UPDATE: New facial recognition rules are now in effect at airports across the United States, raising significant privacy concerns as noncitizens entering and leaving the country will have their biometric data collected starting today, December 26, 2025. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced this measure to combat visa fraud, identify criminals, and prevent illegal reentries.
The policy removes previous exemptions for diplomats and most Canadian visitors, meaning all foreign nationals must undergo facial recognition scans as part of their travel process. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is implementing this change in an effort to strengthen national security during a peak travel season, with over 44 million travelers expected to pass through U.S. airports between December 19 and January 4.
Diane J. Sabatino, acting executive assistant commissioner of CBP’s field operations, stated,
“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.”
The new system will utilize facial comparison technology, described as the “best available method for biometric verification,” and is already operational at 238 airports.
Under the new rules, U.S. citizens are not required to participate in the biometric program but may opt in. Those who choose not to participate can request a manual passport check by notifying a CBP officer or airline representative. Notably, while photos of U.S. citizens are deleted within 12 hours, images of noncitizens will be stored in the biometric identity management system for up to 75 years.
As the holiday travel period intensifies, the measures aim to create a more secure entry and exit process at air, land, and sea points. The busiest days are projected for December 28 and the day before, with nearly 2.9 million travelers expected on each day alone, according to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
In addition to the facial recognition rules, the U.S. government is considering a proposal that would require tourists to provide a five-year history of their social media activity upon entry. This proposal, announced on December 10, is part of an effort to enhance security and may include requests for email addresses, phone numbers, and information about family members.
Privacy advocates are voicing strong concerns over these developments, emphasizing the potential for misuse of personal data and the implications for civil liberties. As the situation continues to unfold, travelers and citizens alike are urged to stay informed about their rights and the evolving landscape of biometric data collection.
With the implementation of these rules now in effect, travelers should prepare for increased scrutiny at U.S. borders. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
