Short answerCheck the rules of the country you're entering. The most reliable protection is to travel without the sensitive data: back it up encrypted, remove it from the phone before travel and restore afterwards. Decoys and duress codes exist, but misleading officials can be illegal, so understand the law first.
Plan before you travel
- Back up your vault (VaultBolt: encrypted iCloud backup) and check it finished.
- Know your recovery phrase. Keep it off the phone, somewhere you can reach after arrival.
- Remove what you don't need on the trip. Delete the vault from the phone; restore it later with your phrase.
- Turn off Face ID before inspection points if you prefer a code-only unlock.
During travel
- Keep the phone powered off at crossings: after a restart, iOS requires the passcode before Face ID works.
- Don't make false statements to officials.
About decoys and duress codes
VaultBolt's decoy and duress features are designed for situations like theft or coercion by people with no lawful authority. At a border, laws differ and the consequences of misleading officials can be serious. Get advice, and when in doubt, travel without the data.
Frequently asked questions
Can border agents force me to unlock my phone?
It depends on the country and your citizenship. Some can deny entry or seize the device if you refuse. Get advice for your specific trip.
Should I use a duress code at the border?
Be careful. Deleting data or misleading an official can be an offence in some jurisdictions. Travelling with less data is usually the safer choice.
