In today’s hyper-connected world, a traveler’s most sensitive data often isn’t packed in a suitcase—it’s stored on smartphones, laptops, and cloud accounts. But as international border agents grow more aggressive in their digital inspections, privacy experts are sounding the alarm: your device could be subject to search without a warrant, and your personal data may be vulnerable the moment you enter another country.

A Growing Trend of Digital Searches at Borders

Governments worldwide, including the United States, Canada, and several European countries, have increased digital screenings as part of their border security protocols. In many jurisdictions, border officers have broad authority to demand access to electronic devices—even without probable cause.

In the U.S., for example, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) can conduct basic and advanced searches of devices, sometimes requesting passcodes or passwords. In 2024 alone, CBP reported more than 45,000 device searches, a 20% increase over the previous year.

What’s At Risk?

Everything from personal photos and financial data to work documents and encrypted communications may be exposed during a border inspection. And while some countries have data protection laws, they often don’t apply at ports of entry.

“The border is essentially a legal gray zone,” says Maya Elwood, a digital privacy attorney with the Electronic Frontier Network. “Even if your phone is protected under encryption, refusing to unlock it could result in detention or seizure.”

Tips to Protect Your Digital Privacy While Traveling

Experts recommend a combination of digital hygiene and legal awareness to help protect device privacy when crossing borders. Here are several best practices:

1. Travel with Minimal Data

Consider carrying a clean device that holds only the information necessary for your trip. Leave behind sensitive files or transfer them to secure cloud storage.

2. Enable Full-Disk Encryption

Ensure your devices use strong full-disk encryption, which prevents unauthorized access to your data if the device is powered off.

3. Use Temporary Accounts and Apps

Set up a secondary email address or messaging account for travel purposes. You can remove them and re-authenticate once you've safely crossed the border.

4. Log Out and Delete Apps

Log out of accounts and uninstall apps you don’t need. This limits what border agents can access if they open your device.

5. Use Strong Passwords and Avoid Biometrics

Avoid using fingerprint or face ID, as those can often be compelled by authorities more easily than memorized passcodes.

6. Turn Off the Device Before Inspection

Many devices offer greater protection when powered down, as encryption keys are not stored in memory.

7. Know Your Rights

Understand the laws of the country you’re entering. In some places, refusing to unlock a device may be legal, while in others, it may result in penalties or denied entry.

The Balance Between Security and Privacy

Border agencies argue that digital searches are critical for national security and criminal investigations. But critics worry the lack of oversight can lead to abuse and mass data collection without transparency.

Civil rights groups continue to challenge these practices in court. In recent years, several lawsuits have pushed for clearer limits on what border agents can access and how long they can retain data.

Until legal standards catch up with technology, privacy advocates urge travelers to be proactive.

“Think of it as digital self-defense,” Elwood says. “If you wouldn’t want a stranger reading it on a train, don’t carry it across a border unlocked.”