What Travelers Need to Know About U.S. Border Entry in 2026
Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP
What You’ll Learn
- How CBP’s authority has expanded in 2026
- Which countries are now subject to full or partial entry bans
- What new biometric requirements apply to noncitizens
- How device search rules have changed
- What proposed ESTA changes could mean for visa-free travelers
- What to do if you are detained at a U.S. port of entry
Screening travelers at U.S. ports of entry has changed significantly since early 2025. Immigration enforcement has intensified, new travel bans have taken effect, and biometric data collection efforts have expanded. Travelers who entered the U.S. without issue a year ago may face a different landscape today.
This update reflects what is in effect as of April 2026.
Expanded Travel Bans
On January 1, 2026, a Presidential Proclamation expanded entry restrictions to cover nationals from 39 countries. Nineteen of those countries are subject to full entry bans, meaning both immigrant and nonimmigrant visas are suspended. The remaining countries face partial restrictions that vary by visa category.
Nationals from restricted countries who held a valid U.S. visa before January 1, 2026 are generally permitted to use their existing visast. Lawful permanent residents and dual nationals traveling on an unrestricted country’s passport are also unaffected by these bans.
If you have family members from any of the affected countries, or if you hold citizenship in more than one country, consult an immigration attorney before making travel plans.
Mandatory Biometrics for All Noncitizens
A Final Rule that took effect on December 26, 2025 requires CBP to collect facial biometric data from virtually all noncitizens at U.S. ports of entry and departure. This applies at airports, land borders, and seaports.
Previously, biometric collection at exit was limited to pilot programs at select ports. That is no longer the case. If you are not a U.S. citizen, expect facial scanning as a standard part of entry and departure.
Electronic Device Searches
CBP officers have always had authority to search electronic devices at the border. That authority has expanded. A 2026 CBP directive states that border searches may include information accessible through a device, not just information stored on it. This means data in cloud accounts, messaging apps, and connected services could be subject to inspection.
U.S. citizens cannot be denied entry for refusing to unlock a device. However, they may face delays and additional questioning. Non-citizens, including visa holders and travelers from visa waiver countries, risk denial of entry for refusing to comply.
Canada has updated its travel advisory to specifically warn travelers about this. Managing what is accessible through your device before crossing the border is now practical advice, not an overreaction.
Proposed ESTA Changes
CBP has proposed significant changes to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization program used by travelers from visa waiver countries. The proposed changes would require applicants to submit five years of social media history, phone numbers and email addresses used over the past five to ten years, a live selfie photo, and additional biometric data.
These rules are not yet in effect. The public comment period closed in February 2026, and CBP received over 10,000 responses. The agency is reviewing those comments, and implementation is not expected before mid-2026 at the earliest.
The current ESTA system remains in place for now. Travelers from the 41 visa waiver countries can continue to apply using existing procedures. That said, the landscape could shift with limited advance notice. Travelers planning trips to the U.S. later in 2026 should monitor CBP announcements closely.
What to Do If You Are Detained
If detained at a port of entry, comply with officers’ directions and seek legal counsel as quickly as possible. You have the right to remain silent but exercising that right may affect your admission. Constitutional protections do not fully apply at ports of entry. You do not have an automatic right to an attorney during initial proceedings.
Consult an Immigration Attorney Before You Travel
The rules governing U.S. border entry are changing faster than at any point in recent memory. What applied to your last trip may not apply to your next one and entry should not be taken for granted.
If you have questions about your admissibility, travel history, visa status, or how current restrictions affect your plans, contact Sayer, Regan & Thayer before you travel. It is easier to address these issues in advance than at a port of entry.