CPJ issues safety advisory for international journalists traveling to US

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) released a safety advisory for international journalists traveling to or from the United States. The advisory cautions about possible entry restrictions, device searches, and extended questioning due to expected changes in U.S. immigration policy.

The advisory follows reports by several U.S. media outlets that the Trump administration is considering a draft proposal for a new travel ban affecting more than 40 countries, including Iran, Russia, Venezuela, Syria and several African nations.

Journalists, particularly those with links to countries named in the ban or reporting on sensitive topics, should “anticipate potential restrictions or questioning,” the CPJ said.

The organization stressed that foreign media professionals are not exempt from border scrutiny and advised them to prepare for heightened enforcement by U..S Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

International journalists may face multiple risks, CPJ says

Risks outlined include invasive questioning about political affiliations, confiscation or search of electronic devices, including passwords and social media details, and potential denial of entry for non-citizen journalists.

Journalists holding dual citizenship from restricted countries may face additional hurdles, including enhanced screening and entry denials, the CPJ added.

While the CPJ said it is not aware of any journalist being directly affected since the travel ban proposal emerged, it urged all reporters to conduct risk assessments before travel, limit sensitive information stored on devices, and understand their legal rights at the border.

The advisory also provides a digital safety checklist and guidance for those reporting within the U.S., including precautions when covering protests or politically sensitive stories.