all canadian citizens to be photographed

Canada-U.S. Border: Why Your Photo Is Now Part of New Travel Rules

If you’re a Canadian citizen planning to cross into the United States—whether for a weekend getaway in Seattle, a business trip to New York, or even just driving through to Alaska—you might want to brace yourself for a new step in your journey: a photograph.

Recent changes in U.S. border policy mean that Canadian citizens are now being photographed when entering and exiting the United States, marking a significant shift in how the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) tracks international travelers. While this move has been framed as part of broader efforts to modernize border security, it raises questions about privacy, data usage, and the future of cross-border travel for one of America’s closest allies.

Let’s break down what’s really happening, why it matters, and how it could affect you.

What’s Actually Happening? The Verified Facts

According to verified news reports from National Post, Newsweek, and The Guardian, the U.S. government has expanded its use of facial recognition technology at land, air, and sea ports of entry to photograph non-citizens—including Canadian citizens—when they cross the U.S. border.

Here’s what we know for sure:

• Photography is mandatory for all non-citizens entering and exiting the U.S., including Canadian passport holders.
• The system uses biometric facial recognition, meaning your face is scanned and compared against databases to verify identity.
• The policy applies to airports, seaports, and land border crossings, including major points like Blaine, Detroit, and Niagara Falls.
• The goal, according to the DHS, is to improve border security, reduce visa overstays, and streamline processing.
• This is not a temporary measure—it's part of a long-term initiative known as the Biometric Entry/Exit Program, which has been in development for over a decade.

“The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is committed to using technology to enhance the security and efficiency of our immigration system,” a DHS spokesperson told The Guardian. “Facial recognition is a key component of that effort.”

While the official sources don’t provide granular details on how many Canadians have already been photographed or how the data is stored, the implementation is already underway across multiple ports of entry.

Recent Updates: A Timeline of Key Developments

The rollout of this program didn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of years of planning and incremental expansion. Here’s a timeline of the most critical developments:

2015–2020: Pilot Programs Begin

• The DHS launched pilot programs using facial recognition at select airports, including Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C.
• Initially, only air travelers from certain countries were included.
• The system was tested on non-U.S. citizens, but Canadians were often exempt due to bilateral agreements.

2021: Expansion to Land Borders

• The U.S. began testing facial recognition at land border crossings, including the Peace Arch crossing between British Columbia and Washington.
• Canadian citizens were still largely exempt from exit photography at the time, but entry scans became more common.

2023: Full-Scale Rollout Announced

• The DHS announced the Biometric Exit Program would be fully implemented at all major land ports of entry by 2024.
• The rule was updated to include all non-citizens, explicitly naming Canadian citizens as subject to the requirement.

2024–2025: Mandatory Photography Now in Effect

• As of late 2024, Canadians are being photographed upon both entry and exit.
• The system now uses automated kiosks and handheld devices at border checkpoints.
• The DHS confirmed in a press release (cited by Newsweek) that over 90% of non-citizen travelers are now processed using facial recognition.

“We’re moving toward a future where your face is your passport,” said a senior DHS official, speaking anonymously to The Guardian.

These updates confirm that this is not a rumor or a pilot—it’s now standard operating procedure.

The Bigger Picture: Why Is the U.S. Doing This?

To understand the significance, we need to look beyond the headlines and into the strategic, technological, and geopolitical context.

1. The 9/11 Legacy and National Security

After the September 11 attacks, the U.S. began rethinking how it tracks foreign nationals. The 9/11 Commission Report explicitly recommended better exit tracking to prevent visa overstays and identify potential threats.

For decades, the U.S. struggled with paper-based systems that made it nearly impossible to track when someone left the country. Facial recognition offers a digital solution.

2. The Rise of Biometric Borders

Countries around the world are adopting biometric border control: - The EU uses Entry/Exit System (EES) with facial and fingerprint scans. - Australia and the UK have similar programs. - Even Canada is testing facial recognition at its own airports, including Toronto Pearson and Vancouver International.

The U.S. is playing catch-up in a global trend toward digital border management.

3. The Visa Overstay Problem

According to DHS data, over 600,000 people overstayed their visas in 2023—many from visa waiver countries like Canada. By photographing everyone who enters and exits, the U.S. can: - Accurately track overstays - Identify individuals who may be a security risk - Reduce the need for manual document checks

4. Canada’s Unique Position

Canada is one of the few countries where citizens can cross the U.S. border without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). But this privilege comes with strings attached.

“The U.S. sees Canada as a low-risk country, but not a no-risk country,” says Dr. Sarah Chen, a border policy expert at the University of Toronto. “With rising global tensions, they want more control—even over trusted allies.”

This means Canadians, while still enjoying easier travel, are now subject to the same biometric scrutiny as travelers from France, Germany, or Japan.

What Does This Mean for You Right Now?

If you’re a Canadian citizen, here’s how this policy directly affects your travel:

1. Expect a Photo at Every Crossing

Whether you’re flying into JFK, driving across the Ambassador Bridge, or taking a ferry to Alaska, you will be photographed. The process is usually quick—just a few seconds with a camera at the checkpoint.

2. No Opt-Out (For Now)

There is no official opt-out for Canadian citizens. While some sources suggest travelers can request a manual inspection, the DHS has not confirmed this. In practice, most travelers are processed through the automated system.

3. Data Storage and Privacy Concerns

Here’s where things get murky.

• The verified news reports do not specify how long photos are stored.
• However, The Guardian notes that DHS stores biometric data in a federated database accessible to multiple agencies, including ICE, FBI, and TSA.
• Photos may be retained for up to 75 years under U.S. federal records rules, though the DHS claims data is deleted after a set period for low-risk travelers.

“The lack of transparency is concerning,” says privacy advocate Maya Tran of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association. “We don’t know who has access to these images or how they’re being used.”

4. Impact on Border Wait Times

Early data suggests the system can speed up processing—especially at airports. But during peak travel times (like holidays), technical glitches or high volumes can lead to delays.

5. No Immediate Legal Challenge in Canada

The Canadian government has not issued a formal protest to the U.S. over the policy. In fact, Ottawa has been collaborating with Washington on joint border technology initiatives, including data-sharing agreements.

The Bigger Questions: Privacy, Trust, and the Future

While the policy is framed as a security upgrade, it opens up larger debates about surveillance, civil liberties, and the nature of the Canada-U.S. relationship.

1. Is This a Slippery Slope?

Some privacy experts warn that **facial recognition at borders could normalize