Travel Advisory - Traveling With Clean Electronic Devices

Members of the Caltech community who are travelling internationally should be aware that US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents have broad authority to search and seize your possessions, including electronic devices, when you enter or depart the country. The frequency of these searches has recently increased due to government concerns over the theft of COVID-19 related intellectual property and other national security concerns.

CBP does not need a warrant to conduct searches at the border, and in some cases electronic devises may be confiscated so that CBP can conduct a forensic search of their contents. If your device is seized, make sure you get a receipt, which should include information about your device and contact information allowing you to follow up.

If you need to travel abroad, it is highly recommended that you do not carry private, proprietary or other sensitive information on your electronic devices. If you must travel with research data or items, please contact the Office of the Provost for more guidance. Additional guidance on recommended precautions when travelling with electronic devices can be found at the following links.

Resource links:

https://international.caltech.edu/travel/arrival-us/inspection-upon-entering-united-states

https://international.caltech.edu/travel/arrival-us/travel-advice