Starting December 26, 2025, all foreign travelers entering or leaving the U.S.—including Green Card holders—will need to have their photos taken as part of new entry-exit regulations. The goal of the US government is to build a unified biometric system to verify the identity and prevent overstays of every noncitizen.
If you’re a traveler, student, or NRI green-card holder, here’s what this new entry-exit rule means for your next trip—and what to expect at US airports.
What Exactly Has Changed?
Until now, photo and fingerprint scans were taken mostly when entering the U.S., and only for select visa categories. But under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)’s new rule, everyone who is not a U.S. citizen will need to complete biometric checks both when entering and exiting the country.
That means:
- All visa holders, Green Card holders, and dependents must have a facial image captured at arrival and departure.
- The new rule removes age exemptions even children under 14 and travelers over 79 are now included.
- The policy applies to all US ports of entry-exit, including airports, seaports, and land borders with Canada and Mexico.
It will be a major expansion of the US biometric entry-exit system—one that’s been in development for more than a decade.
When Do These New Entry-Exit US Rules Take Effect?
The rule officially comes into force on December 26, 2025. From that date onward, CBP officers will photograph and verify the identity of every non-citizen traveler entering or departing the US.
If you’re flying from India to the US, expect to go through facial recognition scanning at both ends of your journey—during immigration clearance and again when you check in to fly back.
Why the Change?
According to the US government, the increased biometric tracking is related to immigration control, security, and identity verification.
The main objectives are:
- Prevent visa overstays – The system matches your entry photo with your departure image, helping authorities confirm who leaves on time.
- Curb document fraud – Facial recognition helps detect impostors or mismatched passports.
- Faster processing – Automated verification reduces manual checks, streamlining immigration lanes over time.
- Modernize border management – DHS aims to create a seamless digital record for all foreign entries and exits.
In short, it’s a tech-driven move to make U.S. borders more secure—and more data-driven.
Who Is Affected by the 2025 US Entry-Exit Rules?
This rule applies to everyone who isn’t a US citizen, including:
- Indian tourists, students, and H-1B professionals
- Green Card holders (lawful permanent residents)
- Dependents and children traveling on visas
- Transit passengers leaving via US airports
If you’re a US citizen, you’re exempt. But your accompanying family members on visas aren’t.
What to Expect at US Airports Under the 2025 Entry-Exit Rules
So, what will this look like for travelers?
- At Arrival:
When you land in the US, CBP officers will capture your facial image through an automated camera. That image is instantly compared with the photo stored in your travel record.
If the match is confirmed, you move ahead quickly.
If not, an officer might manually verify your identity. - At Departure:
When you’re leaving the US, the airline or CBP exit booth will take another quick photo. That’s matched against your entry record to confirm your lawful departure. - At Land or Sea Crossings:
The same technology will gradually roll out at land borders and cruise terminals, though airports will see the first wave of implementation.
Each scan takes just a few seconds. But during the early rollout, expect a few delays or queues as systems stabilize.
For Green Card Holders: Here’s What You Should Know
Green Card holders are now explicitly included. While this doesn’t change your immigration status, it does mean:
- You’ll be photographed every time you re-enter the United States.
- If you refuse, you might face additional screening or delayed clearance.
- It’s wise to carry your valid Green Card and travel documents at all times to avoid confusion during biometric checks.
If you frequently travel between India and the U.S., build a little extra buffer time into your airport routine.
Privacy and Data Concerns
Not everyone’s thrilled about expanded facial recognition.
Civil rights groups in the USA have raised questions about:
- Data storage and security: How long will CBP keep the photos?
- Accuracy issues: Will lighting, facial hair, or skin tone affect recognition?
- Information sharing: Could other agencies access this data?
CBP has said the system is designed with “privacy protections,” and photos are deleted within 12 hours for US citizens—but for non-citizens, data can be stored longer for immigration tracking.
Still, it’s best to stay informed and read DHS updates before traveling.
The Bigger Picture
The goal isn’t to complicate travel, but to align with the global move toward secure, tech-driven identity checks. Countries such as the UK, UAE, and Singapore already use facial recognition for faster border control. In many ways, the US is just catching up to what other major travel hubs already do—combining safety and convenience.
For Indian travelers, it’s one more reason to plan smarter and travel prepared.
Bottom Line
Come December 2025, the U.S. is stepping into a new era of biometric travel verification.
For visa holders and Green Card holders, the rule is straightforward: your photo will be taken at both entry and exit.
The best approach? Travelers should monitor official updates and finalize bookings well ahead of their trip to avoid disruptions.
And if you’re planning a family trip to India or back to the USA, check out Tripbeam Offers for cheap international flights and exclusive family deals.