From December 26, the US will require mandatory biometric checks for all non-US citizens, including Green Card holders, at every border entry and exit point. US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials will take photographs and may also collect fingerprints and iris scans. This new rule applies across airports, land crossings, and seaports. Children under 14 and adults over 79 are included. Previously, biometric exit checks were limited to pilot programs, but now they are mandatory nationwide. CBP confirmed that diplomats are not exempt and must also provide biometrics. Canadians, travelers on private aircraft, and those crossing on foot must comply as well. US citizens are exempt but can participate voluntarily in facial biometric checks. If US citizens opt out, they can notify CBP or airline staff and undergo manual passport inspection. CBP stated that photos of US citizens are deleted within 12 hours after identity verification. However, biometric data from noncitizens is stored in the Department of Homeland Security's Biometric Identity Management System for up to 75 years.