New US Travel Regulations Go Into Effect: Non-US Travelers' Biometric Verifications Increase
The United States has implemented more stringent immigration and border regulations for non-citizens. Here are some things travelers should be aware of, from more stringent Green Card checks to biometric scans at each entry and exit.
The United States implemented new immigration and travel regulations on December 26, 2025. These changes are important if you are not a citizen of the United States, including if you have a Green Card. Here are the current changes and their practical implications.
It is now required to enter and exit using biometrics.
US border screenings for foreign nationals become more thorough as of December 26. Every time a non-US traveler enters or exits the nation, U.S. Customs and Border Protection is required by the revised regulations to gather biometric data.
Airports, land borders, seaports, and other authorized exit points fall under this category.
To put it simply, you should anticipate having your picture taken whenever you enter or exit the United States.
Biometric exit checks were previously restricted to modest experimental initiatives at certain locations. However, they will now be extended to every port, such as:
Seaports and airports
Pedestrian Crossings, Private Aircraft, and Land Borders
No More Exemptions Based on Age or Category
A number of long-standing exemptions are eliminated by the new rule.
Adults over 79 and children under 14 are now included. They also include the majority of Canadian visitors and diplomats. Many of these travelers were exempt from biometric checks prior to this modification.
Additionally, biometric gathering is no longer limited to airports. It now includes pedestrian departures, private planes, car crossings, and maritime transport.
What Information Can Be Gathered?
Every time a person with a green card enters or leaves the United States, border guards may gather:
Photos of faces
The fingerprints
In certain situations, iris scans
The Traveller Verification Service, which connects biometrics to passports and visas, compares these details with trip records.
Participation is not mandatory for US citizens. They have the option to request a manual passport check in place of facial scanning.
Green card holders are scrutinized more closely.
Permanent residents are impacted by yet another significant change.
Green card holders are still able to reside and work in the United States. However, there is now more surveillance of travel, particularly for those connected to certain nations that have been identified as having security risks.
Federal agencies are reportedly keeping a closer eye on foreign travel by non-US nationals. Lawful permanent residents fall under this category.
Questioning at the border can take more time. Officers may inquire about residency, travel history, and supporting documentation.
Potential Re-Reviews of Previous Cases
Immigration officials intend to reevaluate and reinterview immigrants from particular nations, according to an NPR story from early December. Certain situations may date back a number of years.
According to a Department of Homeland Security official, the administration plans to strengthen requirements for individuals applying for citizenship or permanent status.
On the ground, this has straightforward implications. Expect more scrutiny today, even if you previously complied with the regulations.
There are already delays in applications.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) declared on December 2, 2025, that it will stop reviewing applications for citizenship, green cards, and asylum from citizens of specific nations.
There may probably be delays if you have an ongoing or upcoming application.
It is recommended that Green Card holders maintain current and easily accessible passports, residency documents, and travel records.
Travel restrictions increase as of January 1, 2026.
On January 1, 2026, there will be another significant alteration. Applications for green cards, citizenship, and asylum from 19 nations connected to the previous travel ban list are no longer being reviewed by USCIS.
Twelve nations' citizens are completely prohibited from entering the US by the US government:
Afghanistan
Burma
Chad
Congo's Republic
Guinea Equatorial
Eritrea
Iran and Haiti
Libya
Somalia
Yemen and Sudan
Travelers from seven additional nations are subject to partial restrictions:
Burundi
Cuba and Laos
Sierra Leone
Togo
Turkmenistan
Venezuela
These regulations, which follow previous security measures, will have an impact on entry authorization and visa procedures.
What Travelers Need to Do Right Now
Be prepared for lengthier border checks if you are a non-US citizen traveling to or from the US. Every time you fly, be prepared for biometric screenings.
Bring all necessary paperwork if you have a Green Card, and be prepared for further inquiries. Be prepared for delays if you are applying for permanent status or a visa.
The regulations are now in effect. The largest shift for many travelers is straightforward yet significant. Border inspections are more thorough, and they won't disappear anytime soon.
