Turkey Joins Qatar, Oman, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, UAE and More to Face New Travel Changes as US Imposes New Visa Policy and Biometric Entry-Exit System: Everything You Need to Know

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Jishnoo Banerjee

A published author with over 9 years of experience in writing, poetry, and novel creation. Starting out on social media, Jishnoo gained recognition for engaging content in both English and Bengali. With a strong background as a news content writer, Jishnoo now contributes to a prestigious global travel magazine. Known for blending creative writing with journalism, the work seamlessly combines artistic expression with insightful reporting across different platforms.

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November 3, 2025 15:07 GMT+5:30

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Turkey joins Qatar, Oman, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and more to face new travel changes as US imposes a new visa policy and biometric entry–exit system to enhance security starting December 26, 2025. This new system requires travellers from these countries to undergo mandatory biometric screenings, including facial recognition and fingerprint scans, at US entry and exit points. While the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) remains in place, these changes aim to streamline immigration and improve border security. Affected travellers should ensure their ESTA status is valid and that all travel documents are up-to-date to avoid delays during the rollout phase.

Saudi Arabia Faces Full US Biometric Entry and Exit Scans

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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.

UAE Faces Full US Biometric Entry and Exit Scans

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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.

Qatar Faces Full US Biometric Entry and Exit Scans

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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.

Oman Faces Full US Biometric Entry and Exit Scans

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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.

Egypt Faces Full US Biometric Entry and Exit Scans

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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.

Turkey Faces Full US Biometric Entry and Exit Scans

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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

Turkey joins Qatar, Oman, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and more to face new travel changes as US imposes a new visa policy and biometric entry-exit system starting December 26, 2025, to enhance security.

Conclusion

Starting December 26, 2025, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Oman, Egypt, Turkey, and other nations will be required to comply with the new US biometric entry-exit system. This system, which includes facial recognition and fingerprint scanning, will enhance border security and improve the tracking of international travellers. While the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) privileges remain unchanged, these biometric checks will allow for better verification and safer border management. Travellers are encouraged to ensure their ESTA status is valid and travel documents are up-to-date to avoid any delays at US entry points.