U.S.: Customs and Border Protection (CBP) No Longer Routinely Stamps Passports Upon Entry

Following a circular issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on October 1, 2026, a familiar ritual upon entry into the U.S. is changing: Travelers will no longer automatically receive an entry stamp in their passports. The agency explains that the routine use of entry stamps during so-called “primary inspection”—the first border inspection that every traveler undergoes upon arrival in the U.S.—will be discontinued.

This change is part of a broader modernization of border processing, which already includes greater automation of forms, the expansion of mobile services, and the increased use of biometric facial recognition. Proof of entry and the authorized length of stay will in the future be documented primarily electronically via the so-called I-94 record, which is already automatically created for many entries via ESTA or a visa. According to the agency, eliminating the stamp is intended to shorten processing times at border control and reduce operating costs.

For travelers, this does not initially mean any change to the actual entry requirements: Anyone traveling to the U.S. will still need either an electronic travel authorization under the Visa Waiver Program or a regular visa, depending on the purpose of the trip and their nationality. Anyone wishing to register for travel under the visa-waiver program can contact us regarding an ESTA for the U.S., while travelers with other purposes of travel will need a tourist visa for the U.S.

Stamps Are Not Disappearing Completely

It is important to note that the entry stamp will not disappear entirely from practice. CBP explicitly states that officers may continue to use stamps if a traveler is referred for so-called secondary inspection—that is, an additional screening following the initial border inspection. Stamps may also still be applied in certain specific situations during primary inspection, such as in connection with the processing of immigrant visas.

This is particularly relevant for anyone who prefers physical proof of entry in their passport: Travelers can still actively request an entry stamp. So anyone who values a traditional stamp in their passport for personal, professional, or documentary reasons can request one at immigration, even though stamping will no longer be the standard practice in the future.

For practical travel planning, this change primarily means that travelers should rely more heavily on the electronic I-94 record as proof of their entry and authorized length of stay, rather than relying solely on a stamp in their passport. If you’re unsure what type of entry authorization or visa is required for your trip, you can find an initial overview on our U.S. visa guide or check the costs for a U.S. visa directly before you begin your trip.