CBP Launches Pilot for Facial Photos from U.S. Exit Travelers
Published Date: 3/19/2025
Notice
Summary
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is testing a new pilot program called Voluntary Self-Reported Exit (VSRE) to collect facial photos from certain travelers leaving the U.S. This helps speed up the exit process and improve security using cool tech. The pilot affects travelers with Form I-94 and will run for a set time to see how well it works—no extra fees involved!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Testing biometrics to automate I-94
CBP will use the facial images collected in the VSRE Pilot to test a comprehensive biometric entry-exit system and to further automate the I-94 arrival/departure process. CBP will analyze pilot results and consider privacy issues as part of determining the technology's effectiveness.
Voluntary facial-photo collection
If you are an alien subject to a Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) and are exiting the United States, CBP may ask you to voluntarily provide a facial photo as part of the Voluntary Self-Reported Exit (VSRE) Pilot. The pilot will collect facial images from eligible travelers exiting from any location.
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