U.S’s New Biometric System Will Reshape Travel Rules – What Indian Citizens Must Know About Entry And Exit Changes

Starting December 26, 2025, the United States will implement a new biometric entry-exit rule aimed at strengthening border security and improving the management of foreign nationals entering and leaving the country. The rule, announced by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and confirmed by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), will require all non-U.S. citizens to undergo biometric checks as part of a nationwide system designed to enhance security protocols. The final rule was published in the Federal Register on October 27, 2025.

Under this new policy, foreign nationals, including travelers arriving by air, sea, or land, will be photographed as part of their immigration inspection process. CBP plans to use facial recognition technology as the primary method of identification due to its speed and scalability. Fingerprints will still be collected where necessary. While U.S. citizens are excluded from this mandate, they will have the option to opt-out of facial recognition for identity verification if they prefer.

The Reason Behind the Change

The move to a biometric entry-exit system comes in response to increasing concerns about fraudulent travel documents, visa overstays, and unlawful entries into the country. The DHS argues that this expansion of biometric data collection will help detect impostors, reduce document fraud, improve the accuracy of visa overstays, and confirm departures more effectively. The implementation of such a system across airports, seaports, and land crossings will create a more reliable, comprehensive method for tracking foreign nationals’ movements.

Although the new rule aims to enhance security, some civil liberties groups and lawmakers have raised concerns about the privacy implications of expanding facial recognition technology. Critics argue that the use of facial recognition could lead to misidentification, with the potential for innocent travelers to be flagged incorrectly. Despite these concerns, DHS is moving forward with the implementation, which will eliminate several age exemptions that were previously in place, such as the rule exempting individuals under 14 and over 79 from having their photographs taken at entry and exit points.

Who Will Be Affected

The new rule applies to all foreign nationals, including lawful permanent residents (green card holders), visa holders, and those without legal status. Previously, certain age groups were exempt from having their facial photos taken during immigration checks, but with this new rule, these exemptions no longer apply. CBP will have the authority to photograph individuals of all age groups during entry and exit inspections. Non-compliance with the rule may impact admissibility or be treated as a violation of immigration status, especially in cases where CBP requires biometrics for identity verification or immigration-related information.

Impact on Indian Travelers

For Indian citizens traveling to or from the United States, the implementation of this biometric rule means that facial recognition will become an integral part of the immigration process. Expect to encounter live photographs being taken by CBP at entry and exit points, as well as automated facial scans at airport kiosks or inspection points linked to your passport and visa records.

This change does not affect the eligibility for visas or the length of authorized stay in the U.S. Instead, it is designed to expand the scope of data collected to more accurately verify identities and track departures. However, travelers may experience initial delays as the system is rolled out across various entry points and locations.

Travel Tips for the December 26 Rollout

As the new biometric checks are implemented, it’s important to be prepared for potential delays and additional steps in the immigration process. Travelers are advised to:

1. Ensure all travel documents are up to date, including passports, visas, and, if applicable, proof of U.S. residence.
2. Allow extra time for processing at airports and land crossings, especially during the early stages of the rollout.
3. Stay informed about site-specific updates and changes in implementation by following advisories from DHS and CBP.

As the new rule comes into effect, it will be crucial for travelers to stay up-to-date on any new developments or updates to the system that could affect their travel experience. While the changes may initially cause some inconvenience, they are ultimately aimed at improving border security and ensuring a more accurate tracking system for foreign nationals traveling to and from the United States.

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