CBP News: DHS Final Rule on Biometric Entry/Exit

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has new efforts to advance the biometric Entry/Exit program. CBP has a Congressional mandate to biometrically record all foreign nationals entering and exiting the United States. Years of testing have demonstrated that biometric facial comparison technology through public/private partnerships is the most secure, efficient, and cost-effective way to fulfill the Congressional mandate while protecting the privacy of all travelers.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has just issued a final rule on biometrics for the Entry/Exit program. This rule amends DHS regulations to allow CBP to collect facial biometrics from all foreign travelers (including Canadians) upon entry and exit from the United States. The rule also eliminates the cap on the number of locations where CBP can conduct biometric pilots.

In addition to the air environment, CBP has the authority to expand its biometric collection at sea and land borders, and will publish subsequent Federal Register notices for these additional modalities.
 Please note: this rule does not cover U.S. citizens who may continue to opt out of having their photos collected as part of the Entry/Exit process.

You can read the final rule here: Collection of Biometric Data From Aliens Upon Entry to and Departure From the United States

This rule is effective on December 26, 2025; any additional public comments must be submitted on or before November 26, 2025.