The United States government will soon require all non-citizens, including Canadians, to have their photos taken when entering or leaving the country under new security regulations announced by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

According to a notice published in the Federal Register, the policy will take effect on December 26, though officials acknowledge full implementation could take several years. The DHS says the updated rule aims to strengthen border security and prevent visitors from overstaying their visas.

Under the new system, U.S. Customs and Border Protection will expand its existing biometric collection program, which has been in place for select travellers since 2004. While facial photographs have been routinely gathered from many arriving passengers, a nationwide system for tracking departures has not yet been established.

The department said the biometric photo records may be retained for up to 75 years as part of its identity verification process. The changes are expected to affect millions of Canadian travellers who cross the border each year for business, tourism, and family visits.

Canadian officials have not yet commented on whether reciprocal measures could be considered.