Know Your Rights as a Tourist Entering the U.S.

Recent reports have raised concerns about how some international visitors are being treated when they arrive in the United States. 

Several travelers have said they were questioned for hours, pressured to unlock their phones, or even denied entry despite holding valid visas or ESTA approvals.

While these incidents are not the norm, they highlight a growing need for travelers to understand what their rights are — and what border officers can and can’t do when you land at a U.S. airport.

Here’s what you need to know before traveling to the U.S. as a tourist.

Customs officers can question you — but there are limits
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers have wide authority to inspect travelers and ask questions when you arrive. 

They’ll want to confirm things like:

Why you’re visiting the U.S.
How long you plan to stay
Where you’ll be staying and how you’re paying for your trip
You must answer basic questions truthfully.

But you don’t have to answer personal questions about your religion, political views, or social media activity. 

You can also ask for an interpreter if you’re not confident speaking English.

You don’t have to unlock your phone

Border officers may ask to inspect your phone, laptop, or other devices. But you are not required to unlock your phone or share your passwords.

If you refuse, CBP may temporarily hold the device, but that doesn’t automatically mean you’ll be denied entry.

You can ask to speak to a supervisor if you’re being pressured

Important:

Tourists can be denied entry for a wide range of reasons, so officers may use device inspections to look for signs you plan to work, overstay your visa, or engage in other prohibited activities. 

If you’re concerned, consider traveling with limited personal data or using a separate device.

You don’t have to sign anything you don’t understand

Some travelers have said they were asked to sign forms they didn’t fully understand — often agreeing to “voluntarily withdraw” their application for entry.

If this happens to you:

Ask for a copy of any document you’re told to sign
Ask for an interpreter
Say you’d like to contact a lawyer or your consulate
Signing a withdrawal form can have serious consequences for future visits to the U.S., so don’t feel pressured to sign anything you’re unsure about.

You can be denied entry — even with a visa

It’s important to know that a U.S. travel visa or ESTA approval does not guarantee entry. 

CBP officers make the final call at the airport. If they suspect you’re planning to work without authorization, stay too long, or misrepresented your intentions, they can deny you entry.

To reduce your chances of problems:

Be honest and consistent in your answers
Bring proof of your return travel, hotel bookings, or itinerary
Avoid saying things that suggest you plan to stay long-term or look for work
Stay calm and know your options

Being questioned at the border can be stressful, but staying calm and polite can help.

If you feel you’re being treated unfairly or pressured, you can:

Ask to speak to a CBP supervisor
Request to contact your country’s embassy or consulate
Ask to make a phone call before agreeing to anything
Most tourists enter the U.S. without issues. 

But if you’re stopped for additional screening, knowing your rights — and what CBP can and can’t do — can help you protect yourself.

Source: https://www.boundless.com/blog/tourist-rights-entering-us/