Travellers will soon be required to have their photograph taken when entering or leaving the U.S. by air, sea or land — including Canadians and even American citizens.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said Monday the expansion of facial recognition and comparison capabilities at all ports of entry and all travellers, regardless of age, is necessary for national security, as well as to crack down on fraudulent documents and visa overstays.

It said the amended security policy will go into effect Dec. 26, but noted it could take years before a “comprehensive” biometric data collection system is in place.

“CBP (U.S. Customs and Border Protection) estimates that a biometric entry-exit system can be fully implemented at all commercial airports and sea ports for both entry and

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