People travelling to America will need to be aware of some updated guidance that could see certain people stopped at the border. Anyone who carries electronics when they travel could be at risk of this.
Travel specialist Kate Donnelley (@Thedonnelleyedit) claims that, although rare, this is something that everyone heading into or through the USA should be aware of. She said: "If you're heading to the US this summer, are you aware that they are able to search all of your electronic devices at border control?
"At the start of 2026, US Customs and Border Control updated their guidance specifically related to electronic devices. This basically means that not only can they search your phone, but they can also search any other electronic device."
The updated rules now extend to specific items, such as laptops, tablets and smartwatches. In some cases, they don't need a warrant to check your devices.
Kate said: "This has started circulating again because a number of people have been denied entry at the border because of information that has been found on an electronic device. This check can be done at any port of entry into the US."
Checks can be one of two types. The first is a basic manual search, which does not require a warrant and can be used to check stored files, photos, and messages without special external tools. The more in-depth one is called an "advanced forensic search".
Kate claims: "If [Border Control] want to carry out an advanced forensic search, then this requires additional authorisation, and this should only be done in certain circumstances." For example, this deeper dive must be based on "reasonable suspicion or a real concern regarding national security".
These more probing searches will often require officers to connect external forensic equipment to copy and analyse data, including deleted files, with supervisor approval. If you have a trip coming up to America, or will be passing through US Customs on the way to your final destination, it has been stressed that the need for these searches is "rare" and the majority are often linked to targeted intelligence or suspicion.
The expanded list builds on the existing law that covers the right for staff to check smartphones, laptops, desktop computers, tablets and e-readers. It now includes a variety of smart devices that are capable of storing or transmitting electronic or digital data, such as:
