Roberta Aguirre
Mobile Passport Control (MPC) is a free app that allows travellers to skip long lines at airport security. It is available to download on both the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. MPC is an alternative to Global Entry and is available at 33 US airports and 4 cruise ports. The app allows users to submit their passport and customs declaration information via their mobile device, reducing passport control inspection time and overall wait time. However, it is important to note that MPC is not available at all US airports.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Availability | Available at 33 U.S. airports, 4 cruise ports, and 14 Preclearance airport locations including Abu Dhabi, Aruba, Bermuda, Dublin, Nassau, and several cities in Canada |
| Cost | Free to download and use |
| Requirements | Requires a valid passport, and a mobile device |
| Benefits | Reduces wait times, allows users to skip the regular line, allows families to stay together, and provides a separate shorter queue |
| Application Process | Requires users to create a profile with their passport information, take a self-photo, and answer questions about their arrival and declarations |
| Accepted Identification | REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses, state-issued photo identity cards, U.S. passports, DHS trusted traveler cards, and more |
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What You'll Learn
Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app availability
Mobile Passport Control (MPC) is an official mobile application created by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. It streamlines the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) inspection process at select U.S. entry locations, including 35 U.S. international airports, 14 preclearance locations, and 4 seaports of entry. The MPC app is available for download on Apple and Android devices.
To use the MPC app, users must first scan their passports. The app saves the passport information for future use. Users then take a self-photo and answer questions about their arrival and declarations. This submission is active for four hours. By submitting travel details ahead of time, users can expect faster interactions with CBP officers. The app also allows users to add up to 11 additional members of their group to a single submission, keeping families and friends together.
It is important to note that MPC does not replace a physical passport. Travellers are still required to carry their passports and present them upon request. Additionally, MPC may not be available at all airports, and users are advised to check if their airport offers MPC before relying on it.
The MPC app provides a convenient and efficient way for eligible individuals to speed up their CBP inspection process when entering the United States through select ports of entry.
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MPC app benefits
The Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app is an official application created by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). It is available for Apple and Android devices and offers several benefits to travellers.
Firstly, the MPC app streamlines the CBP inspection process at select U.S. entry locations, including major U.S. airports and cruise ports. By submitting travel details and answering CBP inspection questions in advance through the app, travellers can save time and expedite their interaction with CBP officers. This is particularly advantageous for groups of up to 12 people, as it allows them to stay together during the inspection process instead of going to the booth individually.
Secondly, the MPC app provides a secure platform for sharing sensitive information. It uses secure encryption protocols to submit document information and responses directly to CBP, ensuring the privacy and security of user data. Additionally, the app offers a convenient way to store travel documents and biographic information, which can be easily accessed and reused for future trips.
Furthermore, the MPC app offers a shorter wait time compared to traditional inspection lanes. Dedicated MPC lines at customs allow officers to process travellers more efficiently, reducing overall wait times. This benefit is especially notable when compared to the longer lines associated with other entry programs.
Lastly, the MPC app is free to use and does not require a subscription or additional cost. It serves as a great alternative to paid programs like Global Entry, making it a cost-effective option for travellers seeking expedited customs processing.
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MPC app process
Mobile Passport Control (MPC) is an official application created by U.S. Customs and Border Protection that streamlines the CBP inspection process at select U.S. entry locations. The MPC app is available on iOS and Android devices and is operational at 29 US airports, 10 international airports offering preclearance facilities, and 4 seaports.
To use the MPC app, eligible travellers must first download the app and scan their passports to get started. The app will then prompt users to take a self-photo and answer questions about their arrival and declarations. This submission is active for four hours and allows travellers to speed up their interaction with the CBP officer. It is important to note that MPC does not replace any required travel documents, such as passports, and is simply an additional tool to expedite the CBP process.
Once travellers have submitted their information through the MPC app, they can proceed to the designated MPC line, which is usually marked with signage. At this point, travellers will need to present their physical passports and briefly speak with a CBP officer to finalise their inspection. This process is expected to be shorter than the regular CBP process as officers can process travellers more efficiently through the MPC system.
The MPC app is particularly useful for groups of travellers, as it allows up to 12 people to be added to a single submission from one device. This means that families or friends travelling together can stay together when speaking to the CBP officer, instead of going up to the booth individually. Additionally, the MPC app provides an estimated wait time feature, which can help travellers plan their time accordingly.
It is important to note that MPC services may not be available at all airports, and travellers should check the availability at their specific airport before relying on the MPC app for their travel needs.
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MPC vs. Global Entry
Mobile Passport Control (MPC) and Global Entry are two different programs that aim to expedite the airport experience, especially when going through customs. Both programs are run by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency. Here is a detailed comparison between the two:
MPC
MPC is a mobile application that can be used by U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, Canadian visitors, and returning visa-waiver applicants. It is available on both Apple and Android devices. Users can create a profile by scanning their passports and entering their details. Upon arrival at a participating airport, users open the app and submit their customs declaration, receiving an electronic receipt with a QR code to be scanned at the MPC designated line. MPC lanes at airports tend to have shorter queues, and users can include all members of their party on their submission (up to 12 people), allowing families and groups to stay together. MPC is currently available at over 50 sites, including 35 U.S. international airports, 14 preclearance locations, and 4 seaports of entry.
Global Entry
Global Entry is a federal Trusted Traveler program that provides expedited entry into the U.S. and includes access to TSA PreCheck. It requires users to undergo an extensive background check, fingerprinting, and an interview appointment before being approved. It is designed for low-risk travelers and carries a $120 application fee for a five-year membership. Global Entry is accepted at many international U.S. airports, with more than 60 airports in the U.S. and select international locations offering access to dedicated kiosks for faster processing. If some members of a travel group do not have Global Entry, they must join the regular customs line, potentially causing a disruption. However, there is no application fee for minors under 18 if their parent or guardian is already a member.
Both MPC and Global Entry offer significant benefits for travelers seeking to expedite their airport experience. MPC stands out for its convenience, family-friendly features, and lack of application fees, while Global Entry provides a more comprehensive program with dedicated kiosks and TSA PreCheck access, making it ideal for frequent international travelers. The choice between the two ultimately depends on individual travel habits and preferences.
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MPC-approved airports
Mobile Passport Control (MPC) is a mobile app that enables eligible travellers entering the United States to submit their passport information and customs declaration form via smartphone or tablet. This allows travellers to expedite their passage through customs at designated airports.
MPC is available at most major US airports, including 35 US international airports, 14 preclearance locations, and 4 seaports of entry. However, it's important to check if your specific airport offers MPC before assuming it is available.
- Atlanta (ATL) – Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
- Aruba (AUA) – Aruba Queen Beatrix International Airport
- Baltimore (BWI) – Baltimore-Washington International Airport
- Bermuda – L.F. Wade International Airport
- Boston (BOS) – Boston Logan International Airport
- Honolulu (HNL) – Daniel K. Inouye International Airport
- Houston (IAH) – George Bush Intercontinental Airport
- Houston (HOU) – William P. Hobby Airport
- Kansas City (MCI) – Kansas City International Airport
- Newark (EWR) – Newark Liberty International Airport
To use MPC, download the MPC app on your iOS or Android device and scan your passport. You will then need to take a self-photo and answer questions about your arrival and declarations. Your submission is valid for four hours, after which you can finalise your inspection with a CBP officer.
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Frequently asked questions
Mobile Passport Control is a free app that helps travellers reduce the time spent in line at customs. It is available on both the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.
After downloading the MPC app, users can create a profile with their passport information. The app then prompts users to answer a series of Customs and Border Protection questions and take a selfie. Once submitted, users receive an electronic receipt with a QR code that allows them to skip the regular line and join a separate, shorter line at the designated MPC lane.
MPC is available at select US airports, including Atlanta (ATL), Aruba (AUA), Baltimore (BWI), Boston (BOS), and New York City (JFK). It is also available at 14 Preclearance airport locations outside the US, including Abu Dhabi, Aruba, Bermuda, Dublin, and Nassau.
