Mandatory Biometric Entry/Exit: What Travelers Should Expect
Starting December 26, 2025, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has expanded biometric entry and exit requirements for nearly all travelers entering or exiting the United States. This policy applies to air, sea, and land ports, including vehicle and pedestrian entry points. Travelers are now required to provide facial biometric data as part of the entry process, replacing previous manual inspection methods. Prior to this change, some groups, such as Canadian visitors and certain diplomats, were exempt from biometric screening. However, this exemption has been removed, and now all non-U.S. citizens must comply with the policy, regardless of nationality. U.S. citizens can opt out of the biometric screening and undergo a manual passport inspection, but Canadian and Mexican citizens, as well as citizens from other countries, will generally be required to participate in the facial recognition system. This change is part of the U.S. government’s broader effort to enhance border security and streamline the entry/exit process, reducing delays and improving safety. For travelers, it’s crucial to understand that failure to comply with these new requirements could lead to delays or denial of entry.
Facial biometrics required for all non-U.S. citizens at airports, sea, and land ports.
No exemptions for Canadians and diplomats; all non-citizens must comply.
U.S. citizens can opt out, but all other travelers must participate.
Failure to comply with the new rules may result in entry delays or denial.
Travel Restrictions for Dual Nationals
As of January 1, 2026, the U.S. expanded the list of countries subject to travel restrictions under a new Presidential Proclamation. While Canada and Mexico are not included on the restricted list, citizens of these countries who hold dual nationality with a restricted country could face significant travel challenges. Dual nationals from restricted countries, such as those from Cuba, Venezuela, Iran, and certain African nations, may be denied entry to the United States unless they are traveling on a U.S. passport or hold a U.S. Green Card. This policy affects individuals who hold citizenship in both a non-restricted country (Canada or Mexico) and a restricted country. As a result, these individuals could experience difficulties obtaining U.S. visas for purposes such as tourism, work, or study. For Canadian and Mexican residents with dual nationality, it’s essential to check the current list of restricted countries before planning travel to the U.S. This measure is aimed at tightening U.S. security protocols, ensuring that individuals from certain countries do not pose a risk to U.S. safety. For dual nationals, it’s recommended to verify their visa status and consult with U.S. authorities if needed to avoid complications at the border.
Dual nationals from restricted countries may be denied entry unless traveling on a U.S. passport.
Dual nationality checks are essential for Canadians and Mexicans with second citizenship.
Restricted country list is expanded; check your status before travel.
Visa difficulties may arise for dual nationals, especially for tourism, work, or study.
The FIFA 2026 World Cup: Border Surge and Enhanced Screening
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, is expected to attract millions of fans from around the world. As a result, there will be an increase in cross-border travel, which will likely lead to longer wait times and more stringent border security checks. The U.S. government has already indicated that it will implement enhanced screening procedures at land borders and airports, particularly in major cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Toronto, where large numbers of fans are expected to pass through. Border authorities will focus on ensuring that only authorized travelers are allowed entry, with tighter vetting procedures for fans from countries on the U.S. restricted list. Importantly, there will be no exceptions for fans from restricted countries, meaning they will not receive special visa waivers or relaxed entry requirements, even if they hold tickets to World Cup matches. As a result, travelers should prepare for longer processing times, especially at key border crossings such as Windsor-Detroit and San Ysidro. To avoid travel disruptions, World Cup attendees are encouraged to apply for visas well in advance, check entry requirements carefully, and allow extra time for border inspections.
Increased cross-border traffic expected due to the World Cup.
Enhanced screening measures at airports and land borders, particularly in major cities.
No exceptions for fans from restricted countries; no special visa waivers.
Longer wait times at key border crossings, including Windsor-Detroit and San Ysidro.
Trade-Related Border Adjustments Under the USMCA
The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is entering its first formal six-year review in 2026. As part of this review, the U.S. government is expected to introduce new measures that may affect cross-border travel, particularly for commercial and logistics operations. One of the most significant potential changes includes the introduction of new tariffs or stricter rules of origin for goods traded between the three countries. These changes could increase the time it takes to process commercial shipments, impacting travelers transporting goods across borders. While these changes are primarily aimed at businesses and large-scale shipments, individuals traveling by vehicle may also experience more rigorous secondary inspections at land ports, as authorities tighten enforcement of the updated trade rules. In addition, travelers involved in cross-border business may need to adjust to these new rules, which could involve additional paperwork or delays at the border. For tourists, while the impact may be less direct, those traveling with commercial goods or vehicles should be aware of the increased scrutiny. Travelers should stay informed about USMCA developments and be prepared for any changes that may affect their border crossing experience.
USMCA review in 2026 may introduce new tariffs and stricter rules of origin.
Increased inspection at land borders for commercial shipments and vehicles.
Secondary inspections could impact travelers bringing goods across the border.
Adjustments for cross-border business may involve additional paperwork or delays.
Visa Integrity Fee Refunds: How to Claim Your $250 Refund
Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), travelers who paid the $250 Visa Integrity Fee when applying for U.S. visas may be eligible for a refund if they meet certain conditions. However, obtaining this refund is not automatic. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has outlined a specific process that travelers must follow in order to claim their refund. To qualify for a refund, travelers must depart the U.S. no later than five days after their authorized stay ends, without extending their stay or adjusting their status, unless they have received a Green Card. Additionally, travelers must have adhered to all visa rules, such as refraining from unauthorized employment, and the visa must have expired before they can request the refund. The process for applying for a refund involves verifying departure records with the CBP system and submitting a claim through the DHS’s online portal. For Canadian and Mexican residents, it is particularly important to ensure that their departure is properly recorded, as any discrepancies in the system could delay the refund. Refunds are not processed automatically, so travelers must apply manually. This system is still being finalized and may take several years before it fully processes all requests.
Visa Integrity Fee refund is available for eligible travelers who meet specific conditions.
Refund process involves verifying departure records and applying through the DHS portal.
Manual application required, refunds are not processed automatically.
Important for Canadian and Mexican residents to ensure proper departure records are logged.
Key Requirements for Travelers
With new policies in place, it’s crucial for travelers to understand the entry requirements for the U.S., especially if they are coming from Canada or Mexico. Key travel requirements include biometric screening, valid documentation, and visa eligibility. Canadian citizens can use a valid passport or NEXUS card for travel but must comply with biometric screening. Mexican citizens need a valid passport and either a visa or a Border Crossing Card (BCC), also subject to biometric collection. Dual nationals should carefully check if their second nationality falls under the restricted list, as this may prevent them from entering the U.S. if they do not hold a U.S. passport or Green Card. For land travelers, U.S. and Canadian citizens can use Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDL) for easier access at land and sea borders. It’s important to verify your travel documents before heading to the border to avoid delays. Travelers should also be prepared for the potential impact of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) review, which may lead to stricter commercial inspection procedures, especially for those crossing with goods or vehicles. Understanding these requirements and preparing ahead will help ensure a smooth crossing.
As of 2026, new travel restrictions and policies between Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. are reshaping cross-border tourism. These changes primarily focus on enhanced security measures, including biometric data collection, and expanded travel bans for dual nationals. While Canada and Mexico are not on the restricted country list, dual nationals from these countries who hold citizenship in one of the 39 restricted nations (such as Cuba, Venezuela, Iran) may face challenges when entering the U.S. In addition, there are updates to visa processes, particularly for those seeking tourist, student, or work visas. Travelers must now be more aware of their dual nationality status and the new biometric entry requirements when planning their trips. These restrictions and policies are designed to increase border security and streamline travel but could lead to delays or denials of entry for certain travelers. Understanding these new regulations is crucial for anyone planning to travel to the U.S. from Canada or Mexico.
Key Travel Restrictions and Policies for 2026:
Traveler Type Requirements Implications
Canadian Citizens Valid Passport or NEXUS card; biometric data required. Must comply with biometric screening.
Mexican Citizens Valid Passport and Visa (or Border Crossing Card); biometric data required. Must provide facial biometrics and adhere to visa requirements.
Dual Nationals Check if secondary citizenship is on the restricted list. May face denied entry unless traveling on a U.S. passport or Green Card.
Third-Country Nationals (in Canada or Mexico) May not obtain B, F, M, or J visas if from restricted countries. Limited ability to obtain new U.S. visas if they are nationals of restricted countries.
Canada and Mexico are set to face new travel changes to the U.S. in 2026, with new travel restrictions and policies that could significantly impact cross-border tourism. These measures include biometric screening and expanded travel bans.
In conclusion, Canada and Mexico are set to face significant new travel changes to the U.S. in 2026, as new travel restrictions and policies are implemented. These changes, which include mandatory biometric screening and expanded travel bans for dual nationals, could significantly impact cross-border tourism between the countries. While these measures are designed to enhance security, they also introduce challenges for travelers from Canada and Mexico, potentially leading to delays or denied entry. As these new policies take effect, travelers must stay informed to navigate the evolving landscape of U.S.-Canada-Mexico travel.
https://www.travelandtourworld.com/
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