Share on LinkedInShare on LinkedIn

ARTICLE · 02 JANUARY 2026

How Will DHS' New Rule On Biometrics Collection Affect Canadian Travelers?

On October 27, 2025, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a final rule requiring aliens to provide their biometric information when entering or exiting the United States.

CanadaImmigration

On October 27, 2025, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a final rule requiring aliens to provide their biometric information when entering or exiting the United States. The final rule came into effect on December 26, 2025.

Background

DHS, through US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), has been collecting biometric data (i.e., a digital photograph and a fingerprint scan) from most arriving aliens (not including Canadian citizens) since January 5, 2004. However, there has been no comprehensive system in place to collect biometrics from aliens who are departing from the United States.

Changes implemented by the final rule

The final rule amends the DHS regulations to now require the collection of facial biometrics from all noncitizens upon their entry and exit at airports, land ports, seaports and other authorized points of departure. Prior exemptions, including those for diplomats and Canadian citizens, have now been eliminated. The final

We operate a free-to-view policy, asking only that you register in order to read all of our content. Please login or register to view the rest of this article.

About Dentons

Dentons is the world's first polycentric global law firm. A top 20 firm on the Acritas 2015 Global Elite Brand Index, the Firm is committed to challenging the status quo in delivering consistent and uncompromising quality and value in new and inventive ways. Driven to provide clients a competitive edge, and connected to the communities where its clients want to do business, Dentons knows that understanding local cultures is crucial to successfully completing a deal, resolving a dispute or solving a business challenge. Now the world's largest law firm, Dentons' global team builds agile, tailored solutions to meet the local, national and global needs of private and public clients of any size in more than 125 locations serving 50-plus countries. www.dentons.com

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances. Specific Questions relating to this article should be addressed directly to the author.

See more popular content from