Saudi Arabia Joins UAE, Egypt, Oman, Qatar, Turkey, and Other Middle Eastern Countries in Facing Significant Travel Changes and Potential Visa Delays Next Year as US Imposes a New Visa Policy and Biometric Entry-Exit System

Published on December 28, 2025

Starting December 26, 2025, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Oman, Qatar, Turkey, and other Middle Eastern nations will face significant travel changes as the US imposes a new visa policy and biometric entry-exit system, causing potential visa delays. This move, part of the US’s ongoing efforts to enhance border security and improve the tracking of international travelers, mandates that nationals from these countries undergo biometric screenings, including facial recognition and fingerprint scanning, when entering or exiting the United States.

While the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) privileges remain in place, these new procedures will introduce additional steps that travelers must comply with, ensuring smoother and more accurate data collection at US entry points. Although the changes are expected to increase security and efficiency, the rollout of this system may result in minor delays, particularly at major airports. Travelers from the affected nations will need to update their ESTA status, confirm their passport details, and ensure they meet the biometric requirements to avoid disruptions. This shift marks a major change in how travelers from the Middle East engage with US immigration and is expected to have a significant impact on travel throughout the region.

Egypt Faces Full US Biometric Entry and Exit Scans

Egyptian nationals will begin biometric entry and exit screenings, including facial recognition and fingerprint scanning, starting December 26, 2025. While the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) privileges will continue, this new biometric process will enhance security measures and improve the tracking of Egyptian travellers. Authorities recommend that all travellers update their ESTA status and ensure their passports are valid to minimize delays during the transition.

UAE Faces Full US Biometric Entry and Exit Scans

From December 26, 2025, UAE travellers will undergo mandatory biometric screening, including facial recognition and fingerprint scanning, at US entry and exit points. The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) privileges will still apply, but the introduction of biometric scans will contribute to enhanced security and traveller tracking. While the rollout may cause minor delays, UAE authorities encourage travellers to confirm their ESTA status and verify their travel documents to ensure smooth processing at US borders.

Saudi Arabia Faces Full US Biometric Entry and Exit Scans

Starting December 26, 2025, Saudi Arabian travellers will be required to undergo mandatory biometric screenings, including facial recognition and fingerprint scanning, when entering or leaving the US. While the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) privileges remain in place, these changes will enhance border security and provide more accurate tracking of international travellers. Expect minor delays, especially during the rollout phase. Saudi authorities advise ensuring that your ESTA status is current and preparing for the extra biometric verification step. Travellers should check their travel documents, including passports, and ensure everything is up-to-date before travelling.

Oman Faces Full US Biometric Entry and Exit Scans

Starting December 26, 2025, Omani travellers will be required to undergo biometric screenings, including facial recognition and fingerprint scanning, when entering or leaving the US. The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) will remain in effect, but the biometric data collection will be added to improve security and better track arrivals and departures. Minor delays at immigration are expected as the system is rolled out, and authorities recommend travellers check their ESTA status and verify their travel documents in advance.

Qatar Faces Full US Biometric Entry and Exit Scans

Qatari nationals will also face biometric entry and exit screenings, including facial recognition and fingerprint scanning, beginning December 26, 2025. While Visa Waiver Program (VWP) privileges remain, the biometric system will allow the US to track entries and exits more effectively. This new system aims to enhance border security and ensure a more efficient immigration process. Travellers are advised to check their ESTA status, update passports, and ensure compliance with the new requirements to avoid delays.

Turkey Faces Full US Biometric Entry and Exit Scans

From December 26, 2025, Turkish travellers will undergo biometric screenings, including facial recognition and fingerprint scanning, when entering or leaving the US. While the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) privileges will remain in place, this change will increase border security and streamline the immigration process. Turkish authorities urge travellers to ensure that their ESTA status is valid and that their passports are updated to avoid any delays or complications.

Visa Impact Summary Table

Starting December 26, 2025, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Oman, Qatar, Turkey, and other Middle Eastern nations will face significant travel changes as the US imposes a new visa policy and biometric entry-exit system, causing potential visa delays.

In conclusion, starting December 26, 2025, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Oman, Qatar, Turkey, and other Middle Eastern nations will experience significant travel changes as the US implements its new visa policy and biometric entry-exit system. These changes are set to enhance border security and improve the tracking of international travelers. While the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) privileges remain intact, travelers will be required to undergo biometric screenings, including facial recognition and fingerprint scanning, at US entry and exit points.