Houston Airport: Global Passport, What You Need To Know

The Houston Airport System includes George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU). Both airports offer Mobile Passport Control (MPC), which is a free app that allows eligible travellers to submit their passport information and answers to inspection-related questions to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) via smartphone or tablet before arrival. This service is available to U.S. citizens and Canadian visitors and aims to reduce wait times and congestion. In addition, IAH offers Global Entry, a U.S. CBP program that provides expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travellers arriving in the United States.

Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) offer Mobile Passport Control (MPC)

MPC is offered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and allows eligible travellers to voluntarily submit their passport information and answers to inspection-related questions via a smartphone or tablet app before arrival. This means travellers will no longer have to complete a paper form or use an Automated Passport Control (APC) kiosk. As a result, travellers will experience shorter wait times, less congestion and faster processing. The app is free to use and does not require pre-approval.

The introduction of MPC at Houston's airports is part of CBP's commitment to making the international arrivals process as efficient, fast and paperless as possible for travellers. It is also a result of the successful collaboration between CBP and the Houston Airport System, which has facilitated innovations like Global Entry, one-stop clearance and APC.

Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travellers upon arrival in the United States. The Global Entry interview office at Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport is located in Terminal E in the arrivals concourse. To apply for Global Entry, you must complete an online application.

MPC is an app that allows eligible travellers to expedite their arrival into the US

The Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app is a free application that can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. It is available for eligible travellers to use upon arrival at MPC-approved sites. MPC is an official application created by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that streamlines the CBP inspection process at select U.S. entry locations.

MPC allows eligible travellers to submit their travel documents, photos, and customs declaration information through a secure app on their smartphone or other mobile device. The use of MPC streamlines the traveller's entry process into the United States by reducing passport control inspection time and overall wait time. The app does not require pre-approval, and travellers who successfully use the app will no longer have to complete a paper form or use an Automated Passport Control (APC) kiosk.

To use MPC, eligible travellers will first create a profile with their passport or LPR card information. Upon arrival at eligible Preclearance locations, users must select their mode of entry in the application as "Preclearance" before selecting their departing Preclearance Port of Entry. If a traveller is not using preclearance, they will select "U.S. airport" as their mode of entry and then select their arrival airport or seaport and terminal. Travellers will then take a self-photo and answer a series of CBP inspection-related questions. Once the traveller submits their transaction through the app, they will bring their physical passport to a CBP officer to finalize their inspection for entry into the United States.

The MPC app is available at 46 locations, including 33 U.S. international airports, nine pre-clearance locations, and four cruise ports. Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) are among the airports that have adopted MPC, offering a more efficient in-person inspection process and enhancing the international arrivals experience for travellers.

Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travellers

The George Bush Intercontinental/Houston Airport (IAH) offers Global Entry, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travellers upon arrival in the United States. Global Entry members can access the Global Entry kiosk and processing lane at the airport, where their photo will be captured to verify their membership. They will then receive on-screen instructions and proceed to a CBP officer who will confirm their completion of the process.

Global Entry membership includes TSA PreCheck benefits, and applicants can enrol at the airport upon arrival, speeding up the interview process. However, all applicants must undergo a rigorous background check and in-person interview before enrolment.

Houston's other international airport, the Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), also offers Global Entry. Both airports have adopted the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app, which allows eligible travellers to voluntarily submit their passport information and answers to inspection-related questions prior to arrival. This app is free to use and can reduce wait times and congestion.

Upon arrival at customs exit control, travellers will need to present one of the following: a customs declaration form, a Global Entry kiosk receipt, or their passport information via the MPC app.

Global Entry membership includes TSA Pre✓ and is available at Houston's IAH airport

Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows pre-approved, low-risk travellers to clear inspections faster upon arrival in the United States. Global Entry membership includes TSA Pre✓ and is available at Houston's IAH airport.

At Houston's IAH airport, the Global Entry interview office is located in Terminal E in the arrivals concourse on Level 1. The Global Entry interview is typically a straightforward process lasting around 15 minutes. During the interview, a CBP officer will verify your identity, cross-check the information on your application, ask about your travel history and, in some cases, your criminal background. They will also capture your fingerprints and provide instructions on how to use the Global Entry kiosks at the airport.

To apply for Global Entry, you must complete the online application. Once CBP reviews your application, you will be contacted to schedule an interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Centre. The required documents for the interview include a valid passport, the Conditional Approval letter from your TTP account, another government-issued ID, and proof of residency.

Houston's IAH airport, also known as George Bush Intercontinental Airport, has adopted the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) program to enhance the international arrivals process. MPC is a free app that offers eligible travellers a more efficient in-person inspection with a CBP officer upon arrival in the United States. By voluntarily submitting their passport information and answering inspection-related questions via the app prior to arrival, travellers can avoid completing paper forms or using APC kiosks, resulting in shorter wait times and faster processing.

To apply for Global Entry, you must complete an online application and attend an interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Centre

The George Bush Intercontinental/Houston Airport (IAH) offers Global Entry, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travellers upon arrival in the United States. Global Entry membership includes the TSA Pre✓ benefit.

• Ensure that you are eligible for Global Entry.
• Create a Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account.
• Submit your application online and pay the $120 non-refundable application fee.
• Wait for CBP to review your application.
• If your application is conditionally approved, you will receive instructions to schedule an interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Centre.
• Attend the interview and bring your valid passport and one other form of identification, such as a driver's license or ID card. If you are a lawful permanent resident, you must present your machine-readable permanent resident card.

Please note that while 80% of applications are approved within 2 weeks, some applications can take up to 12 months or longer to be processed.

Frequently asked questions