For those who refuse to hand over their phone, the trip could be cut short before it has even begun.
Australians travelling to the US who fail to comply with certain border rules, could be sent back.
Before travelling thousands of kilometres overseas, Australians are being warned to consider what is on their phones and other electronic devices.
Prominent immigration lawyer Melissa Vincenty told Yahoo News a recent Court of Appeals ruling “reaffirms” US border officers do not need a warrant or suspicion to search digital devices.