Airport customs

Question

I’m flying to phoenix from UK next month and have heard that customs official may go through my phone, luggage or IPad looking for anti US govt info. Has anyone had that experience?

Answer

It’s completely understandable to feel concerned, especially if you’ve heard worrying stories. Fortunately, for the vast majority of travelers entering the U.S.—including those arriving in Phoenix—customs experiences are routine and uneventful. What you’ve heard contains a grain of truth, but it is not something most travelers ever encounter.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers *do* have the authority to inspect phones, tablets, and laptops at the border. This isn’t specific to Phoenix and is not targeted simply at “anti–U.S. government” content. Inspections are generally done only when something about the traveler, documentation, behavior, or responses gives CBP reason to look more closely.

For most visitors, especially tourists from the UK, such searches are rare. Most travelers report a standard passport check, a few questions about the reason for the trip, and then they’re on their way without any issues. Thousands of UK visitors enter Phoenix every year without phone or device searches.

CBP may inspect electronic devices, but it is uncommon for ordinary travelers.
CBP officers are not looking for political opinions—only for security risks, contraband, or signs of unlawful activity.
Most UK passengers entering Phoenix describe the process as quick and straightforward.

If you want added peace of mind, there are simple steps you can take to prepare. None of these are mandatory, but they can help you feel more comfortable if you are worried about the possibility of an inspection.

Remove unnecessary personal data or sensitive information from your devices before traveling.
Ensure your devices are unlocked or that you know your passcodes, as refusing to unlock them may cause delays.
Use cloud backups so that only essential travel information is stored locally.
Be ready to answer routine questions confidently and politely—this alone makes most screenings very quick.

In summary, while CBP has broad legal authority, this is not something typical travelers experience. Flying into Phoenix as a UK citizen is usually a smooth and routine entry, and most visitors encounter no device checks at all.

You should expect a normal, straightforward arrival process—nothing more.

Airport customs

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