Jess Wilder
Nov 30, 2025
DHS will begin collecting fingerprints and photographs from all non-U.S. citizens entering and leaving the country.
Starting December 26, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will launch a new biometric entry-exit system requiring all non-U.S. citizens to provide fingerprints and a photograph both upon entering and exiting the United States.
According to DHS, the new policy aims to strengthen national security, prevent identity fraud, and better track visa overstays by creating a complete, verifiable record of each traveler’s movements across U.S. borders.
The biometric screening requirement will apply to:
tourists
students
temporary workers
visa holders of all categories
individuals involved in immigration processes
Biometric data will be collected using electronic kiosks and fingerprint scanners installed at airports, seaports, and land border crossings.
DHS states that the collected information will be stored according to strict federal security standards. However, civil rights organizations are already raising concerns about privacy and long-term data storage.
The biometric entry-exit system is expected to expand nationwide throughout 2026.