U.S. Borders Get a Biometric Upgrade

Under new guidance issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), effective on December 26, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will be able to require the collection of biometrics, including photographs, of all non-U.S. travelers entering and exiting the country. 

This rule propels a long-delayed biometric exit system that CBP now expects to be fully implemented at all commercial airports and seaports within three to five years.

Globally, other regions are already moving fast. The European Union (EU), for example, launched its digital Entry/Exit System last month, capturing facial images and fingerprints from all non-EU travelers. With this DHS action, the U.S. is officially embracing game-changing facial comparison technology, which is quickly becoming the standard for secure, efficient travel around the world.

Why this matters for travel: 

• Secure processing: CBP’s facial comparison technology significantly enhances security by verifying a traveler’s identity with near certainty—with an over 98% accuracy rate—compared to manual biographic checks. 

• Seamless experience: Biometric technology reduces traveler burdens and bottlenecks, helping travelers move through airports and seaports more efficiently without having to show passports and boarding passes. 

• Visa Waiver Program (VWP) flexibility: With full biometric exit in place for international air departures, visa overstay rates—rather than visa refusal rates—will become the key metric for VWP eligibility, unlocking the potential for new visa-free partner countries. 

The Visa Waiver Program is one of the most effective levers the U.S. has to boost international inbound travel. Historical experience shows that joining the program drives measurable growth: 

• Six months after a country’s admission: Arrivals increased by 18% relative to overall visitation.

• Three years after admission: Arrivals grew by 24%.

South Korea, added to the VWP in November 2008, is a clear example. Three years after being added to the program, South Korean visitation to the U.S. was nearly 50% above the levels prior to joining, demonstrating the long-term economic benefits of VWP participation. Completing the biometric entry-exit system and unleashing VWP expansion will boost travel spending, support travel industry jobs and generate additional tax revenue.

This progress didn’t happen overnight—it’s a result of years of advocacy. U.S. Travel secured millions in funding for biometric technology in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and has long championed full biometric entry-exit implementation, highlighting its role in improving security, streamlining travel and facilitating VWP expansion.

• The Commission on Seamless and Secure Travel recommended completing biometric air exit by 2026 to strengthen identity verification and create a more secure and efficient travel system.

A fully implemented biometric entry-exit system will enhance national security, make travel smoother and catalyze the benefits of visa-free travel. 

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup and America 250 quickly approaching, the U.S. can’t afford to fall behind. Biometric technology is no longer the future—it’s here, and it will define who leads the way in global travel.