Travel To The USA & GrapheneOS

Wadder

Hi all,

As a European travelling to the US later this summer (not for the world cup, but after the event has finished), what is the advised approach with regards to your phone in the (hopefully unlikely) event of your device is checked at the board, has there issues when an officer has noticed you have GOS installed as opposed to stockOS?

I'm currently thinking of wiping my device a week in advance of my travel, reasoning being that I'd like to develop a sense of use, if the device is checked but I'll only have minimal apps, and potentially not apps like a VPN.

Please note, I'm aware ONLY US nationals can refuse to handover their devices, all other nationals most comply if requested.

Any pointers would be really helpful, thanks.

Johnnyloans

Wadder

Good idea. Don't have anything funny or negative about the USA in messages/pictures. Building up some messages and pictures a week prior helps to not be suspicious.

de0u

Wadder There is advice online, for example EFF.org.

Grapi

Wadder all other nationals most comply if requested

It’s not strictly required, but if you refuse to show your phone, they can deny you entry.

DeletedUser688

I'd not worry too much about it.
Completely wiping your phone one week ahead seems a bit overkill to me, but if you have the time to do it, then it's better to be safe than sorry.

Reboot your phone before you land and don't log in (to have BFU enabled). Or just turn your device off. BFU is a lot harder to bypass than a phone after first unlock.
They'll ask you stuff like where are you staying and what are your plans etc. You'll need to show them proof for that. Just print all of that stuff on paper (Airbnb receipt, rental car receipt etc.). In this way you don't have to rely on your phone for that.

Oh and depending on where you want to stay/travel to, offline maps might be useful. Check out CoMaps: https://www.comaps.app/