It's official: U.S. mandating photos of Canadians at all land borders and airports upon entry and exit

Under new rules from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), all travellers entering or leaving the United States will be photographed starting Friday. 

In certain cases, U.S. border officials will also be authorized to collect fingerprints.

The measures took effect on December 26, 2025, and apply to all non-U.S. citizens, including Canadians and diplomats. 

While DHS has collected biometric data from some travellers entering the U.S. since 2004, there was previously no system in place to record that information upon departure.

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Why did the DHS change its rules?

In October, the DHS stated that this update aims to strengthen national security and streamline identity verification procedures for foreign visitors. This decision follows a 2017 executive order issued by President Donald Trump during his first term in the White House, which called for the accelerated implementation of biometric border controls.

In a document published October 27, DHS said the changes are intended to address national security concerns, including terrorist threats, the fraudulent use of valid travel documents, and individuals who overstay or remain in the country without authorization. 

Some critics have raised concerns about potential misuse of the data, such as tracking journalists or political opponents, but DHS insists the photos will not be used for broad surveillance, stating that the biometric entry-exit system is not a surveillance program.

According to DHS, personal biometric data may be retained for up to 75 years. 

The rollout will be gradual, with full implementation expected over the next three to five years.

What does this new rule mean for Canadians?

All non-U.S. travellers, including Canadians, may now be photographed when entering or exiting the United States. Under the new rules, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) can collect biometric data at airports, land borders, seaports, and other points of entry or departure, ending previous exemptions and creating a standardized biometric entry-exit system across all modes of travel.

Read more: Everything Canadians Need to Know About Updated U.S. Travel Rules and Safety Advisories including registration & fingerprinting

The information collected may include a facial photograph—and in limited cases, fingerprints—used strictly to verify identity and confirm lawful entry or exit. 

While the changes do not affect Canadians’ eligibility to travel to the U.S. or the length of stay permitted, they do expand the scope of data gathered during border processing.

As a result, Canadian travellers may notice photos being taken by CBP officers upon arrival or departure, automated facial recognition checks at kiosks or inspection points, and potentially longer wait times at certain crossings as the system is rolled out.

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