Snowbird Alert New Incoming U.S. Biometric Border Rules What Canadian Travellers Need to Know for the 2025-26 Winter Season The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced a significant change that will affect how Canadians and other foreign nationals enter and leave the United States. On October 27, 2025, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) published a final rule authorizing the collection of biometric information – such as facial photographs – from all non-U.S. citizens. This regulation, listed as Federal Register – Rule 2025-19655 will take effect on December 26, 2025. It represents a major expansion of the United States’ ongoing effort to modernize border management and improve security tracking at all ports of entry. What’s Changing Under the new rule, all foreign nationals, including Canadian citizens, may be photographed upon entry to, or departure from the United States. CBP officers or automated systems may capture these images at airports, land crossings, seaports and other official border points. Previously, certain categories of travellers – such as Canadians entering by land – were exempt from biometric collection. These exemptions have now been removed. The rule creates a uniform biometric entry/exit process across all travel modes. Biometric data, typically a facial photograph (and, in limited cases, fingerprints) will be compared to passport or travel document photos to verify identity and confirm lawful entry or exit. According to DHS, these systems are designed to reduce document fraud and strengthen border security, while streamlining future crossings. What This Means for Snowbirds For the thousands of Canadians who spend part of each year in the U.S., the new rule does not alter travel eligibility, visa requirements, or permitted length of stay under existing agreements. However, it does change the information collected during border processing. Travellers may notice: • CBP officers taking photographs on entry and/or departure. • Automated facial comparison kiosks at airports and land crossings. • Longer processing times, especially during the early months of implementation. These procedures are already in partial use at major airports and are expected to expand to more locations over the coming year. Privacy and Data Protection The DHS has stated that biometric images will be stored in secure government databases and used solely for identity verification and border management. However, privacy advocates continue to monitor how this information is retained, shared and used. The Canadian Snowbird Association (CSA) is closely following these developments and engaging with both U.S. and Canadian authorities to ensure that members’ privacy and civil liberties are respected throughout the rollout. What You Can Do to Prepare To make your crossings smoother and stress-free: • Carry valid travel documents – a passport is essential, along with proof of Canadian residence and travel insurance. • Allow extra time for processing, particularly during the early implementation phase after December 26, 2025. • Review your travel plans to ensure that you remain within permitted stay limits (generally six months less a day in any 12-month period in the U.S.). • Follow CSA updates for the latest information on border procedures and policy changes. CSANews | WINTER 2025 | 9
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