New US Biometric Rule Filipino Travellers Must Know

If you are a Filipino planning a trip to or from the United States, there is an important update that could affect your travel plans. As of 26 December 2025, all non-US citizens, including Green Card holders, are required to undergo mandatory biometric checks at all US borders. This means that your photo will be captured every time you enter or leave the US, whether you are arriving by plane, crossing a land border, or passing through a seaport.

This measure is part of the US government’s ongoing effort to strengthen border security and improve the tracking of visa overstays. Biometric checks are now applied to almost all non-US nationals, expanding on earlier pilot programmes that were limited to select airports. The main purpose of this rule is to ensure that travellers’ identities are verified accurately and to maintain a secure travel environment.

Who is affected and what you need to do

Under this new rule, even Green Card holders, who were previously exempt, must now comply with the biometric requirements. Children under 14 and adults over 79, who were also exempt in previous regulations, are now included. This means that families travelling together will need to ensure that everyone, regardless of age, completes the required checks at the border.

Most Filipino travellers heading to the US will be affected. This includes those taking direct flights to major cities such as Los Angeles, New York, or San Francisco, as well as travellers connecting through other countries. US citizens are not required to undergo these checks, but non-US nationals like Filipino passport holders should be prepared for this extra step.

Your biometric data, which includes photographs and other identifying information, will be stored in a US government database. This data may be used for identity verification on future trips. Photos of US citizens, by contrast, are discarded shortly after processing.

Also read: You May Get Flagged for a US Visa in 2025 If You Are a Filipino Transgender Traveller

For Filipino travellers, it is crucial to have your travel documents ready and to allow extra time at the border. While it may add a small step to your travel process, it is designed to make border crossings safer and more efficient for everyone. Being prepared and aware of the new rules can help avoid delays and ensure a smoother journey.

This update is particularly relevant for frequent travellers and those planning trips in the coming months. Staying informed about the latest travel regulations can prevent surprises at the airport or border checkpoints and allow you to focus on enjoying your trip rather than worrying about compliance.