CLEAR Expands Biometric Enrollment to 40 More Countries for Travel

Introduction

The expansion of CLEAR+ enrollment to international travelers marks a pivotal development in the landscape of airport security and travel technology. With the inclusion of visitors from 40 additional countries, CLEAR, a prominent secure identity company, is extending its biometric verification services beyond its traditional U.S. and select international base. This move, announced in October 2025, aligns with the rising demand for efficient, contactless, and secure travel experiences amid surging international travel volumes and major upcoming events like the FIFA World Cup 2026.

As Airports face increasing pressure to process higher passenger volumes while maintaining stringent security standards, biometric-based solutions such as CLEAR+ are gaining traction. This expansion is not only a response to immediate operational needs but also a reflection of broader industry shifts toward automation, public-private partnerships, and the integration of advanced technology in travel infrastructure. The implications of this initiative extend from financial growth opportunities to regulatory, privacy, and societal considerations, setting the stage for a new era in global airport operations.

Historical Context and Industry Foundations

CLEAR’s Evolution and the Rise of Trusted Traveler Programs

CLEAR was established in 2003 in the wake of the September 11 attacks, aiming to streamline and secure the airport screening process through biometric verification. After a temporary closure in 2009, CLEAR relaunched in 2010 under new leadership and rapidly expanded its airport presence. By going public in 2019 (NYSE: YOU), the company cemented its role as a leader in secure identity services, now serving over 7.6 million CLEAR+ members at 60 airports and more than 33 million members across its platform.

The company’s model builds on the U.S. government’s trusted traveler programs, such as TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, which offer expedited screening for pre-approved travelers. These programs, however, require multi-year commitments and more extensive background checks. CLEAR+ differentiates itself with an annual membership model ($209 per year) and faster, more flexible enrollment, often enhanced through airline and credit card partnerships.

The interplay between public and private programs illustrates the evolving nature of airport security, where government oversight and private innovation increasingly intersect to deliver both security and convenience. CLEAR’s integration with TSA PreCheck and Global Entry exemplifies this synergy, providing travelers with layered benefits while maintaining federal security protocols.

“CLEAR’s ability to partner with government agencies while investing in technology at no cost to taxpayers highlights a new model for airport security modernization.”

Financial Performance and Infrastructure Growth

CLEAR’s Financial-Results underscore the strong demand for biometric verification services. In Q2 2025, the company reported $219.5 million in revenue (a 17.5% year-over-year increase), $222.9 million in bookings, and $42.6 million in operating income. The company’s robust free cash flow ($117.9 million) and shareholder returns through dividends and share repurchases reflect operational efficiency and confidence in sustained growth.

The company’s infrastructure, over 150 security lanes at 60 airports, provides a scalable foundation for expansion. This extensive network not only supports domestic travelers but is now being leveraged to accommodate the influx of international members. The rollout of eGates, automated security checkpoints using facial recognition, further enhances throughput and operational leverage, especially during peak events and travel surges.

These technology deployments are part of a broader public-private partnership approach, with CLEAR investing in hardware and integration while TSA retains operational control. This model enables rapid innovation and capacity expansion without direct taxpayer funding, addressing both government budget constraints and the need for modernization.

International Expansion and Market Dynamics

Scope and Strategic Rationale of the 40-Country Expansion

The October 2025 announcement brings travelers from 40 countries across Europe, Asia, and the Americas into the CLEAR+ ecosystem. This builds on previous eligibility for Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK, and includes major markets such as Germany, France, South Korea, and Singapore. The expansion targets high-value travel corridors and aligns with anticipated spikes in international arrivals for events like the FIFA World Cup and America’s 250th anniversary.

International visitors can initiate enrollment online using their passports and complete the process at any CLEAR airport location. Once enrolled, they gain access to CLEAR’s nationwide network, enabling consistent, expedited processing regardless of their U.S. entry point. This hybrid approach balances convenience with security, ensuring proper biometric verification under controlled conditions.

The timing is strategic: international visitor spending in the U.S. reached $126.9 billion in the first half of 2025, up 2.2% from the previous year and 3.5% above pre-pandemic levels. With over 20 million international visitors expected for the World Cup alone, CLEAR’s expanded eligibility positions it to capture a significant share of this growing market while alleviating congestion at airport checkpoints.

“By expanding to 40 more countries, CLEAR is not only tapping into new revenue streams but also helping U.S. airports manage historic surges in international travel.”

Technology Innovation: eGates and Biometric Integration

CLEAR’s eGate pilot program, launched in Partnerships with TSA at Atlanta, Washington Reagan, and Seattle-Tacoma airports, represents a leap forward in automated security processing. Using facial recognition, the system matches live images to stored biometric data, allowing travelers to bypass manual document checks. The process typically takes three to six seconds, significantly reducing wait times and increasing throughput.

The partnership framework ensures that TSA retains full operational control, CLEAR cannot override gate decisions or access sensitive government databases. Only essential data (live photos, boarding passes, ID photos) is transmitted, and members have control over their personal information, including the right to deletion. This architecture addresses privacy and security concerns while delivering operational efficiency.

Looking ahead, the scalability of eGate technology, especially as the U.S. prepares for the World Cup and other major events, offers the potential for nationwide deployment. The model demonstrates how private sector investment can supplement public funding, accelerating modernization while maintaining government oversight.

Market Trends, Regulatory Environment, and Industry Impact

Biometric Market Growth and Competitive Landscape

The global airport biometric services market is experiencing rapid expansion, valued at approximately $26.1 billion in 2023 and projected to reach $131.3 billion by 2033. Facial recognition is the dominant technology, expected to account for over 46% of market share by the mid-2030s. North America leads the market, with over 63% share, while Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region due to rising air traffic and infrastructure investments.

In the U.S., TSA’s $25 billion modernization pipeline includes significant investments in CT scanners and biometric systems, with over 1,000 CT scanners already deployed at 278 airports. Budget constraints have led to increased reliance on private sector partnerships, CLEAR’s collaboration with TSA on eGates is a prime example of this trend, providing innovation without direct government expenditure.

CLEAR’s position is further strengthened by its integration with government trusted traveler programs and its extensive infrastructure. While European and Asian airports have adopted biometric systems, the unique combination of private membership services and federal integration in the U.S. gives CLEAR a distinct competitive advantage domestically and potentially in other markets with compatible regulatory frameworks.

Regulatory and Privacy Considerations

Operating at the intersection of federal aviation security, immigration, and privacy regulations, CLEAR must ensure compliance with a complex web of requirements. TSA retains authority over all screening procedures, and recent audits of TSA’s use of facial recognition underscore ongoing government scrutiny of biometric deployments. CLEAR’s systems are designed to integrate seamlessly with federal protocols, maintaining security effectiveness while delivering efficiency.

Internationally, the expansion to travelers from EU countries brings GDPR compliance obligations, including explicit consent, privacy notices, and data subject rights. U.S. state-level laws like the California Consumer Privacy Act add additional layers of privacy protection and potential liability. CLEAR’s commitment to member control over data and non-sale of personal information addresses these requirements and public concerns.

Coordination with international aviation standards and bilateral agreements is also necessary to ensure interoperability and compliance. The trend toward global standardization of biometric verification creates both opportunities for expansion and challenges in adapting to diverse regulatory landscapes.

“CLEAR’s privacy framework, emphasizing member control and transparency, is central to building trust as biometric systems become more pervasive in travel.”

Conclusion

The expansion of CLEAR+ to 40 additional countries is a landmark in the evolution of airport security and the digital identity ecosystem. It demonstrates how private sector innovation, when aligned with government objectives and regulatory frameworks, can deliver tangible benefits in efficiency, security, and traveler experience. With the global biometric services market poised for significant growth and major international events on the horizon, CLEAR is well-positioned to shape the future of secure, seamless travel.

Looking forward, the success of this initiative will likely influence policy debates on the role of public-private partnerships in security, the balance between convenience and privacy, and the broader adoption of biometric technology in travel and beyond. As the world becomes more interconnected, solutions that combine security, efficiency, and respect for individual rights will be critical to the next generation of global mobility.
Newly added countries include:
Andorra
Austria
Belgium
Brunei
Chile
Croatia
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Monaco
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
San Marino
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Korea
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan

FAQ

Who is eligible for CLEAR+ following the expansion?
Travelers from 40 additional countries across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, in addition to Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK, can now enroll in CLEAR+.

How do international travelers enroll in CLEAR+?
Eligible travelers can start enrollment online using their passport and complete the process at any CLEAR airport location in the U.S.

How does CLEAR+ differ from TSA PreCheck or Global Entry?
CLEAR+ is a private service offering biometric identity verification and expedited document check, while TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are government programs focused on expedited screening. CLEAR+ can be used alongside these programs for additional convenience.

What privacy protections does CLEAR offer?
CLEAR commits to not selling member data and allows members to request deletion of their biometric information at any time. Only essential data is transmitted for verification, and TSA retains operational control over security processes.

What is the cost of CLEAR+ membership?
The standard annual price for CLEAR+ is $209, with potential discounts available through airline and credit card partnerships.

Sources

• CLEAR | Yahoo Finance