A simple and effective measure to avoid using a cell phone upon reaching a border point is to store the device in your pants pocket or in carry-on luggage, thus preventing it from being visible to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents in the United States.
The arrival of Donald Trump to the presidency has led to more rigorous cellphone inspections by the CBP, with cases of tourists being denied entry due to criticisms of the government on their electronic devices. Although these inspections can be intrusive, CBP agents have the authority to carry them out randomly, regardless of a person's nationality, citizenship, or profession.
In light of this strict immigration policy, it is advisable to prepare for a possible inspection of cell phones or electronic devices when entering the United States. For those who choose to refuse agents from inspecting their cell phones, it is suggested to disable biometric unlocking options and opt for a PIN or password before reaching the border.
Another useful tip is to keep the phone's operating system updated to avoid issues when entering the country. Additionally, creating a specific email address for travel can be beneficial. Canada has issued similar recommendations, even suggesting avoiding travel to the United States or using disposable cell phones due to strict inspections at the border.
For those without time to follow these recommendations, printing the ticket and other requested documents upon entry to the United States can ease the process. In summary, prior preparation and caution when handling electronic devices at border points are key to avoiding setbacks when entering the country.
