CPB Electric Devise Search

As we enter the year 2025, there has been widespread media coverage of reports of increased searches of electronic devices by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at points of entry into the United States. However, according to CBP, data and statistics on searches of cell phones and other electronic devices have not changed significantly since last year, and there is no evidence of an increase in the percentage of devices searched or the number of travelers subject to additional screening.  

CBP also emphasized that any Advanced Electronic Device Search (Advanced Search) must be approved by a second level of management, and that these searches are never conducted "randomly."  

All travelers entering or leaving the United States are subject to searches by CBP. As part of this process, electronic devices such as cell phones, laptops, and cameras may be searched. This inspection is rare, but is done to ensure that the traveler is not involved in any illegal activities or safety risks.  

CBP searches electronic devices for the purpose of preventing or detecting the following crimes and violations.  

 ◆ Terrorism-related information 

 ◆  Digital illegal content such as child pornography 

 ◆  Smuggling (drugs, cash, bulk cargo, etc.) 

 ◆  Human trafficking and illegal immigration 

 ◆  Violations such as visa fraud, export control violations, intellectual property rights violations 

One of the main purposes for which the above electronic device searches are conducted is to detect illegal employment. In particular, those who travel frequently, stay longer per trip, or travel alone are more likely to be suspected of illegal employment. Electronic device searches are also used to determine a prospective visitor's intent and eligibility to enter the country, so when traveling, please be very careful about business discussions and interactions on LINE and other messaging applications, as well as about the content of your posts on social media. 

If electronic devices are to be searched, travelers are usually required to present their devices in an accessible state for inspection. Failure to remove the passcode or encryption will result in CBP making a material determination to suspend or seize the device, delay immigration clearance, or deny entry. If you are a U.S. citizen, you will not be denied entry for failure to present the device itself, but the device may be confiscated and searched.  

Searches are for data actually stored on the device; remote data on the Internet, such as content in the cloud, is generally not subject to search.  

For more information and official data on searching electronic devices, please visit the official CBP website at  
https://www.cbp.gov/travel/cbp-search-authority/border-search-electronic-devices