US Passport Control can now CONFISCATE phones of tourists who withhold passwords
Officers will conduct a basic search on the phone with their eyes, then request a more advanced search if the spot something wrong
PASSPORT control in the US has always been strict, but it's just got even tighter
The US Customs and Border Patrol have now been given the power to confiscate the laptops and mobiles of those who refuse to give them their password.
The searches involve officers conducting a basic search on the laptop or phone with their eyes.
A supervisor will be contacted for a more advanced search if the officer finds something they don’t like the look of.
The new policy states: “Travellers are obligated to present electronic devices and the information contained therein, in a condition that allows inspection of the device and its contents.”
The searches are increased measures to protect the country from criminal activities.
Foreigners could be denied access into the States if they refuse to provide their passwords.
The border agents will also be able to confiscate travellers' laptops and phones for up to a week.
The new policy hopes to: “[Combat against] terrorist activity, child pornography, violations of export controls, intellectual property rights violations and visa fraud.”
The Sun previously revealed how armed US immigration officers could soon be stationed at UK airports to "speed up queues" at passport control on arrival in the US.
Talks are currently taking place between the UK and US on potentially deploying US Customs and Border Protection officers.
The system, currently in place at airports in six countries including Ireland, allows passengers flying into the US to avoid long queues at US immigration and customs when they touch down on American soil.
It would involve law enforcement officers checking travel documents, passports, visas and making sure travellers abide by strict customs rules at UK airports before flights are boarded.
But an industry source told the Telegraph that British travellers may have to shell out more money to fund the added security.
He explained: "The US wants airports to pay for it - airports will say 'that's fine' but then increase charges to airlines, and I would imagine airlines would pass on some of that additional cost to flight users."
One change could mean introducing a separate, sealed-off part of airport terminals for US security checks.
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A spokesperson for the Airport Operators Association said: "Airports are always looking for ways to improve the service we offer passengers and pre-clearing US immigration in the UK is one such possibility.
"However, there are a number of practical considerations on both the UK and US side that need further work to make it a reality."The US has special immigration checks in six countries around the world, with more than 600 law enforcement officers are stationed at 15 locations.
Pre-clearance operations in Dublin and Shannon in Ireland opened in 2008 and last year officers processed about 1.18 million people in Dublin and 204,000 people in Shannon.