Travel Alert: The US New Entry Exit Rules will make facial recognition mandatory for all non-citizens departing the U.S. from December 26, 2025.
The US New Entry Exit Rules are about to transform how millions of travellers leave the United States. Beginning December 26, 2025, all non-citizens departing America will be subject to mandatory facial recognition checks, marking a major expansion of the nation’s biometric border control system.
The announcement, published by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in the Federal Register on October 24, 2025, applies to all foreign nationals aged 14 to 79, including lawful permanent residents and visa holders. The initiative aims to strengthen border security, prevent visa overstays, and modernize travel verification under the US New Entry Exit Rules framework.
A New Era in Border Security Under the US New Entry Exit Rules
The US New Entry Exit Rules represent the most significant upgrade in America’s border management since the post-9/11 reforms. The requirement fulfills decades-old congressional mandates for a biometric entry-exit tracking system, first outlined in the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 and reinforced by the 9/11 Commission Implementation Act of 2004.
Previously, exit tracking relied mostly on biographic data like airline manifests, which made it difficult for authorities to identify individuals who overstayed their visas. Under the new system, CBP will now capture facial images at all ports of departure — air, land, and sea — and automatically match them against entry records using advanced facial recognition technology.
According to CBP officials, the US New Entry Exit Rules will help verify traveler identity, detect fraudulent travel documents, and ensure compliance with visa terms.
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Who Will Be Affected by the New Rules
Under the US New Entry Exit Rules, all non-citizens between 14 and 79 years of age will undergo biometric exit checks. The rule does not apply to U.S. citizens, though they may choose to participate voluntarily to speed up boarding at certain airports.
Exemptions exist for children under 14, adults over 79, and certain diplomatic or official visa holders covered under international agreements. Importantly, the new regulation does not change visa eligibility, stay duration, or entry categories — it only enhances the government’s ability to track entries and exits accurately.
When and How the US New Entry Exit Rules Take Effect
The US New Entry Exit Rules will officially take effect December 26, 2025, following a 30-day public comment period that begins October 27, 2025 on Regulations.gov (Docket ID: CBP-2025-0012).
While the rules will be legally active nationwide from that date, full implementation — especially across land and sea ports — is expected to take three to five years. CBP is currently upgrading infrastructure, including secure departure lanes, biometric cameras, and system integration with airlines and cruise operators.
How the Biometric Exit System Will Work
CBP’s new system, part of the Traveler Verification Service, has been tested since 2016 at airports in Atlanta, Chicago, and Las Vegas. When departing passengers approach the gate, cameras capture live images that are instantly compared with their entry records.
The system verifies identity in under 10 seconds, according to CBP data, and eliminates the need for travellers to present passports multiple times. Currently, this system covers around 80 percent of air departures by non-citizens at more than 100 airports. Under the new rule, it becomes mandatory for all exit points — a move officials describe as the “final phase” of a decades-long modernization effort.
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Privacy Protections and Data Security
To address privacy concerns, CBP emphasized that U.S. citizens’ facial images are deleted within 12 hours after verification. Images of non-citizens are securely stored in Department of Homeland Security (DHS) systems and used solely for immigration and law enforcement purposes.
The US New Entry Exit Rules also include restrictions on data sharing. CBP confirmed that information will be shared only with authorized agencies and vetted private partners under strict agreements to prevent misuse or unauthorized access.
Impact on Travelers and Airlines
Under the US New Entry Exit Rules, travelers should expect minor delays during the rollout period. While the biometric capture process takes less than 10 seconds per traveler, CBP advises arriving early for international flights — especially during peak hours — as systems are integrated nationwide.
CBP recommends that travelers ensure their passports and visas contain recent, high-quality photos for smoother verification. Damaged or outdated documents may lead to secondary inspection. Airlines and cruise operators will receive technical guidance ahead of implementation, ensuring minimal disruption to travel schedules.
Part of Broader U.S. Immigration Enforcement Policy
The US New Entry Exit Rules are part of a broader immigration framework being implemented in 2025. Earlier this year, the administration issued a presidential proclamation restricting entry from 12 countries and updating alien registration procedures for certain visa categories.
However, the biometric exit system applies universally — regardless of nationality or visa type — making it one of the most comprehensive travel monitoring systems in U.S. history.
Global Context and Strategic Importance
With these measures, the United States joins countries like Australia, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates, which already operate biometric border control systems for entry and exit. Once fully operational, the US New Entry Exit Rules will allow the U.S. government to maintain a real-time record of every non-citizen’s travel activity, significantly reducing visa overstays and strengthening counterterrorism capabilities.
CBP has described the system as “the cornerstone of a modern, secure, and efficient immigration framework.”
Conclusion
The US New Entry Exit Rules mark a pivotal moment in America’s border and immigration policy — combining technology, security, and accountability into one nationwide framework. As the December 26, 2025 deadline approaches, travelers are urged to stay updated through CBP.gov and prepare for facial recognition screening at all U.S. exit points.
Once fully implemented, these rules will reshape global travel norms and set a new international benchmark for biometric border control.