Guidance for travelers entering the United States
Due to stricter immigration enforcement and heightened border security, international travelers to the U.S. should expect more thorough entry procedures in 2025.
We’ve created a downloadable guide to help you and your travelers understand what to expect and how to prepare. Share it through your company’s usual travel communication channels to ensure travelers are informed and ready.
Inside:
- Entry reminders for U.S. and foreign travelers
- Protecting digital privacy at U.S. borders
- How to speak with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers
- Pre-departure and arrival checklists for managing documents, medications, mobile devices, and officer questions/interviews
Ready for arrival: U.S. entry insights
Entering the United States in 2025 requires extra preparation due to stricter immigration policy enforcement and heightened border scrutiny. Travelers should be prepared for more thorough screening processes and ensure they have the right information and documentation in place.
This guide offers key tips to support a smoother entry experience and help travelers navigate potential challenges with greater confidence.
Entry reminders for U.S. and foreign travelers
All travelers entering the United States should be prepared for enhanced screening procedures. U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents will encounter facial recognition technology at international airports, as part of the fully implemented U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Simplified Arrival program designed to streamline identity verification.
Foreign visitors should ensure their passport is valid for at least six months beyond their intended stay. It’s essential to obtain the correct U.S. visa or ESTA and verify that all personal information is accurate. Following Executive Order 14168, visa applicants must select either male or female on their application; non-binary travelers are encouraged to consult their local U.S. embassy for guidance prior to applying. Additionally, some travelers may be affected by rapidly changing travel bans related to health, security, or other risk factors, so it’s important to stay informed before departure.
Digital privacy at U.S. borders
All travelers, including U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and foreign visitors, should be aware that U.S. CBP officers have broad authority to search electronic devices at ports of entry. There have been cases where foreign visitors were denied entry based on content found on personal devices, including private messages. Travelers are encouraged to be mindful of what may be visible during a basic search, as certain content can lead to additional scrutiny. Consider limiting devices to only those necessary, disabling fingerprint or facial recognition features, as biometric unlocking methods can be more easily compelled by CBP. Power off devices before arrival to limit access and help protect your digital privacy during a basic inspection.
Speaking with CBP Officers
Travelers should be prepared to answer questions from U.S. CBP officers about their travel purpose, visa status, and eligibility for entry. Under current policies, these questions may be more detailed than in the past. Respond truthfully, clearly, and limit your answers to what is asked; there’s no need to offer additional information. Providing false information can have serious consequences. If you have difficulty understanding English during the inspection process, you may request an interpreter.
Secondary inspection
While uncommon, travelers may occasionally be referred to secondary inspection at a U.S. port of entry. This additional screening falls within the discretion of U.S. CBP. It may include more detailed questioning, a review of travel documents and history, and an inspection of belongings. If selected, the traveler will be escorted to a separate area and may have limited access to mobile phones or communication until the process is complete.
Essential contacts
Before traveling, prepare a list of key contacts and save it in a format accessible offline in case your device is unavailable. Include your employer’s Human Resources department, Travel Risk team, and third-party assistance provider, as well as emergency contacts like family or trusted individuals. Make note of your country’s consulate or embassy near your U.S. arrival city. If applicable, also note your employer’s passport and visa service or immigration attorney, and include any after-hours contact details.
Pre-departure checklist
- Travel documents: Valid passport (6+ months validity), U.S. visa, photocopies stored separately, ESTA if visa-exempt.
- Itinerary and reservations: Printed flight itinerary, U.S. stay address, host/employer contacts, hotel bookings or event registrations.
- Emergency contacts: Offline phone numbers for consulate, employer support, family, and legal contacts.
- Electronics: Prepare devices for possible inspection; disable biometrics and remove sensitive data.
- Medications: Original packaging with prescriptions/doctors’ notes. Pack essentials in your carry-on.
- Know the rules: Verify latest U.S. travel guidance, bans, and entry policies.
Arrival checklist
- Phones off and stowed: Power off devices before exiting the plane unless instructed otherwise.
- Documents in hand: Be ready with passport, visa, and declaration form at the CBP booth.
- Answer clearly: Give concise, honest responses. Ask for clarification or an interpreter if needed.
- Biometric procedures: Expect fingerprinting and a photo. Follow officer instructions carefully.
- Remain calm if delayed: Cooperate during secondary inspection and stay composed if asked to wait.
