South Korea Joins China, Japan, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Philippines and More to Face New Travel Changes as US Imposes New Visa Policy and Biometric Entry-Exit System: Everything You Need to Know

Published on November 2, 2025

From December 26, 2025, South Korea will be among several countries, including China, Japan, India, and the Philippines, to implement the US’s new visa policy and biometric entry-exit system. This system will require facial recognition and fingerprint scanning for all travellers, aiming to improve security, streamline immigration processes, and enhance traveller tracking. While the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) privileges remain, these changes will ensure tighter border controls and more accurate tracking of arrivals and departures, contributing to safer and more efficient travel between the US and these nations.

South Korea Faces Full US Biometric Entry and Exit Scans

From December 26, 2025, South Korean travellers will face mandatory biometric screenings, including facial recognition, when entering or leaving the US. Although Visa Waiver Program (VWP) privileges remain, queues may lengthen temporarily. South Korean authorities advise ensuring that your ESTA status is current and preparing for the extra verification step. The new system enhances identity verification and security, making crossings more transparent and secure. Expect slight delays at immigration, especially during the rollout phase. Travellers should check their ESTA status and ensure all documents are in order before traveling to the US.

China’s US Travel Faces Facial and Fingerprint Scanning

Starting December 26, 2025, Chinese nationals will undergo biometric screening (facial recognition and fingerprint scanning) when entering or exiting the US. Visa Waiver Program privileges remain unchanged, but the new system will track every movement digitally. Chinese authorities encourage travellers to ensure their passport and ESTA data are correct to avoid delays. Expect minor delays at major airports such as Beijing Capital International Airport and Shanghai Pudong International Airport. This system is designed to enhance border security, reduce identity fraud, and ensure accurate tracking of departures and arrivals at US ports of entry.

Japan Joins the US High-Tech Travel Era

Starting December 26, 2025, Japanese travellers heading to the US will undergo facial and fingerprint scans as part of a new biometric entry-exit system. Visa Waiver (ESTA) privileges remain unchanged, but the US government will digitally track all entry and exit movements. Expect brief delays at airports like Narita during the initial rollout, especially at peak travel times. Authorities advise travellers to ensure their biometric passports are updated to avoid issues. This change aims to improve security and reduce fraud, providing both countries with better tracking and safer borders. Make sure your ESTA status is valid to avoid delays.

India Steps Into the Biometric Age at US Borders

Indian travellers will be part of the new biometric entry-exit regime starting December 26, 2025. Facial and fingerprint scans will be required at all US ports of entry and exit. ESTA travel privileges remain unchanged, but every movement will be tracked digitally. Minor delays are expected at major hubs like Indira Gandhi International Airport and JFK in New York. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs urges travellers to update their travel documents and biometric passports to ensure smooth entry. While delays are expected initially, the system aims to improve border security and tracking accuracy.

Pakistan’s US Trips Go Digital with Facial Scans

Starting December 26, 2025, Pakistani nationals will undergo facial and fingerprint biometric screening for entry and exit into the US. Visa Waiver Program privileges remain in place, but additional biometric checks will be implemented. Pakistani authorities advise verifying passport validity and allowing extra time for processing at airports. This change aims to improve security and reduce overstays. While ESTA status remains valid, travellers should be aware of minor delays due to the initial implementation. The system’s goal is to streamline border control and enhance the security of both the US and Pakistani nationals traveling.

Bangladesh Joins the US Biometric Travel Update

From December 26, 2025, Bangladeshi nationals will face mandatory biometric entry and exit checks under the US system. Visa Waiver Program privileges remain unchanged, but the new policy will involve facial recognition and fingerprint scanning. Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends verifying travel documents and ensuring ESTA status is current. Minor delays at major airports are expected during the implementation phase. This biometric system will improve US border management, prevent overstays, and enhance security. Travellers should update their travel information to ensure a smooth transition during the system’s rollout.

Philippines Enters the US Biometric System

Starting December 26, 2025, Filipino travellers will be required to complete biometric screenings, including facial and fingerprint scans, when entering or exiting the US. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) privileges remain, but the additional biometric checks will help improve identity verification and security. Philippine authorities advise ensuring all documents, including ESTA status, are up-to-date before travel. Minor delays are expected at major entry points like Manila and Los Angeles airports. This change will enhance the security of both US and Philippine travellers, enabling safer and more efficient border control management during the new biometric rollout.

Visa Impact Summary Table

Starting December 26, 2025, South Korea, China, Japan, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Philippines, and more will face US travel changes, including biometric checks and updated visa policies to enhance security and tracking. This aims to strengthen border security and improve tracking of foreign nationals using biometric data.

Conclusion

South Korea joins China, Japan, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Philippines, and more to face new travel changes as the US imposes a new visa policy and biometric entry-exit system for enhanced security. These changes, set to take effect from December 26, 2025, reflect the US’s ongoing commitment to strengthening border security and improving the accuracy of traveller tracking. The introduction of biometric entry-exit systems, including facial recognition and fingerprint scanning, will enhance identity verification processes, making travel more secure and efficient. With these updates, travellers from these countries will experience a more streamlined and safer border control system.