Travelling to the US? Ireland among countries to issue ‘burner phones’ alert

Several countries including Ireland are advising people travelling to the USA to wipe their personal data and use ‘burner phones.’

France, Denmark, Germany and Ireland have joined Canada in advising their citizens to do so following reports that people are having their personal devices inspected by border patrol officials and, in some cases, being detained in the US based on their personal digital content.

As a result, these countries have advised their citizens to take extra digital precautions when entering the country — with the EU equating digital risk at the borders with high-surveillance countries such as Russia and China.

Canada was the first to tighten the advisory for their citizens, including a new registration requirement for Canadians travelling to the US for longer than 30 days from last Friday (April 11). The EU have followed suit, with reports that EU officials have been barred by the institution from bringing personal devices, and using pre-cleared hardware when travelling to the US for official purposes.

WHAT TRAVELLERS SHOULD DO

Travel and Tour World have advised people to:

• Log out of all personal accounts and use incognito browsers if access is necessary
• Use burner phones and basic laptops with minimal data
• Back up all data to the cloud, and wipe personal devices before travel
• Strictly comply with all visa requirements and documentation
• Avoid storing sensitive, political, or professional information on hardware
• Expect longer wait times

The Department of Foreign Affairs has yet to confirm if people should use burner phones, but on their website have confirmed that they may request to see your social media pages and can request your passwords without any reason.

‘The US authorities may search your electronic devices, such as your phones, computers or tablets, when you are entering the United States,’ the DFA have said. ‘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.’

‘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,’ the DFA continued. ‘To do so, you must request that the Embassy of Ireland or the nearest Consulate General of Ireland be informed of your detention.’

They also gave information for anyone who is transgender and travelling to the US from Ireland, saying ‘ESTA and visa application forms to the US require travellers to declare their sex. The US authorities have indicated that this should reflect, what they term, the traveller’s biological sex at birth.

‘Travellers whose sex on their passport differs from sex assigned at birth should contact the Embassy of the United States of America in Dublin for further details on specific entry requirements.’

‘The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade publishes advice for outward travel in respect of over 200 countries,’ a DFA spokesperson told Extra.ie. ‘The advice provides an objective assessment of the risks individuals could face if travelling overseas, with a view to helping them to make informed decisions for themselves.

‘All of our travel advice is reviewed regularly and updated based on consultation with our Embassies and Consulates on the ground, the relevant local authorities in each country, and our international partners, together with our domestic partners where appropriate.’