Acknowledgements: The creation of this International Traveler’s Guidance document was a collaborative effort. We would like to acknowledge and thank the following individuals for their expertise and contributions: Lolita Brayman, Minda Thorward, Jay Gairson, Matt Brockmeier, Madalyn McElwain, Jon Dennis, Jeff Fitzgerald, Laura Stevens, Ismail Ali, Allyson Deraps, Martha Hartney, Sean McAllister, Betty Aldworth, and Natalie Ginsberg.
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Welcome & Introduction
This guide was created for attendees of Psychedelic Science 2025, an educational and community-building conference in the United States, with the support of the Psychedelic Bar Association. Whether you are an Indigenous delegate carrying ceremonial regalia, a speaker presenting traditional wisdom or scientific inquiry, or a participant concerned about visibility and safety, this material is intended to support your journey.
This guide is designed to help you:
-Travel safely and with dignity
-Protected sacred objects and personal rights
-Prepare for respectful, informed interactions with border authorities.
We honor your role, your culture, and your presence. May your travels be easeful, your voice respected, and your contribution welcomed.
The information contained in this guide is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject matter. You should contact a qualified attorney licensed in the appropriate jurisdiction for advice on specific legal concerns.
What's inside this guide?
Before Arriving in the U.S.
-Preparing Before You Travel
-Packing Suggestions
-Your Rights and Limits at U.S. Ports of Entry and with Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
At the Border: Getting Through Customs & Immigration-Reducing Attention at Airports and Border Crossings
-Talking to Border Officials: What to Say and What Not to Say
-What to Do if You’re Stopped, Searched, or Questioned
Situational Awareness, Cultural Sensitivity, and Racial Profiling
Traveling with Sacred Items, Regalia, Instruments, Feathers, or Plant-Based Items
International Travelers FaQ
Thoughtful preparation before you leave home can make your journey smoother and safer. These simple steps will help you avoid confusion, delays, or unnecessary stress.
Book Smart
-Book round-trip airfare. U.S. Customs may view one-way tickets as suspicious.
-Print copies of your hotel confirmation and conference registration.
Organize Your Documents
Keep the following printed and with you:
-Passport (valid at least 6 months beyond your return date)
-Visa or ESTA approval (if required)
-Conference invitation letter (on official letterhead)
-Cultural or community affiliation letter (if you are a traditional representative)
-Return flight confirmation
-Details about lodging/accommodations
Create an Emergency Contact Card
Write down the following on paper:
-Your full name, date of birth, and country of origin
-Emergency contact in your home country
-Name and phone/email of point of contact at conferences
-Local legal aid or immigration support contacts in the U.S.
-Any relevant medical information or allergies
Prepare your Devices
-Charge your phone and have essential contact info saved and backed up
-Log out of sensitive accounts and turn off automatic cloud syncing
-Use passcodes instead of Face/Touch ID on all smartphones and devices
-Enable the lockout feature on all smartphones and devices and/or consider locking out your phone when you disembark. Here are two brief explanations of how to use the lockout feature on your phone: Article & Video Examples
-Consider using a temporary travel phone with minimal personal data, rather than your personal smartphone
-Consider leaving your laptop computer and/or other devices at home. If you do bring devices, be prepared for them to be searched and/or confiscated by Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Pack Thoughtfully
-Use simple language on labels and lists.
-Avoid overpacking or carrying non-essential items that may be questioned.
-Double-check items you are not permitted to bring (see the following sections on packing suggestions and traveling with regalia, sacred items, or plant-based items).
Check In and Stay Connected
-Let a trusted contact know your travel itinerary and check in upon arrival.-Save and safely store digital and paper copies of everything important, including identity documents, credit cards,
etc.
-Share this guide with your travel companions so they are equally informed.
Good preparation is your strongest form of protection. You deserve to travel with confidence, clarity, and support.
Please note that your checked-in luggage may be searched at customs, and your carry-on items may be searched at security checkpoints and passport control.
What NOT to Bring, What Items May Trigger Inspection, and Labeling
Traveling to the U.S. with items considered illegal, suspicious, or poorly understood can result in delays, detainment, confiscation, denial of entry, or arrest and prosecution. U.S. authorities may misinterpret items that are legal in your home country. The safest course is to travel with only clearly permissible items that are clearly labeled.
Do Not Bring Psychoactive or Sacred Plant Materials
Even if these items are considered sacred or non-ingestible, CBP will view them as contraband, making them subject to seizure, and potentially subjecting the person carrying them to arrest and incarceration.
-Ayahuasca (including vine or leaves, whether dried or prepared)
-Psilocybin mushrooms or microdoses
San Pedro or peyote cactus
-Coca leaves, or any derivative
-Kambo, Rapé, or other traditional snuff powders
Other High-Risk Items That May Trigger Inspection
Consider leaving the following high-risk items at home:
-Powders, resins, pastes, or unmarked containers
-Any unlabeled or homemade liquids or tinctures
-Feathers (especially eagle or protected species)
-Animal parts, bones, claws, shells, or stones that look unusual
-Herbal blends that are not clearly documented or labeled
Cosmetic and Personal Use Items Must Be Clearly Labeled
-Consider not bringing any plant products that were not bought from a Duty-Free shop in the departing airport.
-Keep your receipts with you. Clearly labeled essential oils or herbal salves may be allowed, but should be listed as for “aromatherapy” or “cosmetic use only.”
-Avoid transporting homemade plant products without ingredient lists or commercial labels.
Be Prepared to Explain
If you must bring items with spiritual or cultural significance, be ready to explain their purpose in neutral, non-medicinal language.
-Do not say: “This is sacred medicine” or “This is used for ceremony.”
- Instead say: “This is a personal artifact used in storytelling or cultural demonstration.”
When in doubt, leave it out—or ship it ahead if appropriate permissions can be arranged through legal channels.
A simple rule: If it is plant-based and not found in a grocery store (and even if it is), it may be confiscated or misidentified. Keep your packing list light and uncontroversial.
Crossing into the United States means passing through and interacting with Customs and Border Protection (CBP). CBP officers have significant authority (more than most law enforcement officers inside the country) to decide who can lawfully enter the country and who cannot. CBP officers even have the authority to issue removal (deportation) orders at the border, and to make factual and legal findings that can determine one’s future ability to return to the U.S.
It is important to know both your rights and the limits of what you can refuse. Please note that sometimes searches or additional questions are routine and/or random, and may have nothing to do with your visa eligibility or your ability to enter the country. If you are selected for search, do not prevent or obstruct CBP officers from looking through your bags.
In general: Don’t panic; answer questions truthfully, but do not volunteer extra information; and always be clear and direct with officials.
What CBP Can Do:
-Inspect your luggage, including sacred and personal items.
-Ask about the purpose of your visit, your immigration or visa status, and any prior visits or previous activities you engaged in within the U.S. during those visits.
-Search your electronic devices, including phones, laptops, and tablets.
-Detain you temporarily (up to 72 hours) for further questioning, but they must provide access to prescribed medication, food, and water.
-Deny entry to non-citizens for virtually any reason.
What CBP Cannot Do Without Consent
-Force you to unlock your phone or provide passwords (though refusal may lead to delayed or denied entry, or device seizure).
Detain you indefinitely without cause or detain you without food or water for more than six hours.Physically harm or coerce you (such actions would be illegal and reportable).
Force you to sign a sworn statement (Form I-877) that is incorrect, untrue, or has not been read to you by an interpreter in your native language.
Electronic Devices
CBP may demand to see your phone and scroll through messages or apps. Do not travel with access to sensitive information, including social media accounts.
Assume that your devices will be searched - password protect your electronics and information.
Nonimmigrants may be denied entry for refusing to unlock their device.
U.S. citizens may decline to unlock their device, but it may result in entry delays or device seizure.
Treat your electronics like your luggage: anything inside them can be searched, copied, photographed, and used against you. To reduce
risk, consider:
-Using a “clean phone” or “disposable phone” with limited information
-Backing up sensitive data elsewhere before travel.
-Logging out of accounts and turning off sync before crossing the border.
-Deleting social media and messaging/email apps for additional security.
If You Are Detained or Questioned Under Pressure
-Remain calm and polite.
-Ask: “Am I free to leave?” If not, ask: “Am I being detained?”
-You can say: “I do not consent to this search.” Please note that CBP has the right to search your belongings and can continue to do so despite your lack of consent. If you say you do not consent to a search, CBP may still inspect your belongings.If you are denied entry, ask if you can “withdraw your application for admission,” instead of being given an expedited removal order.
-If the situation escalates, request contact with your country’s consulate or embassy under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.
-Here's a list of consulate phone numbers in the Denver metro area: https://embassies.net/united-states/denver. Please check the number for your country’s consulate before departing for the United States and carry it with you when you travel.
Know Your Support Options
-Write down the name and number of a U.S.-based legal aid group or attorney before you travel.
-If you choose to retain an attorney, please do so before traveling. It is your responsibility to find representation and have your attorney sign the Form G-28. The Psychedelic Bar Association and the conference organizers are not able to represent you in your immigration matter. For a list of immigration resources, please see this resource list
-Carry a paper copy of emergency contacts in case your phone is confiscated. Consider bringing a small paper pad and a writing instrument in your carry-on.
-Let a friend or colleague who is also attending the conference know your travel plans and check in when your plane lands, when you disembark, and when you have successfully passed through customs.
Knowing what CBP can and cannot do is your first layer of protection. It doesn’t guarantee ease, but it can help you stay grounded in your dignity and rights.
Reducing Attention at Airports and Passport Control:
Navigating airports in a way that minimizes attention and potential scrutiny can help protect your peace of mind and ease your travel. These suggestions are not about denying who you are — they are strategies designed to help you travel smoothly and with less risk of interruption.
Dress Simply and Neutrally
-Avoid clothing that references psychedelics, political movements, or spiritual symbolism.
-Wear comfortable, neutral-toned travel clothing that doesn't draw attention.
-If traveling with traditional garments, consider packing them in your luggage and changing after arrival.
Travel Prepared
Keep your documents — passport, visa, invitation letter, hotel booking, and return flight confirmation — in a folder or travel wallet.Keep electronics charged and accessible but password-protected.
Body Language and Demeanor
-Walk calmly and with confidence.
-Avoid looking or acting rushed, flustered, or evasive.
-If approached, make eye contact and speak clearly and respectfully.
Be Thoughtful About Language
-Describe your travel purpose in neutral, honest terms: “I’m attending a health and wellness conference,” or “I’m here for an educational symposium.”
-To avoid misinterpretation, avoid references to ceremony, healing, or plant practices.
Manage Your Digital Footprint
-U.S. Customs and Border Protection may inspect phones or laptops.
-Consider removing sensitive communications, photos, and files from your devices.
-Turn off or log out of apps that contain confidential, private, or personal communications.
This section is about minimizing the risk of being misunderstood — not hiding your truth, but protecting it from being distorted. You are not required to share everything about your life or beliefs at the U.S. border. Giving too much information, especially using language that might be misinterpreted, can cause delays or suspicion. Here are ways to communicate respectfully and safely.
What to Say
Use simple, professional descriptions of your trip:
“I’m attending an international conference on health and culture.”
“I’ve been invited to participate in an educational gathering.”
“I am a speaker at a wellness symposium.”
If asked who invited you or what your role is:
“I’m an artist/presenter/educator sharing traditional practices.”
“I’ve been invited to represent cultural / community / professional work.
”If asked about items you’re carrying:
“These are personal items used in cultural presentations.”
“They are non-commercial / artistic / ceremonial objects.”
What Not to Say
Avoid keywords that may signal suspicion, misrepresent the purpose of your visit, or otherwise trigger legal complications:
“I’m here for a psychedelic ceremony.”
“I’m carrying sacred medicine.”
“I’m participating in plant healing rituals.”
“I’m here to work.”
Avoid references to:
Psychedelics or psychoactive substances (even if traditional or non-ingestible)
Spiritual or shamanic ceremonies
Indigenous medicine if not clearly defined in secular or cultural terms“Working” in the U.S. Even if you are not paid, “working” while in the U.S. on a tourist visa violates U.S. immigration law, and can result in being denied entry, removal, and problems returning to the U.S. in the future.
Keep Answers Short and Respectful
-Do not joke or make light of your reason for travel.
-If asked more than once, repeat your original answer calmly.
-If you are unsure how to answer, you can show your invitation letter or registration confirmation.
Sometimes travelers are subjected to unfair scrutiny. Being stopped, searched, or questioned by airport or border authorities can feel intimidating and disorienting. Preparation, clarity, and community support are your greatest allies in these moments. These guidelines can help you respond with calm, honesty, and self-respect.
Stay Calm and Grounded
Take a deep breath before responding.
Keep your tone polite and even.
Do not argue, escalate, or show signs of panic, even if you feel anxious.
Use Key Phrases
You have the right to:
Ask questions, especially if you are having a hard time understanding the request or question posed to you.
Ask immigration officials to repeat the question, or for interpretation support if you have any doubts about the question.
Ask, “Am I free to go?” If not, ask, “Am I being detained?” You may also ask why you are being detained.
If detained, you may say, “I do not consent to this search.” Please note that CBP has the right to search your belongings and may continue to do so despite your lack of consent.
Request: “I would like to contact my consulate or a lawyer.” If you feel the situation escalating, be calm and repeat your request as needed.
If held for an extended period, you may request water or a snack
Document the Encounter
If you are detained, searched, or treated disrespectfully:
Be polite, but do not volunteer extra information.
Remember or write down the names and badge numbers of the officers you interact with.
Record the time, location, and nature of any interaction.
Write down or take note of exactly what was said.
You are not required to tolerate discriminatory behavior.
Reach out to consular officials as needed.
For confidential on-site incident reporting of non-emergency matters, or requests for personal assistance not requiring police, security or emergency services, please contact the event management response center by emailing info@psychedelicscience.org. Please indicate a preferred method or contact for a reply which shall be made within the operating hours of the event.
Travel Confidently, Speak Calmly
Visibly non-Western travelers may be more likely to experience surveillance, questioning, or even mistreatment during international travel to the United States. Travelers may be questioned more thoroughly or pulled aside for additional screening. Profiling may be based on skin color, clothing, accent, national origin, faith, or accompanying items. Being prepared can protect your safety and peace of mind.
Preparing Emotionally
-Know that secondary screening and additional questioning is not unusual, and that it is likely not personal or about anything you did.
-Breathe deeply and stay grounded if you feel tension rising.
-Practice your responses in advance if it helps reduce anxiety.
Cultural Context
-We are grateful that Indigenous or traditional cultural bearers travel internationally to attend our conference.
-While your regalia and ceremonial roles hold deep meaning, U.S. authorities may not understand them.
-Preparing thoroughly can protect your dignity and ease your entry into the country.
-Clarify your role or describe your position using clear and accessible terms: “artist,” “presenter,” “musician,” “educator,” “cultural ambassador,” or “community speaker.”
Prepare Strong Documentation
If you are a presenter, bring a printed letter from the conference organizers (on letterhead) that states:
Who you are and what your role is at the event
What items you are bringing and their purpose (e.g. performance, education) That you are not bringing anything for sale, exchange, or ingestion
If applicable, bring a letter from your community or tribe stating your representative status
Travel Confidently, Speak Calmly
-Walk and speak with the knowledge that your role is important.
-If questioned, return to your documentation and use respectful, consistent language.
Some traditional tools used in performance or ceremonial contexts may be misunderstood by airport or customs officials. It’s important to pack them thoughtfully and describe them in secular, cultural, or artistic terms.
Please note that CBP may confiscate items despite their cultural significance. For example, proper permits are needed to legally import some feathers. If this process is followed and the item is still confiscated, CBP will provide a receipt notice demonstrating the seizure.
Retrieving confiscated items requires filing a petition for remission and a seized asset claim. If this happens to you, please contact the Psychedelic Bar Association for additional information.
Regalia
Pack intentionally.
-Ritual clothing and adornment, such as robes, headdresses or coronas, and jewelry should be packed separately to prioritize protection and ease of access.
-Carry these items with you on the flight rather than in your checked bag.
-Consider using garment bags, cardboard boxes, or hard-shell carry-on bags.
-Consider labeling items (with the broad language suggested above).
-Be prepared to explain the context of how the item is worn or used in a ritual setting and its significance as an expression of cultural identity and/or spiritual belief and/or artistic expression.
Instruments
-Pack drums, rattles, flutes, and other instruments in padded cases labeled “musical instrument.”
-If possible, include a note or label inside the case: “Used in cultural and artistic presentations – not for sale.
-”Avoid attaching feathers, bone, or plant materials externally to the instrument or case.
Feathers and Endangered Species
-Without proper authorization, please do not travel with eagle feathers or feathers from endangered or protected species (such as hawks or owls).
-For a list of migratory bird species that are protected, please look into the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
-Do not travel with parts of endangered species of any kind: bones, teeth, claws or any other part. Traveling with these in the U.S., even if permitted in your own country, may subject you to U.S. criminal laws and forfeiture.
-If you are a member of a federally recognized tribe in the U.S., you may be able to travel with eagle feathers and parts for cultural or religious purposes with the proper documentation. If this is relevant to you, please look into how to obtain a permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
-Only bring commercially available or farmed bird feathers (e.g., turkey or rooster), and know their origin.
-Wrap them securely and consider labeling them: “Decorative feather – commercially sourced.”
Plant-Based Items
-Avoid transporting bundles, powders, teas, barks, or resins that could resemble controlled substances. If you must bring plant-based items:
-Keep them in their original packaging if commercially purchased.Label them with botanical names and intended use.
-Include printed documentation or ingredient lists when possible.
-Put them in your checked luggage, not in your carry-on.
Use Photos and Descriptions
-Keep photos of how the items are used in cultural settings to help explain their purpose.
-If questioned, refer to them as: “educational props,” “traditional instruments,” or “artistic materials.”
-Do not travel with photographs of activities or materials that would be illegal in the United States.
Travelers have successfully crossed borders with these items by being clear, respectful, and well-prepared. If an item is not essential to your work at the conference, consider leaving it at home.
