US Airports Now Require Full Biometric Scanning For Non-Citizens As New Policy Targets Enhanced Security Measures And Comprehensive Traveler Identification

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US airports have introduced a major change in security protocols, now requiring non-citizens to undergo mandatory biometric scans, including facial recognition. This new rule, which took effect on December 26, aims to strengthen national security by enhancing traveler identification and preventing fraud. With the increase in global travel, these measures are designed to streamline the entry-exit process while providing a more accurate and efficient way to track individuals crossing US borders. However, the policy has sparked privacy concerns, as biometric data will be stored for decades, raising questions about data protection and long-term implications.

A major shift in US airport procedures has just been introduced, and it could significantly affect foreign travelers entering or leaving the country. Starting December 26, new regulations went into effect, allowing US authorities to collect a wide range of biometric data from non-citizens. The policy, rolled out just ahead of one of the busiest travel periods of the year, marks a notable expansion in security measures.

Under the revised rule from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), non-citizens passing through US borders are now required to undergo facial recognition scans, with the data stored for up to 75 years. In addition to facial scans, officials may also request other biometric data such as fingerprints or DNA, depending on the circumstances.

This change is intended to “deter frivolous claims and provide operational consistency,” according to a statement from government officials. The new security protocols reflect a significant tightening of airport procedures, which previously had exceptions for certain groups.

One of the biggest changes is the removal of age exemptions. Previously, travelers under the age of 14 and over the age of 79 were not required to undergo facial recognition scans, but that exclusion has now been eliminated. In addition, diplomats and most Canadian visitors were once exempt from biometric scanning; however, they, too, are now subject to the same security protocols as other travelers.

Facial recognition technology has already been in use at 238 airports across the United States, according to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). However, this marks the first time such biometric measures will be legally mandated on such a broad scale. “This final rule marks a major milestone towards our efforts to successfully implement the Biometric Entry/Exit mandate and strengthen the security of the United States,” said Diane J. Sabatino, acting executive assistant commissioner of CBP’s field operations office.

With increased funding allocated to expand the use of facial recognition and other advanced identity verification technologies, the government aims to enhance security at air, land, and sea entry points. For US citizens, participation in the biometric program remains voluntary. If a US citizen prefers not to participate, they can opt out by informing a CBP officer or airline representative, after which they will undergo a manual passport check. For non-citizens, however, any photos taken at the airport will be stored in the biometric identity system for decades, while US citizens’ photos are deleted within 12 hours.

The implementation of these new rules comes at a time when air travel is peaking. According to TSA projections, December 27 and 28 are expected to be among the busiest travel days of the year, with nearly 2.9 million travelers expected to pass through US airports on December 28 alone. As a result, passengers are being advised to expect longer wait times at security checkpoints.

Travel experts, including Ivaylo Danailov, CEO of SkyRefund, predict that travelers will likely face extended waiting times, as the holiday season brings an influx of travelers carrying more luggage than usual. The tight schedules are further compounded by the TSA’s rigorous gift-checking policies, where even wrapped gifts may be unwrapped for inspection.

Despite the government’s assurances that the new measures will help detect visa fraud, prevent illegal reentries, and assist in identifying criminals, privacy concerns are mounting. Critics argue that the use of biometric identifiers is invasive and poses serious risks. In a letter addressed to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, 50 members of Congress—including prominent figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Jasmine Crockett—expressed their concerns about the policy. They highlighted the permanence of biometric data, warning that once compromised, such identifiers cannot be changed, making them vulnerable to misuse or breach.

Jeramie Scott, a lawyer with the Electronic Privacy Information Center, echoed these concerns in an interview with The New York Times. He cautioned that the ease of implementing facial recognition on such a large scale makes it a particularly dangerous technology. As the government expands its use, the risks associated with the collection and storage of biometric data are bound to increase.

The rollout of these changes follows years of advocacy for enhanced biometric screening, particularly during the Trump administration, which first called for an expedited biometric entry-exit system back in 2017. By 2020, the DHS proposed mandatory facial scans for all foreign nationals entering the US, and now, that proposal has become a reality.

Looking ahead, even more changes could be on the horizon. A separate federal proposal, released on December 10, suggests that the US may soon require incoming visitors to provide a five-year history of their social media accounts, email addresses, phone numbers, and even details about their family members. The new proposal also outlines the inclusion of more biometric data, such as facial scans, fingerprints, DNA, and iris scans. The public will have until February 9, 2026, to submit comments on this new proposal, which could significantly expand the scope of biometric data collection in the future.

As these new rules are rolled out, travelers and privacy advocates alike are watching closely to see how the US government balances the need for security with the protection of individual privacy.