Effective December 26, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will implement a major update to its Biometric Entry/Exit Program, expanding the use of facial biometric technology for non-U.S. citizens entering and departing the United States. The final rule authorizes U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to collect facial biometrics across all modes of international travel, including commercial flights, private aircraft, land crossings, seaports, and pedestrian exits.
This regulatory update represents a significant milestone in strengthening U.S. border security while modernizing identity verification processes for international travel.
What This Means for International and Private Aviation
Under the new rule, all non-U.S. citizens will be subject to facial biometric collection upon entry and exit, with previous exemptions—such as diplomats and most Canadian visitors—now removed. Importantly for the aviation community, the rule expands biometric requirements to private aircraft operations, maritime departures, and vehicle-based border crossings.
For operators, charter clients, and aviation service providers, this change reinforces the importance of advance planning, documentation readiness, and compliance with CBP procedures at all authorized ports of entry and departure.
Streamlining Security Through Advanced Technology
CBP’s Biometric Entry/Exit Program is powered by the Traveler Verification Service (TVS)—a secure, cloud-based facial recognition system designed to automate identity verification. This technology allows CBP officers to:
- Verify traveler identities more efficiently
- Detect visa overstays and prevent fraud
- Identify individuals with criminal or terrorism-related concerns
- Strengthen border security without increasing processing delays
According to CBP leadership, the expanded use of biometrics is intended to enhance both national security and operational efficiency across air, land, and sea travel.
U.S. Citizens and Privacy Protections
U.S. citizens are not required to participate in the biometric process, though voluntary participation remains available at select entry and exit points. Travelers who prefer not to participate may opt out and complete a manual passport inspection instead.
DHS and CBP emphasize their commitment to traveler privacy. Multiple Privacy Impact Assessments govern how biometric data is collected, stored, and protected. Notably:
- U.S. citizen photos are deleted within 12 hours
- Non-U.S. citizen photos may be retained for up to 75 years, consistent with federal record-keeping requirements
What Travelers and Operators Should Expect
As biometric technology continues to expand across global travel networks, international passengers—particularly those flying via private or chartered aircraft—should expect biometric identity verification to become a standard part of departure and arrival procedures in the United States.
At American Flight Support, we remain committed to keeping our clients informed of regulatory changes that impact international flight operations. Our teams work closely with CBP and airport authorities to help ensure smooth, compliant, and efficient travel experiences for our global clientele.
For official information on the DHS Biometric Entry/Exit Program, visit the DHS website.