In a Customs Line? You Might Want to Put Your Phone Away

While landing at San Francisco International Airport last month, the flight crew reminded us not to use our phones until we cleared passport control. On my way to immigration, I noticed a “no phones” sign, which got me thinking: Why is that? We use our phones in almost every other aspect of life. Why can’t we use them while enduring a long customs line? (Thanks to Global Entry, I hardly wait in line anymore—it’s worth every penny!)

I had a hunch it was related to security measures. But what exactly? To find out, I spoke with Greta Campos, a deputy executive director at U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Am I allowed to use my phone in the immigration line?

The surprising short answer is yes. Despite the warnings from flight crews and the signage, Campos confirms that “U.S. Customs and Border Protection does not prohibit the use of phones while you’re in the immigration line.”

There are some restrictions, though. You cannot make calls or record video or audio in restricted areas, according to Campos. At the airport, restricted zones include the booth where you’re being interviewed by a CBP officer and areas where CBP conducts more thorough examinations, like luggage searches.

You’re also not permitted to record (video or audio) other individuals due to security and privacy concerns. If a security issue arises, a CBP officer may request that you put your phone away, Campos adds.

While in line, you’re free to text, browse the web and social media, play games, or engage in any other activities to pass the time. Campos mentions that you can technically make a phone call if it’s urgent but asks that you remain considerate of those around you (i.e., avoid speakerphone calls, which should be common sense). If you are on a call, please pay attention to your surroundings, she advises.

“We’ve all experienced being on our cell phones and missing important instructions,” Campos explains. “While it may not seem like much time, when you multiply that by 20, 30, or 100 travelers, those extra 5 or 10 seconds can make a significant difference.”

If it’s allowed, why do the customs signs still indicate “no phones”?

There might have been a restriction in the past (CBP won't confirm or deny this), which is likely why some signs still appear in airports. However, CBP is currently promoting Mobile Passport Control, an app that enables travelers to set up profiles with their passport information in advance, allowing CBP to access this data before you reach the booth. Naturally, this requires using your phone.

Regarding those announcements from flight crews, such as the one I heard, airlines and airports may have their own reasons, Campos explains. When travelers are distracted by their phones, it can add an extra 5 to 10 seconds to each person’s processing time. “That 5 seconds multiplied by 30,000 people is significant,” she emphasizes. Airlines typically unload large groups of passengers at once, many of whom have connecting flights, and they want to expedite customs processing to facilitate a quick turnaround.

Are there additional customs regulations?

Keep in mind that Customs and Border Protection is legally authorized to search your phone, even if they have no suspicions about you. Therefore, if you have sensitive information, it’s advisable to turn off your phone and store it away until you’ve cleared customs.

Alongside using your phone wisely, ensure you have all necessary documentation (customs forms and a valid passport), and thoroughly check everything you're bringing with you. Many items, such as certain foods and handicrafts, might require additional inspection and could incur fines.

Ultimately, none of us wants to waste either money or time during our travels. So, the next time I find myself waiting in a long immigration line, I think I’ll stow my phone and dive into a good paperback instead.