Electronic Device Searches at U.S. Ports of Entry: What You Need to Know
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has the authority to search electronic devices—including phones, laptops, tablets and other electronic devices—of anyone entering the U.S., including U.S. citizens and non-citizens. These searches can happen at U.S. land crossings, airports, seaports, and at CBP preclearance locations abroad. These searches can occur without a warrant or suspicion.