• Increased Border Scrutiny and Traveler Anxiety: Business travelers entering the U.S. in 2025 are facing heightened scrutiny at the border, leading to a significant increase in anxiety, emergency calls for assistance, and inquiries about entry procedures.
• Key Concerns: ESTA, Work Definitions, Device Searches: Common concerns include the ESTA process, whether planned activities constitute “work,” the possibility of secondary screening, and particularly, the search and seizure of electronic devices containing sensitive corporate or client information.
• Company Responses and Traveler Preparedness: Companies are increasing communication with traveling employees, advising on thorough document preparation, and in some cases, opting for more formal visa routes (B-1 over ESTA). Travelers are being advised on data protection for devices.
• Long-Term Expectation of Enhanced Vetting: Experts believe the increased U.S. border screening and vetting procedures are not temporary but part of a long-term initiative, requiring ongoing preparedness and patience from international travelers.

Increased scrutiny at U.S. borders is causing significant anxiety and operational challenges for international business travelers and their employers in 2025. Global mobility specialist Vialto Partners reports a sharp rise in emergency calls related to U.S. entry issues, with weekly calls doubling from a typical 15-20 to 40. This heightened concern persists even as initial media attention on high-profile entry denials has subsided, indicating a more systemic issue.

Travelers are increasingly nervous about various aspects of U.S. entry, including the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) process, the distinction between permissible business activities versus unauthorized work, and the possibility of undergoing intensive secondary screening. Reports of more frequent baggage and electronic device searches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have further fueled this anxiety.

Experts like Manish Daftari from Vialto Law note a rise in general inquiries about what to expect and how to prepare, with travelers expressing concern even months before their planned trips—a shift from previous years. This nervousness has led some companies to adopt more cautious policies, such as having employees apply for B-1 visas instead of relying on ESTA and visa waivers.

A particular point of contention is the search and seizure of electronic devices, which often contain sensitive company or client data. While travelers can refuse to unlock devices or provide passwords, doing so can heighten the risk of entry denial for foreign visitors or prolonged screening and device seizure for U.S. citizens. CBP searched approximately 47,000 travelers’ devices in FY2024 (0.01% of arrivals), and companies are increasingly advising employees on data protection measures, such as removing biometric authentications, deleting social media apps, or using “burner” devices. However, law firms are cautious in their advice due to the sensitive political climate surrounding immigration.

Experts like Bruce McIndoe of McIndoe Risk Advisory acknowledge that while media hype might exceed reality, border officials do appear more empowered and aggressive in validating noncitizens. Companies are responding with more robust communication to travelers, advising them to have up-to-date documents and be mentally prepared for potential secondary screening. Joceyln Campanaro of Fisher & Phillips recommends having all necessary documents readily available. Overall, the consensus is that this enhanced screening and vetting is likely a long-term U.S. initiative, requiring travelers to be well-prepared, patient, and anticipate slower processing times at the border.