Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, And Kuwait Impacted As US Enforces New Visa Rules With Mandatory Biometric Scans For All Travelers

Published on December 31, 2025

Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, and Kuwait are among the Middle Eastern nations impacted by the US government’s new visa rules, which mandate biometric scans for all travelers entering and exiting the country. This change, effective from December 26, 2025, aims to enhance security measures and streamline the immigration process. As part of these stricter regulations, travelers from these countries, including Green Card holders and diplomats, will now undergo detailed biometric checks—such as facial recognition and fingerprint scanning—at all US entry points, including airports, seaports, and land borders. This marks a significant shift from previous exemptions, requiring all travelers to comply with these enhanced procedures.

As of December 26, 2025, the US government has implemented new, stricter immigration and border control measures that significantly affect non-US citizens, including Green Card holders. The most significant change in these updated rules is the mandatory biometric scans for all travelers entering and exiting the United States, a policy that will now be enforced at all US entry points, including airports, seaports, and land borders. This measure expands previous pilot programs and removes exemptions for certain categories of travelers.

Among the nations affected, Middle Eastern countries such as Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, and others will face more detailed entry and exit procedures, including biometric data collection. In this content, we break down what these new rules entail, the specific countries impacted, and how travelers should prepare for the changes.

The New US Visa and Immigration Rules: An Overview

Starting December 26, 2025, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has rolled out a new set of immigration and border control measures aimed at tightening security and streamlining travel processes. The most visible change is the mandatory collection of biometric data for all non-US citizens entering and leaving the country. This will now include:

• Facial photographs
• Fingerprints
• Iris scans (in some cases)

These biometric details will be matched with travel records through the Traveler Verification Service, linking biometric data to passports and visas. In addition, biometric checks will no longer be limited to airports but will be expanded to seaports, land crossings, private aircraft, and pedestrian crossings, which were previously not part of the program.

Who Is Affected?

Previously, certain categories of travelers were exempt from biometric checks, such as children under 14, adults over 79, and certain diplomats. However, the new rules have removed these exemptions. Now, anyone traveling to or from the US, including diplomats and many visitors from Canada, will be required to go through biometric checks.

The changes are also significant for Green Card holders. Permanent residents of the US will now face closer scrutiny when traveling internationally. US immigration authorities are particularly concerned about travelers from countries flagged for security reasons, and Green Card holders may be subject to additional checks or questions regarding their travel history, residence, and supporting documents.

Potential Re-Reviews of Immigration Cases

An important part of this new tightening of rules involves the re-review of immigration cases, particularly for those coming from countries with high-security concerns. The US government is reportedly re-examining and possibly re-interviewing individuals who applied for permanent status or citizenship, especially if they have ties to countries that are flagged as higher-risk.

This could include applicants whose cases date back several years, adding another layer of delay for those hoping to secure green cards or citizenship.

Visa and Green Card Delays

In addition to the more stringent biometric requirements, travelers can expect significant delays in visa processing and green card applications. As of December 2, 2025, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a pause on processing green card, citizenship, and asylum applications from nationals of certain countries. This pause is expected to cause delays in the application process for travelers from these countries.

If you are a non-US citizen applying for a green card or citizenship, or if you are seeking asylum, be prepared for a longer waiting period as the backlog increases due to the new regulations.

Expanded Travel Bans from January 1, 2026

One of the most controversial aspects of the new immigration rules is the expansion of travel bans for nationals from certain countries. As of January 1, 2026, the US government will impose a full travel ban on nationals from 12 countries, preventing them from entering the US for purposes of immigration or non-immigration. These countries include:

• Afghanistan
• Burma
• Chad
• Republic of the Congo
• Equatorial Guinea
• Eritrea
• Haiti
• Iran
• Libya
• Somalia
• Sudan
• Yemen

Partial travel restrictions will apply to nationals from seven more countries, including:

• Burundi
• Cuba
• Laos
• Sierra Leone
• Togo
• Turkmenistan
• Venezuela

This means that applicants from these countries may face significant delays or outright denials of visas, green cards, or other travel permissions.

Impact on Middle Eastern Nations

As part of these new measures, a significant number of Middle Eastern countries will be affected by the tighter US immigration controls and biometric scanning requirements. The US government’s policy change includes countries such as Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, and Kuwait.

Here are the specific Middle Eastern nations impacted by the new biometric requirements and visa restrictions:

• Saudi Arabia: Travelers will face mandatory biometric scans at all US entry points, and Green Card holders may be subject to more scrutiny.
• Bahrain: Bahraini nationals will experience more detailed border checks, and biometric scans will apply to all travelers, including those under the previous exemptions.
• Turkey: With tighter visa rules and enhanced border checks, Turkish nationals will be subjected to the new biometric processes.
• Egypt: Travelers from Egypt will be required to comply with the new biometric scanning requirements, adding more time to entry and exit procedures.
• Jordan: Jordanian nationals will also be impacted by the new rules, which include biometric data collection at all points of entry.
• Kuwait: Travelers from Kuwait will face similar biometric requirements, alongside longer processing times due to the more stringent checks.

The following countries in the Middle East are also affected:

• Iraq: While not subject to visa bans or pauses, Iraqis will still face universal biometric entry and exit requirements.
• Qatar, UAE, Oman, Egypt, and Lebanon: Nationals from these countries are not affected by the visa bans but will experience the new biometric scanning protocols for all non-US citizens.

What Travelers Should Do Now

If you’re traveling to the US from any of these impacted countries, it’s crucial to prepare for the following:

1. Expect Longer Border Checks: Be ready for extended waiting times at US borders. With the expanded biometric collection, including facial recognition and fingerprint scanning, travelers should expect a longer wait.
2. Update Your Documents: Ensure that your passport, residency documents, and other travel records are up to date. Green Card holders, in particular, should keep their travel documents easily accessible in case additional questions are asked.
3. Prepare for Potential Delays in Application Processing: If you’re in the process of applying for a visa, green card, or citizenship, understand that there could be significant delays in processing due to these new measures.
4. Monitor Travel Advisories: Travelers should keep an eye on travel advisories and government announcements related to visa rules and border control measures. These regulations are subject to change, and it’s essential to stay informed.

Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, and Kuwait are impacted by the US government’s new visa rules, which mandate mandatory biometric scans for all travelers to strengthen security and improve border control measures. This includes facial recognition, fingerprints, and iris scans at all entry points.

With the introduction of mandatory biometric scans, tighter visa rules, and stricter travel bans, the US government has significantly reshaped its immigration policies. While the changes may be challenging for travelers from the Middle East and other regions, it’s clear that the aim is to strengthen security and improve immigration processes. If you are planning to travel to the US, make sure to stay informed and prepared to comply with these new rules to ensure a smooth journey.