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With a series of strict immigration measures, the US government is strengthening border checks for all foreign nationals. After introducing Visa Integrity fee and increasing CBP inspection procedures at the airports, the United States came up with a new entry exit rule for all US visa holders and Green Card holders. Under this new US entry/exit system, photo capture and biometric data collection is mandatory for every non US citizen traveling to and from America.
What is the new US entry and exit rule
According to the final rule published in the Federal Register in October 2025, the new US entry exit regulation requires CBP officers to take photographs and collect biometrics of all foreign citizens at airports, seaports, and land borders. The biometric data recorded when you arrive in the USA will be compared with the biometric data taken when you leave the country. If the departure data does not match the arrival records, you may face additional questioning, detention, or even deportation. In the worst cases, a mismatch can make aliens inadmissible to the United States for future travel.
Who are exempted from the new US entry exit system?
The Department of Homeland Security has clearly stated that the new biometric entry exit system applies to all non US citizens. Children below 14 years of age and elderly travelers over 79 years will also be photographed. The rule will remain mandatory for all visa categories including tourists, students, workers, and transit visitors. Only US citizens and US nationals are exempt from this biometric rule. The US-born children of foreign citizens fall under the exempt category since they are American citizens by birth.
Does the new US entry-exit rule apply to Green Card holders?
Yes, it does. Green Card holders are lawful permanent residents but not US citizens. Therefore, they must follow the same biometric entry exit procedures as all other foreign nationals. When Green Card holders travel internationally and return to the USA, CBP officers will require their photographs and record biometric details at arrival and departure points. Only their US-born children may be exempt from the requirement.
What is new about this system for foreigners’ entry to and exit from USA?
For many years, the United States has collected biometric information from select groups of foreign nationals during arrival. What is new is that the US government will now enforce a mandatory biometric entry exit system for all visitors and Green Card holders. Every traveler entering or leaving the USA will be photographed. The new entry-exit rule of the US is designed to reduce visa overstay cases, identify travelers using fraudulent documents, track individuals who violate immigration laws, and strengthen national security.
