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US Borders Get Digital Makeover: New ID Rules
10 Dec
Summary
- New biometric and digital reporting requirements are proposed for travelers.
- ESTA applications will be mobile-only and require mandatory selfies.
- Applicants must disclose social media accounts from the past five years.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is initiating a major overhaul of how it verifies foreign traveler identities and tracks their movements. The proposed changes include new biometric requirements and enhanced digital reporting for millions of visitors, affecting the I-94 arrival/departure record and the ESTA program for Visa Waiver Program countries.
Key updates involve a voluntary self-reported exit feature using the CBP mobile app, mandatory selfie uploads for all ESTA applicants, and a shift to a mobile-only application process for ESTA. The agency also plans to collect significantly more data, including social media accounts, phone numbers, and potentially biometrics like fingerprints and iris scans, as part of enhanced national security measures.
These proposed changes aim to reduce fraud and close gaps in tracking foreign visitors. Immigration experts note that entering the U.S. will involve increased scrutiny of travelers' digital presence and history. The proposal is open for public comment until February 9, 2026.
