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
2026-14439, Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure for Nonimmigrant Academic Students, Exchange Visitors, and Representatives of Foreign Information Media
Starting September 15, 2026, students, exchange visitors, and foreign media reps will get a fixed time to stay in the U.S. instead of an open-ended status. This change helps the government keep better track of who’s following the rules and makes extending stays clearer. It affects F, J, and I visa holders and could mean more careful planning and paperwork, but no new fees are mentioned.
2026-13392, EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022; Ensuring the Integrity of the EB-5 Program; Automatic Revocation of Petitions for Immigrant Classification
The EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 shakes up the investor visa program by making sure only serious investors who create real jobs get green cards. It affects foreign investors and regional centers, adds new rules to stop fraud, and sets a deadline for public comments by August 31, 2026. This means more trust and transparency in the program, with changes rolling out soon and investments under closer watch.
2026-13137, Marine Casualty Reporting on the Outer Continental Shelf
Starting July 30, 2026, companies working on the Outer Continental Shelf must report marine accidents based on who’s involved, not just where they happen. The rule raises the damage cost that triggers a report from $25,000 to $75,000, saving businesses money and making rules clearer and fairer. This change cuts industry costs by over $10,000 in 10 years and aligns U.S. rules with international standards for offshore activities.
2026-11285, Clarification of Discretionary Employment Authorization for Certain Aliens
The Department of Homeland Security wants to clear up who can get special work permission if they’re temporarily allowed in the U.S. for urgent reasons, have deferred action, or are released under supervision. They’re also tightening rules for people with certain criminal records, unless helping law enforcement is involved. You’ve got until August 4, 2026, to share your thoughts—no fees or costs change yet, just a heads-up on new rules.
2026-09007, Fee Adjustment for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Form I-246, Application for a Stay of Deportation or Removal
If you’re applying to pause your deportation or removal with Form I-246, get ready for a fee jump from $155 to $755! This change helps cover the real costs since the fee hasn’t changed since 1989. You’ve got until July 6, 2026, to share your thoughts before the new fee kicks in.
2026-08699, Shipping Safety Fairways Along the Atlantic Coast
The Coast Guard is making the Atlantic Coast safer for ships by setting up special shipping lanes from New York to Florida. They’re reopening the comment period until June 22, 2026, so everyone can share their thoughts before the rules are finalized. This affects ship operators and coastal communities, aiming to keep sea travel smooth and safe without extra costs right now.
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.