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Neema

(1,181 posts) Sat Mar 22, 2025, 01:18 PM Mar 22

Need advice from tech savvy folks regarding international travel. [View all]

I am making plans to spend a few years abroad and hope to leave as soon as possible. I'm reading stories of even US citizens getting stopped both leaving and returning to the country and their phones searched for things like anti-trump posts on social media. Perhaps those stories are made up, but I don't want to take any chances. Should I completely wipe my phone and start over when I land safely? Or is it enough to just remove all social media apps and my browsing history from my phone? I don't necessarily want to spend the money getting rid of my phone and starting over if I don't have to, but what do y'all think is the safest move?

19 replies

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Need advice from tech savvy folks regarding international travel. [View all] Neema Mar 22 OP

K&R as I'd like to know also uppityperson Mar 22 #1

What's the law allowing phone searches? BadgerKid Mar 22 #2

I'm pretty sure it's completely illegal to search someone's phone, esp a citizen. However Neema Mar 22 #4

At the border, you have less rights as to phone searches. Big Blue Marble Mar 22 #12

I think it's legal cally Mar 22 #13

If you are a US citizen, they cannot deny you entry into the US if you refuse a search newdeal2 Mar 22 #3

I'm mostly concerned about getting out. Not sure when I'll be returning but hopefully it Neema Mar 22 #5

Then I don't think you have anything to worry about newdeal2 Mar 22 #6

Okay, that's what I was hoping but I've heard stories of people getting stopped even leaving the country. Neema Mar 22 #7

Yes, this is true. cos dem Mar 22 #9

I've been out and back in the country 3 times this year. No one has ever asked for sinkingfeeling Mar 22 #17

They don't have the staff to look at every US phone at immigration. That was a one-off and a foreigner. lindysalsagal Mar 22 #8

EFF Border Search Guide. usonian Mar 22 #10

This is very helpful. Thanks. Neema Mar 22 #15

Get Global Entry Bobstandard Mar 22 #11

I've had Global Entry for years, it's amazing. But I don't necessarily expect it to protect me these days. Neema Mar 22 #14

FindLaw summary is good: spooky3 Mar 22 #16

Found some more today. usonian Mar 23 #18

Good finds Neema Mar 24 #19