Mandatory Exit Photos and Biometric Data: How U.S. Reentry Will Change Starting December 2025

CBP TO REQUIRE BIOMETRIC DATA FROM GREEN CARD HOLDERS STARTING DEC. 2025

Starting December 26, 2025, Customs and Border Patrol agency will roll out a new policy mandating the collection of biometric data from green card holders and noncitizens upon their entry to and departure from the United States.

This new policy requires all noncitizens, including green card holders, to have their photograph taken and potentially provide additional biometrics (such as fingerprints, iris scans, or voice prints) when entering or exiting the U.S. via land, sea or airports.

The stated intent of this regulation is to strengthen border security, but it also raises significant privacy considerations as agencies will collect, store, and process biometric data from large numbers of individuals.

Four New Rules for Green Card Holders Re-Entering United States

Here are four important things every Green Card holder should know before re-entering the United States after traveling abroad temporarily.

Rule #1: Mandatory Exit Photography and Increased Travel Monitoring

Under the new rules, CBP will start taking photos of noncitizens when they leave the U.S. and use those images to confirm their identity when they return. This “mandatory exit photography” is part of a broader push to better track those leaving and returning. It means travel records will be more closely monitored, and people might notice slightly longer checks when entering or exiting the country.

This change will also help track whether green card holders are meeting the continuous residency requirement or spending too much time outside the United States.

Rule #2: Removal of Age Exemption for Biometrics

Under this new rule, all noncitizens, regardless of age, must provide fingerprints, photos, and other biometric data. Previously, young children under 14 and adults over age 79 were exempt, but now both children and the elderly will have to go through the same biometric process when traveling or re-entering the U.S.

This change will likely lead to longer wait times when entering and exiting the U.S., since everyone—including young children and older adults—will now need to go through the full biometric process.

Rule #3: Enhanced Identity Verification

This new policy requires green card holders to undergo more thorough identity checks when entering or leaving the U.S. CBP will cross-check travel documents, biometric data, and previous travel records to confirm each person’s identity. The goal is to prevent fraud and ensure that only authorized permanent residents are traveling, but it may also mean longer processing times at ports of entry.

Rule #4: Government Data Integration and Increased Border Scrutiny

Federal agencies will share and integrate more data to monitor the travel of noncitizens including green card holders. CBP will use this information to flag unusual travel patterns, verify residency and federal tax compliance, and conduct closer checks at borders. While this helps strengthen security and tracking, it could result in more obstacles for noncitizens who may be sent to secondary inspection for further investigation.

Conclusion

From mandatory exit photos to stricter biometric checks and closer scrutiny of travel patterns, these rules make re-entering the U.S. more thorough—and potentially slower—than ever before. Staying informed and prepared is the best way to avoid surprises at the border and ensure your travels go as smoothly as possible.

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