The US has tightened entry and exit rules for non-citizens: mandatory biometrics, stricter checks on green card holders and new restrictions from 2026. Find out what this means for travelers

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The United States has introduced new, stricter border crossing rules for non-U.S. citizens. The changes include mandatory biometric checks, increased scrutiny of green card holders, delays in processing immigration applications, and new restrictions for citizens of certain countries.

The new rules went into effect on December 26, 2025, and already affect travelers, temporary visitors, and permanent residents of the United States, we tell you.

Traveling to the United States or planning to immigrate? The new rules may affect entry, status, and future applications.

Consulting an immigration lawyer will help you understand the current requirements, assess the risks, and prepare for inspections.

Contact a specialist and protect your status today!

Mandatory biometric entry and exit

From now on, US Customs and Border Protection is required to collect biometric data every time a foreigner enters or leaves the United States.

The checks apply at all border crossings:

- international airports;

- land borders;

- seaports;

- private aircraft;

- automobile and pedestrian crossings.

In fact, this means that during each trip to or from the United States, your face will be recorded by the biometric control system.

Cancellation of exceptions: who is affected by the new rules

Previous exceptions are no longer valid. Now biometric checks are carried out on:

- children under 14 years old;

- persons over 79 years old;

- diplomats;

- most Canadian citizens.

In addition, biometric control has expanded beyond airports to include sea transportation, private flights, and land crossings.

What biometric data is collected?

At entry or exit, border services may collect:

- facial photographs;

- fingerprints;

- in some cases, iris scans.

This data is checked against passports, visas, and travel history through special control systems.

US citizens have the right to refuse automatic facial scanning and undergo a manual document check. This option is not provided for foreigners.

Increased control for green card holders

Permanent US residents retain the right to live and work in the country, but monitoring of their travel has become much stricter, in particular, federal authorities:

- more closely monitor international movements;

- may conduct longer interrogations at the border;

- will request confirmation of residence, employment, and travel history.

Particular attention is being paid to individuals with connections to countries that the US considers to pose increased security risks.

Re-examination of old immigration cases

According to US media, immigration authorities plan to re-examine previously approved cases, including applications filed several years ago.

The goal is to strengthen checks on individuals applying for permanent status or citizenship. Even in the absence of violations in the past, travelers should be prepared for additional checks.

Delays in processing applications are already underway

As of December 2, 2025, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services has suspended or slowed down the processing of applications for: green cards, citizenship, asylum, as well as for citizens of certain countries. This means delays for both new applicants and those whose cases are already in progress.

What is recommended for green card holders?

1. Update your passports and ID cards on time;

2. Always have your documents with you when traveling;

3. Be prepared for additional questions at the border.

New Bans and Restrictions Effective January 1, 2026

In addition, the United States is introducing new restrictions on entry and immigration processing beginning in 2026.

- A complete ban on entry applies to citizens of 12 countries:

Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen.

- Partial restrictions apply to seven more countries:

Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, Venezuela.

These measures affect visa issuance, entry permits, and the processing of immigration applications.

What do these changes mean for travelers?

If you are not a U.S. citizen:

- Prepare for regular biometric scanning;

- Allow more time for security checks;

- have all the necessary documents with you.

The new rules are already in effect and, according to forecasts, will remain for a long time. The main change is simple, but fundamental: control at the US borders has become systematic and much more detailed.

Increased control, biometrics and review of old cases - all this can directly affect green card holders and applicants.

A migration lawyer will help you prepare documents, check your travel history and minimize risks at the US border.

Sign up for a consultation to be ready for the new rules!

Reminder! The US has introduced a ban on green cards, suspending the processing of applications for permanent residence. We have already told you who falls under the restrictions and what this means for applicants.

Photo – Freepik

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