Tips for Traveling to and From the United States

Planning to travel from outside the U.S. for Neuroscience 2025? Take a moment to review these best practices for traveling to and from the United States. They’ll help make your trip as smooth and hassle-free as possible.

• Know the visa requirements to enter the United States from your home country.
• Make sure all your documents are in order, unexpired, and are not expiring within a timeframe that may exclude you from traveling, which is often six months after the trip return date.
• Check your home country’s travel advisories and warnings before traveling and know the contact information for your country’s consulate closest to San Diego.
• Understand the questions you are likely to be asked at customs and border control.
• Know that your personal belongings may be searched, and ensure you understand what items are prohibited. A list can be found at the U.S. Customs and Border Control
• Have an emergency contact identified in your phone if you run into issues.
• If you are concerned about your phone or electronics being searched, experts suggest:
  • Turn off fingerprint or facial recognition.
  • Delete any social media apps.
  • Leave your phone in airplane mode and disconnect from the Wi-Fi until you are through customs.
  • Minimize the data downloaded or synced to your phone.
  • Leave unnecessary electronic devices at home.
  • While you can decline to unlock your phone, you may be at risk of being denied entry if you do so and are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

• Border agents will often ask about your length of stay and may ask to see return tickets due to overall concerns about overstaying a tourist visa. Be prepared to answer questions about your length of stay and/or show proof of departure if asked when entering the U.S. Border agents may also ask where the visitor is staying. An address or name of a hotel should suffice to answer that question.
• Consult an immigration attorney for any specific questions or unusual circumstances.
• Further resources can be found at the ACLU of Southern California.

Additional Resources

• ACLU of Southern California
• NOLO: At the U.S. Border or Airport: What to Expect When Entering
• Fredrickson Law: Tips for International Travelers Entering the United States
• The AP: One Tech Tip: Locking down your device when crossing borders
• US Customs and Border Protection Prohibited and Restricted Items
• The Verge: Is it safe to travel with your phone right now?
• Boundless Immigration: Know Your Rights as a Tourist Entering the U.S.
• New York Times: Traveling to the US under Trump
• The Guardian: Here’s what you need to know about your rights when entering the US