Roberta Aguirre
Washington Dulles International Airport offers Mobile Passport Control (MPC) to US citizens, lawful permanent residents, Canadian B1/B2, and returning visa waiver program applicants. The MPC app streamlines the entry process into the US by reducing passport control inspection time, congestion, and overall wait time. MPC is available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. However, some travelers have reported difficulties in locating the MPC line at Dulles Airport, and there have been instances of long processing lines and technical issues.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | Washington Dulles International Airport |
| Mobile Passport Control (MPC) App Availability | Available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store |
| MPC App Benefits | Faster process through U.S. Customs, reduced passport control inspection time, less congestion, shorter wait times |
| MPC App Usage | Set up profile with passport information, answer CBP questions about your trip, submit data to CBP upon landing |
| MPC App Submission Duration | Active for 4 hours |
| MPC App Group Submission | Supports up to 12 people from one device |
| MPC App Data Security | Information is shared only with CBP and is submitted via secure encryption protocols |
| MPC App Line Location | On the right side of the immigration hall, along with Global Entry, diplomats, and crew lines |
| Passport Scanning | Not required; kiosk with facial comparison technology is used |
| User Feedback | Reports of long lines and confusion between 'Main' and 'Midfield' destinations |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
MPC app availability and eligibility
Mobile Passport Control (MPC) is available at Washington Dulles International Airport. MPC is a free app that can be downloaded by eligible travellers with a smartphone or tablet from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. MPC is designed to speed up a traveller's entry process into the United States by reducing passport control inspection time, congestion, and overall wait time.
MPC is currently available at 53 sites, including 35 U.S. international airports, 14 preclearance locations, and 4 seaports of entry. It is important to note that MPC does not replace your passport, but it does eliminate the need for a paper declaration form. Your passport information will be saved in the app for future use.
To use MPC, eligible travellers must set up a profile by entering their profile information as it appears on their valid, official passport. Family profiles can also be created. Travellers will then need to take a self-photo and answer a few questions about their trip and declarations. This information will be shared with CBP (U.S. Customs and Border Protection) through secure encryption protocols. The submission is active for 4 hours, after which travellers can expect a shorter wait time as MPC allows officers to process travellers more efficiently.
MPC is available for eligible users, including U.S. Citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents, Canadian B1/B2, and Returning Visa Waiver Program Applicants. However, it is important to note that MPC may not be available at all airports, and if a flight is diverted to an airport that does not utilize MPC processing, travellers will not be able to use MPC as planned.
British Airways: Airport Check-In Options and Recommendations
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![3 Pack Slim Wallet Tracker Card, [Apple MFi Certified], Wireless Rechargeable Bluetooth Finder, Credit Card Size Item Locator, IP67 Water Resistant Tracker for Keys, Bags, Passport, Travel, iOS Only](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71vq-TVSu7L._AC_UY218_.jpg)
MPC app process
Mobile Passport Control (MPC) is an official application created by U.S. Customs and Border Protection to streamline the CBP inspection process at select U.S. entry locations. MPC is currently available at 53 sites, including 35 U.S. international airports, 14 preclearance locations, and 4 seaports of entry. Washington Dulles International Airport is one of the airports that offers MPC.
The MPC app process involves the following steps:
- Download the MPC app on your Apple or Android device.
- Set up your profile by entering your passport information and taking a self-photo. You can also set up profiles for your family members.
- Answer CBP inspection questions about your trip and review your information.
- Upon landing, connect to the airport's Wi-Fi or use your cellular data plan to submit your data to CBP.
- Look for signage at Customs directing you to the MPC line.
- Finalize your inspection with a CBP officer.
It is important to note that MPC does not replace your physical passport, and you will still need to present it during travel. MPC also does not replace any required travel documents, such as ESTA for Visa Waiver Program travelers. Additionally, your submission in the MPC app is only active for four hours. By submitting your travel details in advance, you can speed up your interaction with the CBP officer and reduce overall wait times.
Volunteers at Airports: Unpaid Workers, How?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![Slim Wallet Tracker Card 2 Pack, [Apple MFi Certified], Wireless Charging Bluetooth Finder, Credit Card Size Locator, IP67 Waterproof, Works with Apple Find My for Wallet, Keys, Bags, iOS Only](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71R7M09hNUL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
MPC vs. Global Entry
Mobile Passport Control (MPC) is an app that allows travellers to skip the long lines at customs by scanning their passports and taking a picture through the app. MPC is available at over 50 sites, including 35 U.S. international airports, 14 pre-clearance locations, and 4 seaports of entry. The app is free to use and can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. To use MPC, travellers must set up a profile by scanning their passport and entering their details. Upon arrival at a participating airport, travellers can open the app, submit their customs declaration, and take an electronic receipt with a QR code to show to the CBP officer at the MPC-designated line. MPC allows officers to process travellers more efficiently, resulting in shorter wait times.
Global Entry (GE) is a similar program offered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection that provides expedited processing at airports. GE is available at 77 airports as of 2024 and offers dedicated lines that are usually faster than standard ones. GE also utilizes facial recognition technology, allowing travellers to bypass the passport check at the kiosk. However, GE comes with a significant fee, although some credit card providers may cover the cost.
Both MPC and GE aim to expedite the airport experience by allowing travellers to complete pre-clearance formalities before arriving at the airport. MPC is useful for travellers who are not U.S. citizens, as it is available to lawful permanent residents, Canadian visitors, and returning visa-waiver applicants. Additionally, MPC can be beneficial for families travelling together, as it allows everyone in the group to expedite their customs and border protection checks. In some cases, the MPC lines may be just as fast as or even faster than the GE lines.
When deciding between MPC and GE, it is important to consider the airports you frequently travel through, as not all airports offer both options. Additionally, the cost may be a factor, as MPC is free while GE requires a fee. Ultimately, both programs offer similar benefits, and the choice depends on individual preferences and eligibility.
Exploring Casablanca During a Layover: Can We Leave the Airport?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
MPC line location at Dulles
Mobile Passport Control (MPC) is available at Washington Dulles International Airport. The MPC line at Dulles can be found in the regular customs hall, next to the Global Entry/diplomat line.
To locate the MPC line at Dulles, look out for the signage and arrows directing you to the correct area. As you exit the escalator, walk straight ahead, slightly to the right, towards the Global Entry line. The MPC line is located on the far right side of the immigration hall, along with the lines for diplomats and crew. It will be approximately the third or fourth line from the right.
When using MPC, you can expect shorter wait times as the app streamlines the entry process into the United States by reducing passport control inspection time and congestion. However, it's important to note that MPC does not replace your passport or other required travel documents. Make sure to have your passport ready and follow the instructions provided by the MPC app and airport signage.
Additionally, when using MPC at Dulles, you may need to specify whether you are arriving at \"Main\" or \"Midfield." \"Midfield\" typically applies if you have a connecting flight, while \"Main\" indicates that Dulles is your final destination.
Best Place to Exchange Currency: Airports or Somewhere Else?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
MPC and biometric entry
Washington Dulles International Airport offers U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, Canadian B1/B2, and returning Visa Waiver Program applicants a faster process through U.S. Customs via Mobile Passport Control (MPC). The MPC app streamlines the entry process into the United States by reducing passport control inspection time, congestion, and overall wait time.
To use MPC, eligible travellers with a smartphone or tablet can download the Mobile Passport Control app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. After setting up a profile with passport information and trip details, travellers can submit their data to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) upon landing. This allows travellers to bypass the regular passport lines and proceed to the designated MPC line, which is usually shared with Global Entry, diplomats, and crew.
While MPC aims to expedite the passport control process, some users have reported challenges in identifying the correct line at Dulles Airport. Additionally, there have been instances where travellers were unable to locate the MPC line within the large customs area. It is important to follow the signs and seek assistance if needed.
MPC does not replace the need for a physical passport. Travellers are still required to carry their passports and present them during the inspection process. MPC also differs from Global Entry, and users should consider their specific needs when choosing between the two options.
In terms of biometric entry, CBP has implemented facial comparison technology as part of the MPC process. This technology enhances border security by detecting impostors and streamlining the traveller's international arrivals experience. Travellers using MPC no longer need to scan their passports or fingerprints. Instead, they simply look into a camera for facial recognition, and the system verifies their identity against their passport photo.
Airport Scanners: Can They Detect Cigar Packs?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
MPC is an app that allows eligible travellers to skip the regular passport lines at Dulles Airport by submitting their passport information and travel details in advance.
Download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, set up your profile, answer some questions about your trip, and submit your data to CBP once you land. Then, join the designated MPC line and finalise your inspection with a CBP officer.
The MPC line is located on the far right side of the immigration hall, along with the lines for Global Entry, diplomats, and crew.
Yes, MPC does not replace your physical passport. You will still need to bring your passport and present it to the CBP officer during your inspection.
No, MPC is currently only available at select airports, including Washington Dulles International Airport.
