Wait, they’ve been lying to us all along about using our phones at airport immigration?!
In this post:
I thought you couldn’t use your phone at US immigration
Up until now, I’ve been under the impression that cell phone use of any kind is prohibited in United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facilities at airports, whether it’s making phone calls, texting, or browsing the web.
Most of the time when you land in the United States from an international destination, the flight crew makes an announcement informing passengers that cell phone use in the immigration hall is strictly prohibited. Heck, many CBP facilities have signs prohibiting cell phone use.
So I’ve just kind of assumed that… those announcements and signs were telling the truth? Now, in fairness, I have always wondered about the legality of such a rule, and wouldn’t have been surprised to see it challenged by someone. But I’m not going to be the one to challenge it…
Anyway, we now have both Mobile Passport Control and Global Entry Mobile, both of which are mobile apps intended to make the immigration process faster by using your smartphone. I couldn’t help but wonder how exactly we’re seeing apps reliant on using your smartphone when those are prohibited inside the facility.
So I did some research, and as it turns out, I’ve been wrong all along.
I was wrong — you can use your phone!
I did some research, and stumbled upon this recent AFAR story, which quotes a Deputy Executive Director at CBP. She confirms that “U.S. Customs and Border Protection does not prohibit use of phones while you’re waiting in the immigration line.”
The restrictions that do exist are that you can’t make calls or record video or audio in restricted areas, which include the booths where you’re actually being interviewed by a CBP officer, and rooms where secondary inspections are performed, whether it’s questioning the person or searching luggage. Furthermore, you’re not allowed to record video or audio of those around you, and if a security concern arises, you may be asked to put your phone away.
But other than that, using your cell phone in an immigration facility is fair game. You can text, browse the web, make phone calls, and even take pictures, as long as you’re not violating the above rules.
The CBP official was also asked why flight crews announce that cell phone use is prohibited. She claims that it’s probably done because people don’t pay attention when they’re on their phones, and that adds time to the journey — “that 5 seconds times 30,000 people makes a big difference.” So yeah, it’s… just a lie?
Bottom line
For decades, I’ve been under the impression that cell phone use in US immigration facilities isn’t allowed, given the flight crew announcements and signage. But apparently that’s all just a big lie, and you’re welcome to use your cell phone, as long as you’re not at the immigration booth, or in a secondary facility.
Have I been living under a rock, and am I the only one who just blindly believed the announcements?
I worked for CBP for a number of years and we routinely seized cell phones from travelers who would not abide by admonishment regarding their use. Cell phones seized were destroyed -- no amount of crying or whining would get them back.
No cell phone use or photography is allowed in CBP areas where examinations are being conducted or where passengers are being interviewed. This has not changed.
I occasionally had to use, e.g., when they asked about the postal code of the hotel. I then asked them for permission, which was always granted.
I don’t think I’ve ever heard/noticed ”the announcement”, even though I travel to the US quite often, primarily on TK, LH, SK, UA, and LO (and basically any carrier with saver awards in C ;-) ). That being said, my wife apparently recalls them, so maybe I just don’t pay that much attention :) I have seen the signs but always ignored them, except at the front of the line. Am I seriously supposed to wait 1-2 hours in a crowded line without using my phone? ;)
I have heard that announcement dozens of times flying into the US, and of course the signs. Some FA’s exaggerate a bit: claiming the timing you need to be off your device starts at decent, landing, or the CBP area.
I have also never seen the rule enforced other than at the front of the line. Heck I have worked on my laptop and hotspot in line, no worries until being processed.
The...
I have heard that announcement dozens of times flying into the US, and of course the signs. Some FA’s exaggerate a bit: claiming the timing you need to be off your device starts at decent, landing, or the CBP area.
I have also never seen the rule enforced other than at the front of the line. Heck I have worked on my laptop and hotspot in line, no worries until being processed.
The only time I’ve ever really encountered border pushback is wearing a hat. Pre Covid, Asia - 10 out of 12 times they got me for a hat pre departure checkpoint
Yes, always been true about calls and photos
Air France consistently makes the announcement prior to landing that cell phone use is prohibited by US authorities in the immigration area - clear for all to hear ... unless one is distracted by one's cell phone.
IAD even had free Wifi in the immigrations queuing area when I traveled through
two weeks ago.
That's when I realized the policy must have changed.
Oh, come on. For years CB officers and those blue jacket contractors would shout at anyone using a phone in the immigration line. They've just given up and stopped doing that though within the last 3-7 years, maybe since Mobile Passport Control was introduced.
This used to be the rule — years ago I got yelled at for using my phone while waiting at international baggage claim at JFK. But I’d noticed at some point the announcements and signs about it went away, so I assumed at some point they relaxed it.
Yelled at for using your phone while waiting for your bag to arrive on the conveyor belt? Wow. For a country that prizes “freedom” so much, that is incredibly draconian…
Weird, I don't remember hearing that announcement before and have certainly used my phone in the queue before I had GE. Use it all the time when waiting for bags too. The signs only says no recording.
Thanks for this information. I too was under the impression that you are not allowed to use a phone in an airport's US Customs & Immigration area. I've seen many large signs at these locations clearly & unambiguously stating that phones must be turned off, not merely silenced.
Your article yesterday about the new Global Entry app made me wonder about this. Thanks for clarity on this topic.
A few years ago, I took a photo of something (that i can't quite remember). An immigration agent was just randomly standing behind me saw it. And forced me to open up my gallery and delete the photo.
So at least back then for me, the restriction was *not* limited to videos only.
Good so fine to in the US.
On the other hand was yelled at big time for looking at my phone last week at the line for US Preclearance in Abu Dhabi airport where presumably the local UAE police didnt know that this is supposed to be fine at US facilities!
I am with others that have never heard this announcement. (Though have only entered the country maybe once on a US carrier)
However, I have definitely seen the signs. I remember a few years ago waiting for ages for my bag at MCO and standing right in front of the sign, but eventually ignoring it since others were.
I think the policies on that have changed. In the years directly post 09/11, there were in fact signs informing you that it is an offense to use your phone.
Things have changed--a lot. Some airports such as JFK even offer free WiFi for those in the immigration queue.
There was a time when a phone was... a phone.
Now it's a computer which, among many other things, lets you place phone calls.
QED.
By the way, I have been using my phone in the international arrivals halls of many airports for decades, and I never got into any problem in the USA. In Uganda, the Central African Republic, Kyrghistan or Papua-New Guinea, yes... But this is mostly related to attemps by the authorities to "confiscate" (steal) your phone.
One of the most useful post of the year! For years, I’ve been acting suspiciously at the immigration hall when trying to look up the phone. No more! Thanks for digging into the matter and find the article for us.
Just imagine that people around you are using mobile phones and turning on the loud speakers.
I have arrived in the US in Air France, Delta, United, Turkish, ANA, Lufthansa, British, etc and never heard the FA make an announcement about cell phone usage in the customs facilities. Which airline are you talking about when you talk about the announcement after landing?
The same, never heard such announcement.
I guess I never paid enough attention to think it included the time I spent waiting in line for immigration. I probably never had any calls, but catching up on emails and news is a good way to pass the time.
In my simple way of thinking it would be outright rude to not put my phone away before I approach the counter so no risk of using the phone while talking to the CBP officer.
Same. It’s been such a life saver to order/ reserve an Uber when I come back from Europe when all the international flights arrive around the same time at JFK.
By the time I pass customs with Global Entry and pick up my luggage, my Uber has barely arrived at T1 so at least the driver is not waiting and neither am I.
Cell phone usage used to be banned in the customs/immigration area (there were signs posted). This was 10+ years ago. Nobody paid attention, and they were removed many years ago. Some FA's didn't get the memo, apparently.
They don’t have enough staff to enforce phone use. It’s not like we’re in high school where you’re “technically” not allowed to use your phone and your teacher can nab your phone.
Aside when you’re speaking to an officer, I think it’s fair game. I thought that was common sense for most? Haha
What else are they lying to us about?
I agree. Until your article I have always believed cellphone use to be prohibited.
Those 2 hour waits in SFO would have been a nightmare without Candy Crush and other assorted useless games! It's when you get to the machines that you should out it away. That's always been the rule.
Also, I don't think I've ever heard that announcement on BA. Maybe it's only US airlines?