Think Twice Before Using Your Phone in the Customs Area When Entering the U.S.

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Getting off an international flight has its own set of unique rules, and they can vary by country. When entering the United States, for example, you’ll see signs that say you’re not allowed to use your phone or camera until you’ve cleared passport control, claimed your bags, and cleared U.S. Customs.

Of course, you can use your phone for programs like Mobile Passport Control or Global Entry. While waiting in line, you can text, browse the web and social media, play games, or do anything else to pass the time. And if you’re standing quietly in the secure area checking your email or scrolling Facebook, chances are no one will bother you either.

But on one past flight, I witnessed firsthand what happens when someone ignores the “no cellular phones” (read: don’t talk on your phone) rule – and in spectacular fashion, at that.

The Incident: A Lesson in Poor Decisions

We had just landed from London. Thanks to Global Entry, my wife and I zipped through Passport Control in under five minutes, only to end up waiting at the baggage carousel. While standing there, I rearranged the mess of items in my pockets—including moving my phone from one pocket to another.

Almost immediately, I heard a guard bark, “NO PHONES!” Unsure if it was directed at me, I quickly shoved my phone back in my pocket and didn’t touch it again until we were out of the secured area.

Not everyone on our flight made the same choice.

A few minutes later, as the crowd at the carousel grew, I heard it again: “NO PHONES!” This time it was unmistakable. A woman across from me was mid-call, phone to her ear, deep in conversation.

“PUT IT AWAY…..NOW!!!!!!”

Have you ever watched someone make one bad decision after another in real time?

The woman casually waved off the officer.

Bad life choice, lady.

The officer, wasting no time, pushed me aside and literally climbed over the baggage carousel to reach her. It was as awkward and shocking as you’re imagining. My wife, who saw it all from behind me, said, “He’s armed and in a secured area. That’s not the person you argue with.”

But this woman had other plans. As the officer reached her, she said: “I’m almost done with my call.”

Another poor decision, lady.

The officer reached for her phone. She tried to resist, but he took it and hung up.

“I was almost finished! What’s your problem?”

“GIVE ME YOUR PASSPORT!!!!”

Things escalated fast. As backup officers arrived, she still tried to argue.

“YOU HAVE TWO CHOICES. YOU HAND ME YOUR PASSPORT AND WE WALK BACK TO PASSPORT CONTROL, OR YOU’RE ON THE GROUND RIGHT NOW IN CUFFS! DECIDE!”

She finally made the first good decision of the night and handed over her passport. As they walked her back to Passport Control, the rest of us stood in stunned silence. A simple warning could have ended it. Now, we were pretty sure she was headed for a lengthy interview with officers who really didn’t care who she had been talking to—but very much cared that she ignored an order from a CBP officer.

What Are the Rules for Phone Use at U.S. Customs?

While this dramatic moment shows how seriously some officers take the rule, it’s worth noting the policy itself is a little more nuanced. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), phone use is prohibited when interacting with CBP officers or in any secondary inspection areas. Many airports also post signs banning photography and video recording in these Federal Inspection Service (FIS) zones—including baggage claim before customs clearance.

However, casual phone use is typically tolerated when waiting for luggage. What gets travelers in trouble? Talking on the phone, filming, or taking photos. That’s what triggers warnings or enforcement actions.

One More Thing: CBP Has More Authority Than You May Think

Unlike TSA officers at domestic security checkpoints, CBP officers at the border operate under different legal standards. Courts have ruled that travelers at a U.S. border crossing have a reduced expectation of privacy. That means, as you’ve surely seen in the news in recent months, CBP can legally inspect or even confiscate your phone and review its contents without a warrant or reasonable suspicion.

The legal boundaries of this power are still evolving, but experts strongly advise against testing them. As the travel site UponArriving put it: “CBP has much more authority than TSA agents.” You can read more about that here.

So the moral of the story? When a CBP officer says “no phones,” they mean it. Hang up, put your phone away, and avoid giving yourself a bad story to tell later.

Sorry, no photos or video of the incident… 😉

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This post first appeared on Your Mileage May Vary