New US Biometric Travel Rules: What Non-US Citizens, Green Card Holders Must Know

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the publication of the Notice of Final Rule titled “Collection of Biometric Data from Aliens Upon Entry to and Departure from the United States.”

The final rule came into effect on December 26, 2025, and updates existing DHS regulations to authorise U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to collect facial biometrics from all noncitizens, including green card holders, upon entry and exit at airports, land ports, seaports, and other authorized points of departure. This expands biometric checks to more travelers and transportation modes than before.

Under the updated policy, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will collect facial biometrics from all noncitizens at airports, land ports, seaports, and other authorized points of entry and exit. Previous exemptions, including diplomats and most Canadian visitors, have been removed.

Acting Executive Assistant Commissioner Diane J. Sabatino said in a CBP release, “This final rule marks a major milestone towards our efforts to successfully implement the Biometric Entry/Exit mandate and strengthen the security of the United States.”

She added, “With increased funding to support this critical mission, we will continue to expand facial biometrics and advanced technology for identity verification to further secure and innovate the entry/exit process at air, land, and sea.”

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reported that U.S. citizens are not required to participate in the new biometric entry-exit program. However, they may voluntarily opt in or choose to undergo the standard manual passport inspection when entering or leaving the United States.

According to USCIS guidance referenced in public policy documents, green card holders from 19 countries may be subject to additional review procedures. These countries include Afghanistan, Burma (Myanmar), Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.