Travel Concerns on Return to the U.S. from the Global March to Gaza (or from Other International Travel) for U.S. Citizens
Returning from the March to Gaza as a U.S. citizen? Here’s what you need to know!
Remember that United States laws do not control the actions of other governments or other governments’ officials outside the borders of the United States, so before you reach the U.S. border, standard U.S. procedures are not guaranteed.
– U.S. citizens do have an absolute right to return to the United States.
– U.S. citizens do not have an absolute right to board a specific flight. You’ll get back here, but it may take longer than you’d like.
– Upon reaching the U.S. border, or U.S. agents outside the country, be prepared to answer all questions equivalent to what is on a customs form (where you were, the purpose of your trip, how long you stayed, where you stayed, etc.)
– The officials probably already know the answers. But answer them anyway. They want to confirm you are being honest, and it’s easy for you to do that.
– If you have delays or get sent for additional screening, remember that the agent in front of you does not know why you’re flagged for extra questioning. That person did not put you on any lists, and that person cannot take you off any lists.
– Be polite, even when baited with rude or inflammatory questions. The agent may try to get you to create a new reason to detain or search you further. Don’t give them one.
– You do need to provide your electronic devices and show that they work.
– You do not need to provide your device passwords, or passwords to any apps on your phone or laptop, or to any social media sites.
– If you choose not to provide the passwords to your phone or laptop—and you have the right to refuse to do that—the agents have the right to detain the device for up to two weeks. So, make your own choice, based on whatever is best for you.
– Consider uploading as much information as possible to the cloud, and log out of all apps on your devices. Also consider disabling facial recognition as a password.
– Consider taking a screenshot of your call log and text history before going through Customs, and upload it to the cloud so you can compare later whether it changed.
We never recommend telling a federal agent at an airport, and particularly at a border crossing, that you refuse to answer their questions. But if questions go beyond standard travel-related questions, you are welcome to answer “I will be glad to answer the rest of your questions, once I have an attorney present.” Then ask the agent for a card or contact information.
Make sure you double-check travel restrictions before you go – they change often, and you don’t want to have trouble just because you carried too much cash or had a few too many ounces of liquid.
