Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced Tuesday that the mandate for passengers to remove their shoes at screening is over.

After nearly two decades, passengers going through airport security in the United States will no longer have to take their shoes off.

The TSA will no longer require passengers to remove their shoes during airport security screenings. Kristi Noem, secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), announced the news at a July press conference that the nearly 20-year rule will now be lifted.

The new policy aims to increase hospitality for travelers and streamline the TSA security checkpoint process, leading to lower wait times.

The TSA is now allowing travelers to wear shoes through airport security, ending a rule in place since 2006. Here's what to know in Michigan.

While shoes can now stay on at airport security, the following items still need to be removed from your body or luggage: Additionally, any carry-on liquids, gels and aerosols still must abide by the "3-1-1" rule: It is also important to empty miscellaneous items from your pockets, such as keys and wallets.

The TSA has eliminated the 19-year-old policy, effective immediately. Policies on liquids will remain in place.

You can simply decline by stating to an agent that you do not want your photo taken and want to opt out of a face scan. From there, a TSA agent should follow standard procedure of looking at your ID and your face to verify your identity. You should not lose your place in line for declining a photo.