Smile! CBP Wants Voluntary Face Scans for U.S. Exit Pilot
Published Date: 3/19/2025
Notice
Summary
Starting March 19, 2025, U.S. Customs and Border Protection is launching a two-year Voluntary Self-Reported Exit (VSRE) Pilot. This program asks certain travelers leaving the U.S. to voluntarily provide a facial photo to help test new technology that speeds up exit checks and improves security. If you’re someone with an I-94 form, this could affect your exit process, but don’t worry—it’s all about making travel smoother and safer!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Risk: Reporting Exit Could Create an Incorrect Overstay
The CBP Home app will warn you not to report an exit if your stay already exceeds your authorized admission period because reporting then could create an incorrectly recorded overstay. If the app malfunctions and does not record a VSRE exit, your departure will not be recorded and you will be in the same position as if you had not participated. Travelers whose stay exceeds the period of admission may still be subject to grounds of inadmissibility under INA section 212 (8 U.S.C. 1182).
Voluntary I-94 Exit App Starts March 19, 2025
Starting March 19, 2025, CBP will run a two-year Voluntary Self-Reported Exit (VSRE) Pilot that lets aliens who hold a Form I-94 voluntarily use the CBP Home mobile app to submit a selfie and biographic data to report their exit from the United States. If the app successfully matches your selfie to CBP records, CBP will add a notation that your exit was biometrically confirmed to your official border-crossing record.
CBP Will Collect and Retain Your Facial Data
If you participate, CBP will collect a selfie, liveness detection results, and geolocation (while the app is in use) and compare the selfie to photos CBP already stores. CBP will retain facial images, liveness results, and geolocation data for analytical purposes for one year (the notice states both 'one year from the date of collection' and that images 'will only be kept for one year after completion of the pilot').
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-20650, Low-Value Shipments
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection is proposing new rules to make importing low-value goods (under $2,500) easier and more electronic, especially for mail shipments. They want to add new data requirements for carriers and require bonds for some shipments to keep things safe and smooth. If you’re involved in shipping or receiving small packages, get ready to adapt by December 7, 2026, when comments on these changes close.
2026-17390, Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Electronic Export Manifest for Rail Cargo
Starting October 26, 2026, all rail cargo leaving the U.S. must have its export info sent electronically through the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE). This new rule helps Customs keep cargo safe and makes trade smoother for rail exporters. Rail companies and exporters should get ready because enforcement begins a year later, on October 26, 2027.
2026-12670, Indefinite Suspension of the De Minimis Exemption for Merchandise Arriving Through All Modes Other Than the International Postal Network
Starting June 24, 2026, small shipments worth $800 or less arriving by anything but the international postal network will no longer skip customs checks. This means everyone importing these goods must follow formal or informal entry rules, which could mean more paperwork and possible fees. If you’re a shopper, seller, or shipper using other delivery methods, get ready for this change and share your thoughts by July 24, 2026!
2026-12669, Indefinite Suspension of the De Minimis Exemption for Mail Shipments and New Postal Informal Entry Process
Starting July 24, 2026, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection is stopping the $800 tax-free rule for mail shipments coming into the U.S. Instead, a new process will handle these packages to better track and tax imports. This change affects anyone sending or receiving international mail and aims to protect U.S. revenue from unpaid duties.
2026-20228, Agency Information Collection Activities; Court-Ordered Refunds Under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act Worksheet
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is asking for public feedback on a form they use to handle court-ordered refunds under a special emergency law. This update keeps the paperwork clear and efficient for businesses and agencies involved. Comments are open until November 4, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in!
2026-20229, Agency Information Collection Activities; New Collection of Information; Client Representative Technical Assistance Portal (CR-TAP)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is launching a new online portal called CR-TAP to help client representatives get technical assistance faster and easier. They’re asking for public feedback by November 2, 2026, before finalizing the system. This change aims to improve communication without adding extra costs or paperwork burdens.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-04703, Sunshine Act Meetings
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is holding an open meeting on March 20, 2025, to discuss important energy and market topics that affect companies and customers alike. This meeting keeps everything transparent and lets the public see how decisions are made, with no extra costs involved. It’s a chance to stay in the loop on energy rules and updates that impact us all.
Next: 2025-04087, Special Education Parent Information Centers-Parent Training and Information Centers; Corrections and Reopening
The Department of Education fixed some rules and reopened the application process for Special Education Parent Information Centers grants. They removed some application steps, changed how they pick winners, and extended the deadline to March 26, 2025, with reviews due by May 25, 2025. This update helps parents and families get better support while making sure federal money is used wisely.