The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has adopted sweeping new regulations requiring nearly all non-citizens to submit facial recognition scans when entering and exiting the United States.
The new rule is implemented from December 26, 2025.
Titled “Collection of Biometric Data from Aliens Upon Entry into and Departure from the United States,” the law states that “DHS may require certain aliens to provide biometric data upon entry into and exit from the United States, but only authorizes DHS to collect biometric data from certain departing aliens through pilot programs at land ports and at up to 15 airports and seaports.” »
“DHS is amending the regulations to remove references to pilot programs and port limitations. Additionally, to enable CBP to make the process of verifying the identity of aliens more efficient, accurate, and secure using facial recognition technology, DHS is amending the regulations to provide that all aliens may be required to be photographed upon entry and/or departure,” it added.
The list of countries concerned is as follows:
- Afghanistan
- Burma (Myanmar)
- Chad
- Republic of Congo
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Haiti
- Iran
- Libya
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Yemen
- Burundi
- Cuba
- Laos
- Sierra Leone
- Go
- Turkmenistan
- Venezuela
Although U.S. citizens are exempt, they can participate voluntarily. Those who choose not to participate will undergo a traditional manual inspection of their passport.
