by Jen Mallia
Last updated: 11:15 AM ET, Fri August 22, 2025
Data released by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) shows an increase in electronic device searches by agents at the border. According to Global News, Q3 of the 2025 fiscal year (which began Oct 1, 2024) had the highest number of electronic searches on record.
The numbers show that there has been a steady increase in the number of searches in each quarter of 2025, with the biggest jump (from 12, 260 to 14, 899) occurring between FY Q2 and FY Q3.
When looking at year over year (YoY) numbers, 2,809 more searches were conducted in FY Q3 of 20205 than in the same time period last year. Previously, the highest number of searches in a quarter was in FY Q3 2022. Searches this past quarter (April to June) showed almost a 17 percent jump from then.
After some deliberation and in response to reports of increased searches of mobile phones and electronic devices, the Government of Canada updated its travel advice for visitors to the U.S. this spring. The government website states:
“Individual border agents often have significant discretion in making those determinations. U.S. authorities strictly enforce entry requirements. Expect scrutiny at ports of entry, including of electronic devices. Comply and be forthcoming in all interactions with border authorities. If you are denied entry, you could be detained while awaiting deportation.”
Despite the increase, CBP takes pains on its website to demonstrate that the number of searches represent a small percentage of international travellers visiting the U.S. and that the majority of searches fall under the “basic” category, rather than the “advanced” category which requires approval from management.
“Of the 47,047 border searches of electronic devices encountered at port of entry, [during FY 2024], 42,725 (90 percent) were basic searches in which the devices were not connected to external equipment to review, copy and/or analyze its contents.
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