Published on
November 2, 2025
From December 26, 2025, South Korea will be among several countries, including China, Japan, India, and the Philippines, to implement the US’s new visa policy and biometric entry-exit system. This system will require facial recognition and fingerprint scanning for all travellers, aiming to improve security, streamline immigration processes, and enhance traveller tracking. While the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) privileges remain, these changes will ensure tighter border controls and more accurate tracking of arrivals and departures, contributing to safer and more efficient travel between the US and these nations.
South Korea Faces Full US Biometric Entry and Exit Scans
From December 26, 2025, South Korean travellers will face mandatory biometric screenings, including facial recognition, when entering or leaving the US. Although Visa Waiver Program (VWP) privileges remain, queues may lengthen temporarily. South Korean authorities advise ensuring that your ESTA status is current and preparing for the extra verification step. The new system enhances identity verification and security, making crossings more transparent and secure. Expect slight delays at immigration, especially during the rollout phase. Travellers should check their ESTA status and ensure all documents are in order before traveling to the US.
AspectDetailsMain changeFacial recognition at entry/exitVisa impactNo change (VWP valid)Expected issueLonger queues at immigrationAdviceConfirm ESTA; arrive earlyChina’s US Travel Faces Facial and Fingerprint Scanning
Starting December 26, 2025, Chinese nationals will undergo biometric screening (facial recognition and fingerprint scanning) when entering or exiting the US. Visa Waiver Program privileges remain unchanged, but the new system will track every movement digitally. Chinese authorities encourage travellers to ensure their passport and ESTA data are correct to avoid delays. Expect minor delays at major airports such as Beijing Capital International Airport and Shanghai Pudong International Airport. This system is designed to enhance border security, reduce identity fraud, and ensure accurate tracking of departures and arrivals at US ports of entry.AspectDetailsMain changeFacial + fingerprint scansVisa impactNo change (VWP unchanged)Expected issueSlight delays during rolloutAdviceKeep ESTA and passport data current
Japan Joins the US High-Tech Travel Era
Starting December 26, 2025, Japanese travellers heading to the US will undergo facial and fingerprint scans as part of a new biometric entry-exit system. Visa Waiver (ESTA) privileges remain unchanged, but the US government will digitally track all entry and exit movements. Expect brief delays at airports like Narita during the initial rollout, especially at peak travel times. Authorities advise travellers to ensure their biometric passports are updated to avoid issues. This change aims to improve security and reduce fraud, providing both countries with better tracking and safer borders. Make sure your ESTA status is valid to avoid delays.
AspectDetailsMain changeFacial + fingerprint verificationVisa impactNone (ESTA unchanged)Expected issueMinor airport delaysAdviceCarry biometric passport; arrive earlyIndia Steps Into the Biometric Age at US Borders
Indian travellers will be part of the new biometric entry-exit regime starting December 26, 2025. Facial and fingerprint scans will be required at all US ports of entry and exit. ESTA travel privileges remain unchanged, but every movement will be tracked digitally. Minor delays are expected at major hubs like Indira Gandhi International Airport and JFK in New York. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs urges travellers to update their travel documents and biometric passports to ensure smooth entry. While delays are expected initially, the system aims to improve border security and tracking accuracy.AspectDetailsMain changeBiometric entry and exitVisa impactNone (ESTA valid)Expected issueMinor departure delaysAdviceVerify biometric passport; update travel info
Pakistan’s US Trips Go Digital with Facial Scans
Starting December 26, 2025, Pakistani nationals will undergo facial and fingerprint biometric screening for entry and exit into the US. Visa Waiver Program privileges remain in place, but additional biometric checks will be implemented. Pakistani authorities advise verifying passport validity and allowing extra time for processing at airports. This change aims to improve security and reduce overstays. While ESTA status remains valid, travellers should be aware of minor delays due to the initial implementation. The system’s goal is to streamline border control and enhance the security of both the US and Pakistani nationals traveling.
AspectDetailsMain changeFacial recognition and biometric trackingVisa impactNone (VWP continues)Expected issueSlight processing delaysAdviceKeep passport valid; comply with scansBangladesh Joins the US Biometric Travel Update
From December 26, 2025, Bangladeshi nationals will face mandatory biometric entry and exit checks under the US system. Visa Waiver Program privileges remain unchanged, but the new policy will involve facial recognition and fingerprint scanning. Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends verifying travel documents and ensuring ESTA status is current. Minor delays at major airports are expected during the implementation phase. This biometric system will improve US border management, prevent overstays, and enhance security. Travellers should update their travel information to ensure a smooth transition during the system’s rollout.AspectDetailsMain changeBiometric entry-exit systemVisa impactNone (VWP valid)Expected issueMinor delaysAdviceEnsure biometric passport is valid
Philippines Enters the US Biometric System
Starting December 26, 2025, Filipino travellers will be required to complete biometric screenings, including facial and fingerprint scans, when entering or exiting the US. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) privileges remain, but the additional biometric checks will help improve identity verification and security. Philippine authorities advise ensuring all documents, including ESTA status, are up-to-date before travel. Minor delays are expected at major entry points like Manila and Los Angeles airports. This change will enhance the security of both US and Philippine travellers, enabling safer and more efficient border control management during the new biometric rollout.AspectDetailsMain changeFacial + fingerprint scansVisa impactNo change (VWP unchanged)Expected issueSlight delays during rolloutAdviceVerify ESTA status; update passport info
Visa Impact Summary TableCountryVisa Category / ProgrammeImpact of New Biometric SystemCompliance RequirementPossible Future ImplicationsJapanVisa Waiver Program (ESTA)No change; mandatory facial and fingerprint verification at all U.S. portsMust complete biometric scans at entry/exitMissing or inconsistent records may affect future ESTA renewalsSouth KoreaVisa Waiver Program (ESTA)No change; facial recognition at entry/exitMust participate in biometric scansMismatches may trigger additional checks during ESTA reapplicationsIndiaVisa Waiver Program (ESTA)No change; biometric entry and exit verificationMust complete biometric scans at entry/exitMissing exit records could delay future ESTA approvalsPakistanVisa Waiver Program (ESTA)No change; facial recognition and biometric trackingMust use biometric passport and comply with scansMissing records could complicate future ESTA or visa applicationsChinaVisa Waiver Program (ESTA)No change; facial and fingerprint scansMust ensure passport and ESTA data matchIncomplete biometric logs may delay future ESTA renewalsBangladeshVisa Waiver Program (ESTA)No change; biometric entry-exit systemMust comply with biometric screening at all pointsIncomplete records may delay future ESTA reapplicationsPhilippinesVisa Waiver Program (ESTA)No change; mandatory biometric checks at entry and exitMust complete biometric scansMissing or inconsistent data could lead to re-screening during future ESTA approvals
Starting December 26, 2025, South Korea, China, Japan, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Philippines, and more will face US travel changes, including biometric checks and updated visa policies to enhance security and tracking. This aims to strengthen border security and improve tracking of foreign nationals using biometric data.
Conclusion
South Korea joins China, Japan, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Philippines, and more to face new travel changes as the US imposes a new visa policy and biometric entry-exit system for enhanced security. These changes, set to take effect from December 26, 2025, reflect the US’s ongoing commitment to strengthening border security and improving the accuracy of traveller tracking. The introduction of biometric entry-exit systems, including facial recognition and fingerprint scanning, will enhance identity verification processes, making travel more secure and efficient. With these updates, travellers from these countries will experience a more streamlined and safer border control system.
