New policy will require all travellers to U.S. have photo taken on entry and exit

WASHINGTON — The Department of Homeland Security is amending policies to require all non-citizens, including Canadians, to be photographed when they enter or leave the United States.

The changing security regulations, posted in the federal register today, are set to come into force on Dec. 26, although it could take years to be fully implemented.

Read more:

• Upcoming budget to include funding for 1,000 new border officers
• RCMP arrest 16 people trying to cross Canada-U.S. border into Quebec
• RCMP cross-border raid nets rifles, cocaine and stolen vehicles

The posting says the change is necessary for national security and to ensure people are not overstaying their visas.

It says the photo records could be held for up to 75 years.

The department says U.S. Customs and Border Protection has been collecting biometric data from some travellers since 2004.

However, there is currently no comprehensive system in place to collect the same information from people leaving the country.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 27, 2025.

Kelly Geraldine Malone, The Canadian Press