Home » Latest Travel News » France Joins Spain, Germany, Austria, Poland, Switzerland and More to Face New Travel Changes as US Imposes New Visa Policy and Biometric Entry-Exit System: Everything You Need to Know
Published on
November 1, 2025
France joins Spain, Germany, Austria, Poland, Switzerland and more as US enforces a new visa policy and biometric entry–exit system to boost border security, tracking, and traveller verification.
Starting December 26, 2025, the United States will roll out its most comprehensive travel update in decades, introducing facial recognition and fingerprint scans for all foreign nationals entering or leaving the country. Implemented by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), this initiative aims to modernize border management, prevent visa overstays, and reduce identity and document fraud. While visa privileges for most European nations—particularly those under the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA)—remain unchanged, travellers should expect tighter screening, longer processing times, and a more digitally integrated travel experience designed to ensure safety and accountability across all U.S. ports of entry.
Bonjour Biometrics: France Joins the US High-Tech Travel Era
Starting December 26, 2025, French travellers heading to the U.S. will undergo mandatory facial and fingerprint scans under a new biometric entry-exit system. While Visa Waiver (ESTA) privileges remain unchanged, every movement will now be digitally tracked to strengthen security and reduce fraud. Expect brief delays at airports like Charles de Gaulle during rollout. Officials urge travellers to arrive early and ensure biometric passports are up to date for smooth entry and departure.
Adiós Paper Checks: Spain Faces Full US Facial Scans
From December 26, 2025, all Spanish travellers entering or leaving the U.S. will face mandatory biometric screening. U.S. border authorities will capture facial data at airports and ports to strengthen traveller verification. The Visa Waiver Program remains intact, but queues may lengthen temporarily. The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises checking ESTA status and preparing for the extra verification step. The system aims to make crossings more secure and transparent.
Tech Meets Travel: Germany Enters the US Biometric Zone
German travellers heading to the United States will soon experience high-speed facial and fingerprint scanning from December 26, 2025. The upgrade strengthens border security without altering Visa Waiver privileges. Frequent business and leisure visitors should expect minor delays at major airports like Frankfurt and New York. Germany’s Federal Police urge travellers to verify passport and ESTA data to prevent mismatches under the new biometric system.
Austrians Step Into the Biometric Age at US Borders
Beginning December 26, 2025, Austrian citizens visiting the U.S. will join the new biometric entry-exit regime, featuring facial and fingerprint checks at all points of entry. Visa-free travel remains under ESTA, but every traveller’s departure will now be officially logged. Minor processing slowdowns are expected early on. The Austrian Foreign Ministry recommends validating biometric passports and keeping travel data updated to ensure easy passage.
Poland’s US Trips Go Digital with Facial Scans
Polish nationals traveling under the Visa Waiver Program will face facial recognition and biometric tracking starting December 26, 2025. The U.S. system aims to prevent overstays and improve exit accuracy while maintaining visa-free access. Polish authorities advise ensuring passport validity and allowing more time for verification at airports. Compliance will be crucial for future ESTA renewals.
Swiss Precision Meets U.S. Biometrics
From December 26, 2025, Swiss travellers will join the global biometric rollout, completing facial and fingerprint scans at U.S. airports and seaports. Though Visa Waiver rules stay the same, the system boosts identity accuracy and exit tracking. Swiss authorities are coordinating with DHS to maintain strict data privacy standards. Travellers should arrive early and ensure their biometric passports are current for smooth transit.
Visa Impact Summary Table
France joins Spain, Germany, Austria, Poland, Switzerland and more as the US enforces a new visa policy and biometric entry–exit system to enhance border security, tracking, and traveller verification worldwide.
Conclusion
These sweeping measures, effective December 26, 2025, mark a major shift toward technology-driven border management, introducing facial recognition and fingerprint scanning for all foreign nationals entering or leaving the United States. While visa privileges remain unchanged for European travellers, the system enhances transparency, reduces identity fraud, and ensures accurate departure records — reflecting America’s commitment to safer, smarter, and more secure international travel.
