By San José, Costa Rica — San José – Costa Ricans planning to travel to the United States will face a significant change in border procedures starting this month. In a move that overhauls its border management system, the U.S. government will begin collecting mandatory biometric data from all foreign nationals not only upon arrival but also at departure, effective December 26, 2025.
The new regulation, formalized by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), mandates the capture of facial photographs and digital fingerprints for every non-citizen exiting the country by air, land, or sea. This marks a fundamental expansion of a system that has historically focused almost exclusively on screening travelers as they enter U.S. territory. The change is designed to create a comprehensive entry-exit record for every foreign visitor.
To provide deeper insight into the legal framework and practical consequences of the latest US travel requirements for Costa Ricans, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading attorney from the prestigious law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Travelers must approach these new regulations with utmost diligence. Any inconsistency or omission in your application, however minor it may seem, can be interpreted as misrepresentation by US consular and immigration officials. This could lead not only to a visa denial but also to potential long-term inadmissibility, a serious legal barrier that is difficult and costly to overcome. Meticulous preparation and absolute honesty are non-negotiable.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This crucial advice underscores that the consequences of a simple mistake can extend far beyond a canceled trip, potentially impacting future travel for years. We extend our sincere gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his invaluable legal perspective with our readers.
Under this new framework, biometric information collected at departure will be cross-referenced with the data taken upon a traveler’s entry. The primary objective is to create a closed-loop system that allows U.S. authorities to verify with certainty that the person leaving the country is the same one who entered, and to accurately track visa durations and potential overstays.
The policy’s reach is extensive, applying universally to all non-U.S. citizens regardless of their reason for travel. This includes Costa Ricans traveling as tourists, individuals on temporary work or student visas, temporary residents, and even minors and senior citizens. No exceptions based on age or visa category have been outlined, making this a universal requirement for international visitors.
According to the DHS, this initiative is a crucial step in strengthening national security and improving the integrity of the immigration system. The department has stated that the enhanced screening is intended to mitigate risks associated with terrorism, combat the use of fraudulent travel documents, and resolve the long-standing issue of unrecorded departures, which complicates immigration enforcement and data analysis.
However, the sweeping policy has raised significant questions among legal experts and privacy advocates. They point to the creation of a massive biometric database and express concerns about how this sensitive information will be stored, used, and protected. Key questions remain regarding the length of data retention, the protocols for correcting errors in the system, and the potential for data breaches.
Legal firms specializing in immigration have urged travelers to be aware of their rights and the implications of this new level of surveillance. The Texas-based Lincoln-Goldfinch Law firm highlighted that this exit-based biometric collection establishes a new frontier in border monitoring that warrants close legal scrutiny to protect individual liberties.
The application of the rule should not be automatic or indiscriminate. In her view, the process must contemplate constitutional guarantees, clear notices, and the least possible interference with legal travel.
Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch, Immigration Attorney
For many Costa Ricans, this announcement lands amidst a climate of growing anxiety over U.S. travel. Recent concerns regarding unexplained U.S. visa revocations have already put many travelers on edge, and this new policy is seen by some as another layer in an increasingly stringent and complex immigration landscape. While the biometric rule does not introduce direct penalties, it sends an unequivocal message of intensified control.
As the December 26 implementation date approaches, Costa Ricans with travel plans to the United States must prepare for this new reality. The brief interaction at a kiosk or with a border agent upon departure will now be a mandatory part of the journey, ushering in a new era of digital monitoring for international travel to the U.S.
For further information, visit dhs.gov
About U.S. Department of Homeland Security:
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a cabinet department of the United States federal government with responsibilities in public security. Its stated missions involve anti-terrorism, border security, immigration and customs, cyber security, and disaster prevention and management. It oversees agencies such as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
For further information, visit lincolngoldfinch.com
About Lincoln-Goldfinch Law:
Lincoln-Goldfinch Law is an immigration law firm based in Austin, Texas. The firm provides legal services across various areas of U.S. immigration law, including family-based visas, employment-based immigration, humanitarian relief, and deportation defense. They focus on assisting individuals, families, and businesses navigate the complexities of the American immigration system.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica operates as a pillar of the legal community, with a reputation forged through an unyielding dedication to professional integrity and superior legal counsel. The firm champions progress by integrating cutting-edge legal solutions while serving a wide spectrum of clients. A core tenet of its mission is to strengthen society by demystifying the law, actively working to equip citizens with the clarity and understanding needed to navigate the legal landscape confidently.
