Archive · 26 Oct 2025
US Mandates Photos for Foreign Travelers Upon Entry/Exit
The US government is making a new rule.
If you are not a US citizen and want to enter or leave the country, you will have your photo taken.
This means tourists, students, and workers from other countries will have their pictures taken when they arrive and leave.
The goal is to stop people from using fake documents or staying in the US longer than they are allowed.
The Department of Homeland Security wants to use facial recognition technology to confirm who is coming and going.
The new rules come after an official comment period.
The US will require photos of all non-US citizens upon entry and exit.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is implementing the new regulation.
The policy aims to enhance security and prevent visa/passport fraud.
Facial images will be collected from all foreigners, regardless of age (with certain exceptions).
The new rules come into effect after a public comment period, approximately 60 days after publication.
- Who
- All foreign travelers (non-US citizens)
- What
- Mandatory photographs upon entry and departure
- When
- Effective 60 days after publication in Federal Register, following a 30-day public comment period
- Where
- US entry and exit points
- Why
- To prevent fraud and enhance security
- Implementing Agency
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
- Data Collected
- Photographs (facial images)
- Applicable People
- All non-US citizens (foreigners)
- Exemptions
- Age exemptions apply to biometrics besides facial images
- Purpose
- Prevent visa fraud, passport fraud, and enhance security
- Legislation Basis
- Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952
- Implementation Timeline
- Public comment period begins October 27; rule effective 60 days after publication
