The United States remains one of the most popular destinations for Irish travellers, with tens of thousands of us jetting off every year to soak up the bight lights of New York, the sun-soaked beaches of Florida and cultural hotspots like Boston.

Whether it’s for a city break, a family getaway or a summer spent on a J1 visa, America is a top choice for holidaymakers. But now, a fresh warning has been issued to those planning a trip across the Atlantic.

Irish visitors are being urged to familiarise themselves with strict US entry and immigration procedures, including the little-known fact that border agents can legally demand access to your phone, laptop or tablet – and they don’t need to give a reason. That includes asking for your passwords and scrolling through your personal content.

According to recently updated advice from Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs, failure to comply with this request could result in refusal of entry into the United States. This policy applies to all travellers and is part of heightened security procedures adopted in recent years.

In addition to physical device checks, US authorities have warned that they may review travellers’ social media activity when making decisions on immigration status – especially for those applying for student visas or lawful permanent residence.

The DFA said: “The US authorities may search your electronic devices, such as your phones, computers or tablets, when you are entering the United States. They may request your passwords and they are not required to provide a reason for doing so. If you refuse, they may deny you entry to the United States.

“Furthermore, the US authorities have indicated that they may consider activity on social media when making decisions about your immigration status. The US authorities have indicated that this includes applicants for lawful permanent residence status and student visa holders.”

Travellers are also being reminded that violating immigration rules – even unintentionally – can have serious consequences, including detention or removal from the country. Common issues that may trigger problems at the border include:

  • Having previous convictions in the United States

  • Providing misleading information about the purpose of your stay

  • Entering the country without inspection

  • Overstaying your authorised period of travel

The DFA warned: “Irish citizens intending to travel to the United States should ensure that they familiarise themselves with US entry requirements, which are detailed on the CBP website. Previous convictions in the United States, misleading information about the purpose of your stay, entry without inspection, or even a slight overstay during travel can have serious consequences. Failure to adhere to US immigration law can lead to refusal of entry at the border, detention, and/or removal from the US.”

Irish citizens who are detained by US authorities have the right to contact the Embassy of Ireland in Washington DC, or the nearest Irish Consulate.

The DFA explained: “As an Irish citizen, if you are detained, you have the right to contact the Embassy of Ireland or the nearest Consulate General of Ireland. To do so, you must request that the Embassy of Ireland or the nearest Consulate General of Ireland be informed of your detention.”

This warning comes after reports emerged that the European Commission is now providing ‘burner’ phones and stripped-down laptops to officials travelling to the US, in a move that is common practice for visiting countries like China and Russia.

According to the Financial Times, the EU has ramped up caution over potential surveillance, even labelling the US a possible espionage threat.

“The transatlantic alliance is over,” an EU official told the newspaper, which reported that the commission “is issuing burner phones and basic laptops to some US-bound staff to avoid the risk of espionage – a measure traditionally reserved for trips to China.”

Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.