Australian travelers to the US should be aware that immigration officers can search personal devices upon entry. Refusing to unlock your device can lead to denial of entry, especially for non-citizens traveling on a visa. Moreover, devices can be retained for long periods if officers deem it necessary. To navigate these challenges, it is advisable to travel with minimal confidential data, potentially utilizing 'burner' devices and secondary numbers for added protection. The ACLU emphasizes proactive measures to safeguard privacy before entering the US.
If you don't hand over your device password, and are visiting on a visa and are not a citizen or permanent US resident, you risk being denied entry.
Take steps to protect your devices, or find alternatives. If you're travelling for work, consider taking a laptop that has no confidential information.
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