Democracy Dies in Darkness

How to lock down your phone if you’re traveling to the U.S.

Worried about your phone being checked when traveling into the United States? Here’s a guide.

7 min
The San Ysidro border crossing in Tijuana, Mexico, in January 2024. (Carlos Moreno/Sipa USA/AP)

If you’re traveling into the United States from another country, there’s a question you need to consider well in advance.

If asked, would you unlock your devices to allow U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents to look through your smartphone, tablet or computer? Or would you decline, which risks a delay, confiscation of your phone or being denied entry into the United States?

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