U.S. Launches Nationwide Biometric Entry-Exit Program for International Travelers in 2025
How the New Facial Recognition System Will Change U.S. Border Security and Travel Procedures.
The United States is preparing to launch a nationwide biometric entry and exit program for international travelers starting December 26, 2025. Under the new system, all foreign nationals entering or leaving the country will be required to undergo facial biometric screening at airports and other approved exit points.
According to The Economic Times, the measure aims to modernize existing regulations and pave the way for the full implementation of a biometric entry-exit system. The initiative is designed to strengthen border security while streamlining identity verification procedures for travelers.
What Will Change When the Program Begins?
Under the new rule, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will collect facial biometric data from all travelers upon entry and exit, eliminating all previous exemptions. This includes diplomats and most Canadian visitors. The decision also expands biometric screening to land and sea ports, private aircraft, vehicle crossings, and pedestrian exits.
Commenting on the move, Diane J. Sabatino, Acting Executive Assistant Commissioner at CBP, said the decision represents a major milestone in efforts to successfully implement the biometric entry-exit system and enhance U.S. security.
She added:“With increased funding to support this critical mission, we will continue expanding the use of this program and advanced identity verification technologies to further secure and modernize entry and exit processes by air, land, and sea.”
National Security and Technology Framework
According to the report, the program is based on long-standing national security recommendations and legal mandates. In 2017, former President Donald Trump issued an executive order calling for the accelerated implementation of a biometric entry-exit tracking system.
As part of this effort, CBP developed the Traveler Verification Service (TVS), a cloud-based system that links facial biometric data with travel documents. The Department of Homeland Security explained that the system helps automate identity verification, reduce administrative burdens on officers, and introduce additional security measures.
Security Scope and Privacy Safeguards
According to DHS, the biometric system will help identify known or suspected criminals and terrorists, prevent visa fraud, detect visa overstays, track the departure of non-citizens, and prevent the illegal re-entry of individuals who have previously been deported.
It is important to note that this rule does not apply to U.S. citizens, although they may voluntarily participate in facial biometric verification at entry and exit points. Citizens who choose not to participate may notify a CBP officer or airline staff and instead undergo a manual passport inspection.
At the same time, CBP announced that it has taken steps to address privacy concerns. The agency stated that images of U.S. citizens are deleted within 12 hours, while biometric records of non-citizens may be retained in the Biometric Identity Management System for up to 75 years.
