Can CBP search my phone or laptop at the border?
The short answer
Yes. CBP says all people entering the U.S., including U.S. citizens, can be examined and searched, and that covers electronic devices. A U.S. citizen will not be denied entry because CBP could not complete a device inspection, but the device itself may be held or subject to other action. In fiscal year 2025, CBP searched devices of less than 0.01 percent of arriving international travelers.
What is the difference between a basic and an advanced search?
CBP defines an advanced search as any search in which an officer connects equipment, wired or wireless, to copy, review or analyze content. A basic search is any border search of an electronic device that is not an advanced search, and generally involves manual review without external equipment.
An advanced search requires reasonable suspicion of a violation of a law CBP enforces, or a national security concern, plus approval from a senior manager (Grade 14 or higher, or comparable responsibilities).
What if I refuse to unlock my phone?
CBP says travelers must present devices in a condition that allows examination. A device that cannot be inspected because of passcodes or encryption may be subject to exclusion, detention or other appropriate action, and you may face longer processing times.
For U.S. citizens, CBP states they will not be denied entry into the United States based on CBP's inability to complete an inspection of their device. For foreign nationals, a refusal may be considered in admissibility decisions. CBP says any passcode you provide is used only as needed and will be deleted or destroyed when no longer needed.
What can officers look at?
CBP says searches cover only information resident on the device when it is presented. Officers must disable network connectivity, for example by enabling airplane mode, before searching and may not use the device to access data stored solely remotely, such as in the cloud.
Can CBP keep my data?
CBP may keep copies of information after a search if there is probable cause of a violation, or if the information relates to immigration, customs or other enforcement matters. Information may be kept in the Automated Targeting System for a period not to exceed 15 years, and if it is linked to an active lookout, enforcement activity or investigation, it stays accessible for the life of that activity.
CBP says it gives notice before a search begins, typically through a tear sheet, and officers must record how notice was given. The page we read does not address access to an attorney or privileged material.
How common are device searches?
- Over 419 million travelers were processed at ports of entry in fiscal year 2025
- 11,612,366 (3 percent) were referred to secondary inspection
- 55,318 travelers had devices searched, less than 0.01 percent of arriving international travelers
- 50,922 of those (92 percent) were basic searches
Sources: CBP: Border Search of Electronic Devices at Ports of Entry, CBP: CBP Search Authority. Read 5 November 2026. Rules and fees change, so check the official page before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
Can CBP search a U.S. citizen's phone without a warrant?
CBP's authority page says all people entering the U.S., including citizens, can be examined and searched. Its device policy sets the basic and advanced search rules described above and does not describe a warrant requirement.
Can I be denied entry if I will not unlock my phone?
CBP states that a U.S. citizen will not be denied entry based on its inability to complete a device inspection. The device may still be held or subject to other action.
Can CBP search my cloud accounts?
CBP says officers may not use the device to access information stored solely remotely, and must disable network connectivity before a search.
How long can CBP keep information from my device?
In the Automated Targeting System, information may be kept for a period not to exceed 15 years. Copies are retained only in the circumstances CBP lists, such as probable cause of a violation or enforcement-related information.
Where can I read the full policy?
CBP's device search page links to its directive on border search of electronic devices and a multilingual tear sheet. Check that page for the current version.