citizens will need REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses or other approved identification for domestic flights and federal facility access.
UK Electronic Travel Authorization: U.S. travelers visiting the United Kingdom will need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization before their trip.
EU ETIAS system: The European Union's European Travel Information and Authorization System will require U.S. visitors to obtain advance authorization.
Enhanced airline refund policies: New Department of Transportation rules are improving consumer protections for flight delays and cancellations.
These changes, combined with the DHS biometric rule, mark 2025 as a year of significant shifts in travel requirements and procedures.
Conclusion
The new DHS biometric entry-exit rule represents the most comprehensive tracking system for non-citizen travelers in U.S. history. Starting December 26, 2025, with full implementation over the following 3-5 years, virtually all foreign nationals—including green card holders, visa holders, and even children and elderly travelers—will have biometric data collected at both entry and exit points.
While DHS frames this as a necessary security measure to combat visa overstays and document fraud, it marks a significant expansion of biometric surveillance. For the millions of non-citizens who travel to, from, or through the United States each year, this means adapting to new procedures, allowing extra time at borders, and accepting more extensive data collection as the price of travel.
The best approach is to stay informed through official channels, plan ahead for potential delays, ensure your travel documents are accurate and current, and adjust your expectations for border crossing times as the system rolls out. Whether you travel monthly or once a year, understanding these changes now will help you navigate them smoothly when they take effect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When exactly does this take effect?
A: The rule takes effect on December 26, 2025, but full implementation across all ports of entry will happen gradually over the following 3-5 years. Some locations may have systems operational sooner, while others may take longer.
Q: Does this apply to U.S. citizens?
A: No, this specific biometric entry-exit rule applies only to non-U.S. citizens. However, many U.S. citizens already have biometric data collected through passport applications and trusted traveler programs.
Q: Will this include children?
A: Yes, even children under age 14, who were previously exempt from biometric collection, are now included in this system. Families traveling with young children should be prepared for all family members to have biometric data collected.
Q: What if I'm just connecting through a U.S. airport and not actually entering the country?
A: Requirements for transit passengers can vary. It's best to check with CBP directly or review guidance for your specific situation. In many cases, if you're not clearing immigration, different rules may apply.
Q: Can I refuse the biometric collection?
A: Practically speaking, no. This biometric collection is a requirement for entry into and exit from the United States for non-citizens. Refusing would likely result in denial of entry or complications with your departure.
Q: How long will my data be stored?
A: Specific data retention periods should be checked through CBP's official privacy policies. The agency maintains "galleries of images" but exact retention timelines depend on the type of data and your travel status.
Q: Will this slow down my travel significantly?
A: It's likely there will be some delays, especially during the initial implementation phase in 2025-2026. Once systems are fully operational and staff are well-trained, the process should become more efficient. That said, adding any new step to border processing takes time.
Q: What if my appearance has changed significantly since my passport photo?
A: If you've had significant changes in appearance (major weight change, facial hair, cosmetic procedures, medical conditions affecting appearance), be prepared to explain this if the facial recognition system flags a potential mismatch. Bringing documentation of any medical procedures that affected your appearance might be helpful.
Q: Is this related to Global Entry or TSA PreCheck?
A: While there's some overlap in biometric technology, this is a separate system. However, if you're a non-citizen enrolled in Global Entry or other trusted traveler programs, you'll still be subject to this comprehensive biometric entry-exit tracking.
Q: What happens if there's a technical error in the system?
A: Technical errors are possible with any system, especially during early implementation. If you believe there's an error with your biometric data or if you're experiencing unexpected delays due to system issues, ask to speak with a supervisor at the port of entry. Document the situation and keep records of any issues for future reference.
Stay Updated: Travel requirements and procedures evolve constantly. Bookmark the official CBP.gov and DHS.gov websites for the latest information, and consider signing up for traveler alert systems if available. Safe travels!
