# Border Crossing Best Practices

***

*While some of the advice below is US-specific, it can also be helpful and relevant in any other border crossing situation.*

1. **Create a "Check-In Circle" Group**
   * **INVITE**: Invite at least two people, a friend and family member, who are available to support you, to a dedicated group chat to monitor your travel
   * **CHECK-IN:** When you land, before immigration, let them know where you are, and that you will check-in again in 1-3 hours. Confirm receipt, and wait.
   * **ACTIVATE:** If no response after 3 hours, support circle should activate response to legal and other community resources
2. **Minimize the Data You Carry Across the Border**
   * **LEAVE**: Leave unnecessary devices at home.
   * **BURNER**: Use a temporary device or travel-specific accounts.
   * **PRINT**: Use paper to keep important information like contact phone numbers and travel documents 
3. **Use Encryption to Protect Your Devices and Data**
   * **ENCRYPT**: Enable **full-disk encryption** on your laptop and phone.
   * **PASSWORD**: Choose **strong passwords** instead of fingerprint or face ID authentication, as biometric data may not be legally protected.
   * **POWER-OFF**: Power off your devices before reaching the border to **reset security protections**.
4. **Avoid Implicit Consent to Searches**
   * **CLARIFY**: If border agents ask for access, **clarify whether it is a request or an order**.
   * **DECLINE**: If it is a request, politely decline.
   * **PROTEST**: If ordered, consider stating that you are complying under protest.
5. **Secure Your Social Media and Online Accounts**
   * **LOGOUT**: Log out of accounts before crossing the border.
   * **REMOVE**: Consider uninstalling sensitive apps or removing saved login credentials.
   * **DEACTIVATE**: Temporarily **deactivate social media profiles** or adjust privacy settings to restrict access.
6. **Know Your Rights and the Risks of Refusal**
   * **SEIZED**: U.S. citizens **cannot be denied entry** but may have their devices seized.
   * **DENIED**: Non-citizens **can be denied entry** if they refuse to comply.
   * **DEPORTED:** Lawful permanent residents and non-citizens alike face potential complications regarding their status.
7. **Use Strong Passwords and Avoid Biometric Authentication**
   * **STRENGTH**: A **complex password** is more secure than a fingerprint or face ID.
   * **PROTECT**: Some courts have ruled that **passwords are protected under the Fifth Amendment**, but fingerprints or other biometrics are not.
8. **Back Up Your Data Before Traveling**
   * **BACKUP**: Have an **encrypted backup** stored at home or in a secure cloud.
   * **LOSS:** If your device is seized, you won’t lose valuable information.
9. **Document Rights Violations**
   * **DETAIL**: write down the details as soon as possible.
   * **IDENTIFY**: Note officers’ badge numbers and names.
   * **COMPLAIN**: Consider filing a complaint with a legal advocacy group.
10. **Stay Calm, Be Respectful, and Do Not Lie**

* **TRUTH:** Lying to a federal agent is a crime.
* **CALM: Do not physically interfere** with agents’ searches.
* **COMPOSED**: Remain composed and **strategically decide whether to comply or refuse**.

\
**Read and review more from these sources:**

* EFF Digital Privacy at the U.S. Border: Protecting the Data On Your Devices: <https://www.eff.org/wp/digital-privacy-us-border-2017>
* EFF Border Search Pocket Guide: <https://www.eff.org/document/eff-border-search-pocket-guide>
* Device Security: Preparing for Theft, Loss or Confiscation: <https://guide.globalsupport.link/physical/device-security-preparing-for-theft-loss-or-confiscation><br>
* A Safe Trip: It's All in the Preparation: <https://guide.globalsupport.link/physical/a-safe-trip-its-all-in-the-preparation><br>

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