DHS to Snap Pics and Prints of Every Visitor Entering US
Published Date: 10/27/2025
Rule
Summary
Starting December 26, 2025, anyone who isn’t a U.S. citizen will have to get their photo and other biometric info taken when they enter or leave the United States—no matter if they’re at an airport, land border, or seaport. This new rule replaces old pilot programs and expands where biometrics are collected. It affects travelers and could change how quickly you move through customs, so the government is also asking for feedback on the process and costs by November 26, 2025.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 1 mixed.
Noncompliance Can Trigger Inadmissibility
If a non‑citizen traveler fails to comply with a CBP requirement to be photographed, that noncompliance may result in a determination of inadmissibility or a violation of the person's immigration status.
Mandatory Photo Biometric Checks for Aliens
Starting December 26, 2025, anyone who is not a U.S. citizen (an "alien") may be required to have a photograph taken when entering or leaving the United States at airports, land borders, seaports, or any other authorized point of entry or departure.
Facial Photos Required Regardless of Age
The rule removes prior age exemptions for facial image collection: CBP may collect photographs from all aliens regardless of age (the prior exemptions for individuals under 14 and over 79 no longer apply for facial images). Other biometrics (like fingerprints) may still be subject to age-based exemptions.
Estimated Implementation Costs and Savings
CBP estimates total costs of implementing this rule (to CBP, outbound air travelers, inbound pedestrian travelers, and approved partners) between $993 million and $1.3 billion (discounted 2024 USD) over 2017–2029, with annualized costs of $119–$122 million; estimated cost savings to inbound air and sea travelers and CBP total $406–$578 million (discounted 2024 USD); estimated total net costs range from $587 million to $722 million (discounted 2024 USD), with annualized net costs of $68–$70 million.
U.S. Citizens May Opt In; Quick Photo Retention
U.S. citizens (and U.S. non‑citizen nationals) may voluntarily participate in the biometric verification process; CBP will not retain photographs of U.S. citizens collected for verification in CBP databases once citizenship is verified, and such encounter photos will be discarded within 12 hours of verification.
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.
2026-20660, Optional Practical Training Fees
Starting soon, international students using Optional Practical Training (OPT) will face new fees: $70,000 for their first OPT and $30,000 for any extra OPT periods. This change aims to stop fraud and protect U.S. workers. If you want to share your thoughts, make sure to comment by November 9, 2026!
2026-20087, Clarification of Certain Mariner Training Requirements
The Coast Guard wants to simplify training rules for certain mariners, like Masters and Officers in charge of smaller vessels and engineers with big engines. They’re removing six outdated or duplicate requirements to make things clearer and easier while matching international standards. If you’re affected, get ready to share your thoughts by December 30, 2026—no extra costs, just smoother sailing ahead!
2026-20016, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment-Based Immigrant Visa, Fifth Preference (EB-5) Fee Rule
Starting November 30, 2026, USCIS is updating the fees for the EB-5 immigrant visa program, which helps investors and their families get green cards. These changes reflect new rules from the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 and include adjusted costs to keep the program fair and efficient. If you're applying or renewing your EB-5 visa after this date, be ready to pay the new fees!
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.
2026-17324, Fee for Certain H-1B Petitions
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposes to establish a $103,265 fee, payable at the time of filing, for all H-1B cap-subject petitions, including those eligible for the advanced degree exemption, which would be imposed in addition to all other applicable fees or payments. This fee would serve as a dedicated revenue mechanism to help recover a portion of the federal government's costs of administering the lawful immigration system, including activities carried out by DHS, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), the U.S. Department of State (DOS), and the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL).
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-19626, HOME Investment Partnerships Program: Further Program Updates and Streamlining
HUD is pushing back some new rules for the HOME Investment Partnerships Program until April 30, 2026. This delay gives communities and housing groups more time to get ready for changes that affect how they use federal money to build and fix affordable homes. If you work with HOME funds, mark your calendar and plan for the new timeline!
Next: 2025-19658, Review of Submarine Cable Landing License Rules and Procedures To Assess Evolving National Security, Law Enforcement, Foreign Policy, and Trade Policy Risks
The FCC is updating the rules for companies that own and operate submarine internet cables to better protect U.S. communications from foreign threats. These companies must now file yearly reports, prove they have strong security plans, and avoid using risky equipment. The new rules kick in on November 26, 2025, and aim to keep our underwater internet safe without adding extra paperwork.