Thailand Unites With India, Japan, China, Vietnam, South Korea, And More As Asia Confronts Increased Border Scrutiny With US New Biometric Scan Rules For Green Card Holders

Published on December 28, 2025

Thailand unites with India, Japan, China, Vietnam, South Korea, and more as Asia confronts increased border scrutiny with the US’s new biometric scan rules for Green Card holders. Starting December 26, 2025, the United States has implemented mandatory biometric scans for all non-US citizens, including facial recognition, fingerprints, and iris scans, at every entry and exit point. This new policy is a significant shift in US immigration and border control procedures, aiming to enhance security and streamline traveler identification. Travelers from Asian countries, especially Green Card holders, now face heightened scrutiny, longer wait times, and potential delays in visa processing. As a result, millions of international travelers, especially from Asia, will need to navigate these tighter measures, which will impact both their travel experiences and immigration status.

The United States government’s latest updates to immigration and border rules, which went into effect on December 26, 2025, have raised significant challenges for non-US citizens, especially those from Asia. The new policies include mandatory biometric scans for all non-US citizens, including Green Card holders, as well as increased scrutiny for certain visa and permanent resident applicants. Travelers from countries such as Thailand, India, Japan, China, Vietnam, and South Korea are directly affected by these changes, which impact the future of travel and immigration for millions.

US Border and Immigration Overhaul: What You Need to Know

With the US government tightening border and immigration procedures, the introduction of new biometric scans at all entry and exit points is one of the most significant changes. The United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) now mandates biometric data collection for every non-US citizen entering or leaving the country, including travelers arriving by air, sea, and land. As a result, travelers from Asia, including countries such as Thailand, India, China, and Japan, will now be subject to facial scans, fingerprinting, and, in some cases, iris scans.

The new policy is designed to enhance security and improve the efficiency of immigration processing, though it also means longer wait times and increased scrutiny at US entry points. Below, we break down the details of the new biometric scan policy, the countries impacted, and what travelers can expect when traveling to the US in the near future.

Mandatory Biometric Scans for All Non-US Citizens

Starting December 26, 2025, biometric scanning for all non-US citizens became mandatory every time they enter or exit the United States. This includes the collection of facial photographs, fingerprints, and, in some cases, iris scans. These biometric details are matched with travelers’ passport and visa records through the Traveller Verification Service, which is linked to all US immigration data.

The biometric checks will take place at all US ports of entry, including:

• Airports: International arrivals and departures will require biometric scanning at all terminals.
• Seaports: Travelers entering or leaving the US via seaport will undergo biometric checks.
• Land Borders: Non-US citizens traveling through land border crossings will be subject to these scans.
• Private Aircraft and Pedestrian Crossings: Even private aircraft passengers and pedestrians using approved crossings will face biometric scanning.

This policy removes previous exemptions for certain age groups and diplomatic travelers, including those over 79 years old, children under 14, and diplomats from several countries. Now, all travelers, including those from Asia, will need to comply with these more stringent checks.

Countries Impacted by the New Biometric Scans Policy

The new rules will impact citizens of every country in Asia, with no exemptions for nationality, age, or category. Travelers from nations like Thailand, India, China, Vietnam, South Korea, Japan, and many others will now be subject to mandatory biometric scanning every time they enter or exit the United States.

To help clarify, here is a detailed table listing the affected countries and the biometric scan rules they face:

Biometric Scan Countries (Asia)

This biometric scan rule applies to travelers from these countries without any exemptions, regardless of whether they are entering or exiting the United States. Green Card holders and visitors alike are now subject to these checks.

Green Card Holders Face Increased Scrutiny

While the biometric scan policy impacts all non-US citizens, Green Card holders, or permanent residents of the US, face an additional layer of scrutiny under the new rules. US immigration authorities are now tracking international travel more closely for Green Card holders, particularly those from countries flagged for security concerns.

Permanent residents of the United States will now undergo additional questioning upon entry. Border officers may inquire about their travel history, current residence, and supporting documents, which could lead to longer wait times at checkpoints. Furthermore, Green Card holders from certain countries may face more intensive reviews, including re-reviews of their immigration history, which could even span several years.

Potential Re-Reviews and Application Delays

In addition to the new biometric scans, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that it will pause processing Green Card, citizenship, and asylum applications for nationals of certain countries. This pause, which went into effect on December 2, 2025, is expected to lead to delays for applicants from 19 specific nations.

Some of these applicants may also be subjected to re-reviews or re-interviews by immigration authorities, further delaying their case processing. Green Card holders from countries like Afghanistan, Burma, Iran, Laos, and Turkmenistan are particularly vulnerable to these delays. If you have a pending Green Card, citizenship, or asylum application, it is advisable to prepare for longer wait times.

USCIS Green Card Pause (Asian Countries)

Travel Bans Expand from January 1, 2026

Starting January 1, 2026, additional travel restrictions will be implemented, affecting nationals from 12 countries. These full bans will block new visas and Green Card applications for travelers from the following nations:

• Afghanistan
• Burma (Myanmar)
• Iran
• Laos
• Syria

Additionally, partial restrictions will apply to nationals from Turkmenistan, affecting both visa processing and entry permissions. Although current Green Card holders from these countries will not lose their permanent residency status, they will still be required to undergo biometric checks each time they enter or leave the country.

Travel Ban Expansion (Asia)

The US government’s implementation of strict biometric scans for all non-US citizens, including Green Card holders, marks a new era in border control and immigration policy. Travelers from Asia, including countries like Thailand, India, Japan, China, Vietnam, and South Korea, are now facing major challenges as they navigate these stricter entry procedures. With expanded biometric checks, heightened scrutiny for Green Card holders, and the expansion of travel bans and delays, the impact on international travel and immigration could be significant.

As these new policies roll out, travelers should be prepared for additional processing time, longer waits at border checkpoints, and potential delays in visa and Green Card applications. The key takeaway for travelers is simple: expect a more thorough and time-consuming immigration process when traveling to or from the United States, especially if you are a Green Card holder or coming from a country under heightened scrutiny.

What Travelers Need to Do Now

Travelers from Asia, particularly those holding Green Cards or visas, should be prepared for significant changes when entering or exiting the United States. Here are key steps to ensure a smooth travel experience:

1. Prepare for Longer Wait Times: Expect additional processing time at airports, seaports, and land borders due to mandatory biometric scans. Be ready for facial photographs, fingerprinting, and possibly iris scans, which may cause delays at checkpoints.
2. Keep Documents Updated: Green Card holders should ensure that their passports, residency documents, and travel records are current and easily accessible. Border officers may ask for supporting documentation, so having these documents ready will speed up the process.
3. Expect Enhanced Scrutiny: Be prepared for longer questioning, especially if you are from a country flagged for security concerns. Border officers may ask more detailed questions regarding your travel history and reasons for entry.
4. Prepare for Application Delays: If you have a pending Green Card, citizenship, or asylum application, delays are likely. The USCIS has paused processing for nationals from certain countries, and re-reviews of immigration cases could extend waiting periods.
5. Plan for Travel Disruptions: Travelers from restricted countries should verify their visa and entry status well in advance. Make sure to check with the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or USCIS for the latest updates on your travel or application status.

The US government’s new immigration and border policies, including mandatory biometric scans for all non-US citizens, are set to transform the travel experience for millions, especially those from Asia. With the introduction of facial recognition, fingerprinting, and iris scans at all entry and exit points, travelers should anticipate longer processing times and enhanced scrutiny. Green Card holders and visa holders alike will face closer checks, particularly those from countries under heightened security review.

The impact is significant—delays in visa applications, extended border waits, and more detailed questioning are now part of the journey to and from the United States. However, by staying organized, keeping documents updated, and preparing for potential disruptions, travelers can better navigate these changes.

Thailand unites with India, Japan, China, Vietnam, South Korea, and more as Asia faces increased border scrutiny due to the US’s new biometric scan rules for Green Card holders. The new policy, effective December 26, 2025, mandates facial recognition, fingerprints, and iris scans at all US entry and exit points, impacting millions of travelers from Asia.

While the new policies are aimed at enhancing security and immigration control, they also create challenges for international travel, especially for those holding permanent resident status. As these rules take full effect, it’s crucial for travelers from Asia, and other affected regions, to be proactive in ensuring compliance and minimizing travel disruptions. The landscape of US immigration is evolving, and staying informed will be key to navigating the shifting policies smoothly.