New US Biometric Border Policy Sparks Travel Delays for Middle Eastern Nations- CJ Global
Washington, USA – 27 December 2025
New US Biometric Border Policy Sparks Travel Delays for Middle Eastern Nations:
In one of the most comprehensive overhauls of American border security since 2001, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has officially activated a mandatory biometric entry-exit system.
As of yesterday, December 26, 2025, every non-U.S. citizen—including those from prominent Middle Eastern nations like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey—must undergo facial recognition and fingerprint scanning upon both arrival and departure.
This sweeping new rule is causing significant ripples across international transit hubs as travelers adjust to the “no-exemption” policy that now includes diplomats and even long-term green card holders.
Headline Points:
• Digital Fortress:
Mandatory facial biometrics and fingerprints are now required for all non-citizens at every air, land, and sea port.
• Middle East Impact:
Nationals from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the Gulf face increased scrutiny and potential visa processing delays.
• No More Exemptions:
The new rule removes previous bypass privileges for diplomats and Canadian visitors.
• Travel Ban Expansion:
President Trump’s latest proclamation expands entry restrictions to 39 countries, effective January 1, 2026.
• Privacy Concerns:
Data for non-citizens will be retained in the DHS Biometric Identity Management System for up to 75 years.
The End of the “Bypass” Era
The activation of this final rule marks a significant departure from previous years where certain categories of travelers enjoyed expedited processing.
Under the new 2025 mandate, the “biometric net” has been cast wide.
Whether arriving on a private jet or a commercial airliner, every foreign traveler must pause for a high-resolution facial scan. For the Middle East, a region with high volumes of business and diplomatic travel to the U.S., the change is particularly felt.
At major airports like London Heathrow and Dubai International, travelers heading to the U.S. are being advised to arrive earlier than usual.
While U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) claims that 98% of air passengers will clear the scans in under 15 seconds, the initial rollout during the peak holiday season has led to bottlenecks.
The “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which funded this expansion, has finally turned the theoretical “biometric exit” into a nationwide reality.
Middle Eastern Nations Under the Microscope
While the biometric rule applies to all non-citizens, specific attention is being paid to travelers from 19 “high-risk” nations, a list that includes several Middle Eastern and North African countries. For citizens of Egypt, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, the new protocols are accompanied by heightened vetting of digital footprints.
Travelers are now increasingly required to provide social media handles from the last five years and phone numbers used over the last decade as part of their ESTA or visa updates.
The timing of these measures is viewed by many in the region as a “soft” extension of the broader travel restrictions.
With the Presidential Proclamation 10949 already restricting entry for several nations like Libya, Yemen, and Syria, the added biometric layer for “friendly” nations like Qatar and the UAE is seen as a move to ensure that no “imposter” or “visa overstay” can slip through the cracks of the American system.
Retaining Data for Seven Decades
One of the most controversial aspects of the 2025 policy is the duration of data retention. While photos of U.S. citizens are discarded within 12 hours of identity verification, the biometrics of foreign nationals are enrolled in a system that retains the data for 75 years.
This has sparked intense debate among privacy advocates in Europe and the Middle East.
Critics argue that the “continuous and systematic” transfer of biometric data creates a global surveillance apparatus.
However, the Trump administration has remained firm, stating that these measures are essential to “detect terrorists and prevent illegal reentry.” For journalists following international law, the challenge lies in balancing these national security claims against the rights of travelers to privacy and fair treatment under global mobility standards.
Preparing for a Restrictive 2026
The current biometric rollout is only the first phase of a larger shift. On January 1, 2026, just days from now, a new proclamation will officially expand full entry bans to 19 countries and partial restrictions to many others, including those carrying Palestinian Authority travel documents.
The era of “easy travel” to the United States has been replaced by a “vetted travel” model. Travelers from the Middle East are encouraged to double-check their ESTA status and prepare for more in-depth interviews at the border.
As we track these developments, the focus remains on how these “digital walls” will affect the global economy and the movement of people between the East and the West.
