The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has released a safety advisory covering a wide range of digital, physical, and legal tips aimed at journalists and media workers who plan to visit the United States.
Under a draft plan being considered by the Trump administration, more than 40 countries could face full or partial travel restrictions to the United States. Reports of device searches and additional scrutiny at the U.S. border are also on the rise.
“CPJ has seen a spike in concern among journalists whose work entails travelling to the United States or crossing the border,” said Catalina Cortes, CPJ’s Interim Chief Emergencies Officer on Thursday, (17 April 2025).
“Our safety advisory helps journalists proactively manage these risks, making them feel prepared and confident while planning their reporting.”
CPJ safety experts urge reporters to complete a risk assessment, identify emergency contacts, develop a check-in procedure and keep those contacts on paper in case devices are confiscated.
Journalists should also prepare for possible additional screening. Failure to comply with a request from a border guard could result in devices being seized and, depending on the journalist’s immigration status, delays or refusal of entry.
Journalists who are at high risk of being detained at the border should consider leaving their personal and/or work devices at home and instead carry separate devices and a new SIM card.
These devices should only have the information needed for your trip and not be linked to your personal or work accounts.
Be prepared for border guards’ questions about why you are crossing the border without your personal or work devices.
For more detailed information, read the full safety advisory.
