The US Department of Homeland Security has enacted a sweeping new regulation requiring nearly all non-citizens to submit facial recognition scans when entering and leaving the United States.
The new rule comes into force from December 26, 2025.
Titled “Collection of Biometric Data of Aliens Upon Entering and Departing the United States,” the law states that “DHS may require certain aliens to provide biometric data upon entering and exiting the United States, only authorizing DHS to collect biometric data of certain aliens upon departing under pilot programs at land ports and up to 15 airports and seaports.”
“DHS is modifying the regulations to eliminate references to pilot programs and port limitation. Additionally, to allow CBP to make the process of verifying the identity of aliens more efficient, accurate and secure through the use of facial recognition technology, DHS is modifying the regulations to provide that all aliens may be required to be photographed upon entry and/or exit,” he added.
The list of affected countries is:
- Afghanistan
- Burma (Myanmar)
- Chad
- Republic of the Congo
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Haiti
- Iran
- Libya
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Yemen
- Burundi
- Cuba
- Laos
- Sierra Leone
- Go
- Turkmenistan
- Venezuela
While U.S. citizens are exempt, they can participate voluntarily. Those who choose not to participate will undergo traditional manual passport inspection.
