By: Christine Connolley, Crisis Program Manager, Global Crisis Management
Over the past several months, travelers entering the United States, including foreign visitors, green card holders, and even U.S. citizens, have reported a noticeable shift in their experience at U.S. ports of entry.
Although the policies governing entry procedures have remained largely unchanged, the heightened level of scrutiny and intensity of enforcement has increased. Reports of lengthy document inspections, detailed questioning, electronic device searches, and referrals to secondary screening have created uncertainty for even seasoned travelers.
At the point of arrival, a routine entry process now often involves increased scrutiny of personal documents, electronic devices, and reportedly even private messages. Questions may be more probing, inspections more time-consuming, and referrals to secondary screening more common, regardless of a traveler’s citizenship or travel history.
Even when conducted professionally, these enhanced procedures can lead to stress, confusion, and concerns about personal privacy. For travelers unprepared for this environment, the arrival process itself can become a source of anxiety, affecting not just their trip but their overall confidence in international travel.
The effects of heightened scrutiny are not limited to individual traveler experiences. Delays and disruptions at the point of entry can ripple across the organization, leading to missed meetings, lost business opportunities, and interrupted projects. Increased stress and negative arrival experiences can leave employees reluctant to travel again, creating real challenges for organizations that rely on global mobility to drive business forward.
Preparing travelers for today’s heightened U.S. entry environment is a smart business move, strengthening employee well-being, protecting sensitive personal and organizational data, minimizing the likelihood of escalation, and safeguarding business continuity. Employees who understand what to expect and are ready to respond to additional scrutiny are better positioned to manage interactions with border officials, move through arrival procedures, and help organizations maintain resilience even when unexpected delays occur.
Preparation for arrival doesn’t end at departure. It means empowering travelers with the knowledge and confidence they need to step off the plane ready to navigate the entry process, and ready to move forward with their journey.
Empowering travelers: Advito’s entry preparation resources
Advito offers a free resource with essential tips to help travelers and organizations navigate today’s changing U.S. entry environment. Our U.S. Entry Essentials infographic breaks down what travelers need to know to be prepared, including:
- Visa and passport requirements
- What to expect during security screening
- Digital privacy and device search guidelines
- Essential contacts for real-time support
For organizations seeking a more comprehensive approach, Advito offers a U.S. Entry Toolkit, a powerful resource designed to help travelers navigate U.S. entry. The toolkit covers essential topics like required documentation, digital privacy concerns, device searches, and how to handle delays or denials at the border. It also outlines the internal resources companies should make available to support travelers during the entry process. The toolkit can be fully customized to reflect your organization’s internal branding and messaging; and to ensure a smooth rollout, and Advito’s Engage team can provide communication assets to support education and engagement across the organization.
Reach out to our team to learn more!