The United States is rolling out major changes to its immigration and border-security procedures, affecting all non-US travellers.
From December 26, 2025, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will collect facial biometrics from every non-US citizen at airports, seaports, and land borders.
This includes previously exempt groups such as children under 14, adults over 79, diplomats, and most Canadian visitors.
Biometric data like photographs, fingerprints, and iris scans will be verified through the Traveller Verification Service.
US citizens can still choose manual passport checks instead of biometrics.
Stricter Checks for Green-Card Holders and Applicants
Along with border changes, the US is introducing enhanced security reviews for green-card holders and applicants.
This particularly affects people from 19 countries flagged for security concerns.
Authorities will now track international travel more closely and may re-review applications dating back to 2021.
This could include re-interviews and detailed questioning about travel, documentation, and residence history.
Green-card holders should ensure all relevant paperwork is updated and readily available, as sudden verification requests are possible.
These measures follow a previous pause in processing green-card, citizenship, and asylum applications for nationals from the affected countries.
The goal is to tighten security and ensure permanent residency is granted only after thorough verification.
Travel Bans and Restrictions Coming in 2026
From January 1, 2026, the US will impose full or partial entry restrictions for 19 countries.
Full restrictions apply to 12 nations, including Afghanistan, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
Partial restrictions affect seven countries, such as Cuba, Sierra Leone, Laos, and Venezuela.
These changes mark one of the most extensive updates to US immigration enforcement in recent years, affecting international travellers, students, and green-card applicants worldwide.
Summary
The US is introducing mandatory biometric checks for all non-US travellers and stricter reviews of green-card holders and applicants.
Travel and residency histories will be scrutinized, and entry from 19 countries will face full or partial restrictions starting January 2026.
These measures significantly impact international travel and highlight the need for careful planning and documentation.
