U.S. Border Surpasses Canada in Scanning Travelers' Devices

The Decline in International Tourism to the United States

International tourism to the United States has experienced a notable decline, with a decrease of approximately 8.2% in the first half of 2025. This drop could result in a loss of between $12.5 billion and $8.3 billion in international visitor spending compared to 2024, according to estimates from the World Travel and Tourism Council and Tourism Economics. Several factors are contributing to this downturn, including political and trade tensions, as well as an unwelcoming perception of the U.S. among international travelers. Many visitors from allied countries, such as Canada, are opting for alternative destinations instead.

While economic challenges like inflation and rising living costs are also affecting travel, concerns over border procedures have become a significant deterrent. Reports of increased scrutiny at the U.S. border, including detentions, deportations, and denied entry, have raised alarm among foreign travelers. Canadian travelers, in particular, have been affected, with some states actively seeking their return while others have given up on them altogether.

Device Searches at the U.S. Border: A Growing Concern

Another issue that has gained attention is the increasing number of device searches conducted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials. These searches involve inspecting travelers' phones, laptops, tablets, and other electronic devices upon arrival in the U.S. While such practices are not new, the frequency and scope have significantly increased in recent years.

Comparatively, the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) conducts fewer device searches. In 2024, the CBP searched the devices of 47,047 international travelers, which accounted for 0.01% of all international arrivals. In contrast, the CBSA searched only 1,108 devices, representing 0.001% of travelers. This means U.S. travelers are ten times more likely to have their devices searched than Canadian travelers.

The trend of increased device searches is evident over time. In 2015, the CBP conducted about 8,503 device searches, which was roughly 0.002% of total travelers. By 2024, this number had risen to 0.01%, marking a 400% increase over a decade. The second quarter of 2025 saw a record high of 14,899 device searches, a 16.7% increase from the previous record.

Purpose and Legal Aspects of Device Searches

The primary justification for these searches is national security and law enforcement. Both the U.S. and Canada conduct device checks to ensure compliance with border laws and protect their citizens. According to the CBP, these searches are part of a longstanding practice essential for enforcing the law and maintaining border security.

In the U.S., device searches can be categorized as "basic" or "advanced." Basic searches require travelers to provide their passwords so officials can manually review their devices. Advanced searches involve connecting the device to external equipment to extract data using forensic tools. In 2024, 90% of device searches were basic, while 10% were advanced. This trend has remained relatively consistent in 2025.

Legally, device searches at the U.S. border fall under the "border search exception" of the Fourth Amendment, allowing CBP officers to conduct warrantless searches without suspicion or probable cause. Travelers who refuse a search may face consequences, including denial of entry or temporary detention.

Who Is Most Affected by Device Searches?

While any traveler entering the U.S. can be subjected to a device search, non-U.S. citizens are significantly more likely to be searched. In 2024, 36,506 out of 47,047 device searches involved non-U.S. citizens, compared to 10,541 involving U.S. citizens. This disparity highlights the heightened scrutiny faced by international travelers.

As the U.S. continues to implement stricter border policies, including new visa fees and enhanced security measures, the challenge for international travelers is becoming more pronounced. With the introduction of a $250 visa "integrity" fee and a doubled ESTA fee for travelers from allied countries, the barriers to visiting the U.S. are increasing. These developments, combined with the growing frequency of device searches, may further deter international tourists from choosing the U.S. as a destination.