The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced the publication of a Final Rule that will implement a comprehensive biometric entry/exit program to identify foreign visitors traveling to and from the United States.
The Notice of Final Rule titled “Collection of Biometric Data from Aliens Upon Entry to and Departure from the United States, is effective Dec. 26, 2025 and will amend existing DHS regulation to authorize facial biometrics from all noncitizens upon entry and exit all authorized points of departure, including airports, land ports and seaports. The final rule removed prior exemptions for diplomats and most Canadian visitors, as well as limitations on pilot programs and expanding biometric collection to new transportation modes including sea exit, private aircraft, vehicle entry/exit and pedestrian exit.
Officials said the rule will enhance national security and streamline identity verification processes.
“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,” Acting Executive Assistant Commissioner, CBP Office of Field Operations, Diane J. Sabatino said. “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.”
In 2017, President Donald Trump issued an executive order that required the completion and implementation of biometric entry and exit. That order established a schedule for DHS to report to Congress on progress for the mandate. In November 2020, DHS issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to require facial biometric processing for identity verification of all non-citizens. With the new final rule, Customs and Border Patrol can continue to advance the biometric Entry/Exit mission.