I read an article in the press at the weekend which could be worrying for travellers to the USA and then again it could be the latest round of Trumpisms that abound at the moment.

Apparently all non US citizens despite holding a valid ESTA can be denied entry into the USA if they refuse to provide access to their digital devices including handing over passwords.  Refusing to provide information can be grounds for barring or holding up entry.  Some companies have been so worried about this potential for compromising digital security that they have relocated conferences to Canada and the main advice is to limit what devices you carry.  Apparently if you try changing passwords to something not memorable then this could be viewed as obstructive and also lead to entry being refused.

Has anyone else heard about this or have JY got anything to add as advice ?

Hi Jonah,

We have not been made aware of any such enforcements - all executive orders that relate to Homeland Security have been added to the DHS website. At the moment this is not listed. We would recommend that any traveller reviews both the FCO website and DHS website for up-to-date travel advice prior to travel.

Kindest regards,

Julia

Hi Jonah

when we travelled to Costa Rica via Houston I had my brand new digital lock broken on the outward leg and my cheap padlock broken on return, I found a card on top of my clothes on return to say it had been inspected and later when I got home and unpacked i found the broken lock in my suitcase like it had been hacked off, I was disgusted, I thought my lock may have been tampered with on the outward journey as my case was unlocked and the lock was damaged and could not be used again yet there was no card in my case going

I was appalled that they could do this without my knowledge or presence

Dave

Hi, this is why I'm waiting until JY do a direct flight before I go to Costa Rica!

Sue

When you go to the US - even when just in transit use TSA approved padlocks - they have a code which you set and a keyhole which TSA agents have a universal key for. All luggage, whether hold or hand luggage is subject to screening and searching with or without your knowledge at every airport in the world by Law Enforcement officers.

I always use plastic cable ties  to close my case when tavelling to the US. They're easily cut without damaging the case. My case has been opened on two occasions. The first in my presence when luggage was xrayed at the entrance to LA airport. The search was pretty thorough, I still don't  know what they were looking for, but the security staff were pleasant and resealed it with a plastic tie afterwards.  On the second occasion,  the case was opened after check in.  Again, it was resealed and a notice about the inspection placed inside. The only problem was that the inspection meant that  my case missed the flight, and was delivered to my home the next day. Not so bad on a homeward journey, but it could have been a problem at the start of a tour.  I've  been on several tours  to Asian destinations where the flights where not direct , but never had a problem with delayed or missing  luggage.  Costa Rica is an amazing place. I do hope you will get a direct flight to go there

I flew to New York about a month ago and I was impressed how quick the immigration process was, even with my usual problems getting the machine to take all the fingerprints, on one hand, at the same time.

Leaving Heathrow,my iPad had to be put through the security check on its own,when I went through the US security for a connection,it could be left inside my hand luggage,but, they wanted my CPAP machine to be placed in a clear plastic bag and separate to the rest of my hand luggage.In neither case was there any further inspection after the X ray machine.

Always check the TSA website, and the individual airline's websites for the latest information on what is allowed in hand baggage. Virgin and Delta had basically the same dimensions for hand luggage,but, I have seen bags advertised as cabin baggage which was larger than the allowance.

Keith

I have started using TSA approved padlocks, but mine locks with a key. Recently I did read that most devices bigger than an I-Phone will have to be checked with the hold luggage - i.e laptops, ipads etc . I personally do not take a lot of electronic devices with me on holiday - just a very old dinosaur Nokia phone and, of course, my camera.

As for direct flights to Costa Rica - I would say that if you really want to visit Costa Rica don't wait for direct flights though having said that who would want to fly with United Airlines after what they did with a fare paying passenger?!

Regards

Jaya

Regards

Jaya

Hi Jaya

I agree I would not fly United Airlines again, what I saw was appalling and remember they were asking for volunteers on our flight Houston to CR as they had overbooked, this may have been you they were dragging off the plane, just as long as I had my camera running lol

seriously I think JY should drop them after this

Dave

Hi Dave

I would have put up a flight like that guy did! I think it is appalling for the Airlines to over book and then expect fare paying passengers to volunteer to get off. This should be made illegal.

Jaya

Hi Jaya,

I am with you on this one. I think the Airline behaved in the most despicable manner. I would not choose to fly with an airline who has no respect for its customers.

Kezzer

Hi Jaya

I agree, I really don't know how these airlines can over book or how they can take payment for a seat which has already been paid for even if they don't turn up for whatever reason

a disgusted dave