Canadians to Be Photographed When Entering or Leaving US Under New Rules

A U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer canine unit searches vehicles at the Peace Bridge Port of Entry in Buffalo, N.Y., on May 23, 2023. The Canadian Press/Cole Burston

The United States will soon photograph all non-citizens entering and exiting the country under new regulations announced by U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem.

The rules are part of a set of biometric data requirements announced Oct. 27 by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with the stated aim of enhancing border security and verifying traveller identity, and will take effect Dec. 26. The photo records could be stored for up to 75 years, the department said.