Sachin Walls
Mobile Passport Control (MPC) is an app that allows travellers to complete part of their immigration process before presenting at a pre-clearance facility, cutting wait times and congestion. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices and can be downloaded from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Once downloaded, users can create a secure profile with their passport information, name, gender, date of birth, and country of citizenship. Upon arrival at a port of entry, users can submit their travel details and proceed to the designated MPC lane. This allows travellers to save time and bypass the regular customs and immigration kiosks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Availability | Available at 46 locations, including 33 U.S. international airports, 9 pre-clearance locations, and 4 cruise ports |
| Cost | Free |
| Requirements | A valid passport, a mobile device with a camera, and a mobile connection or Wi-Fi |
| Setup | Download the MPC app, create a profile with your passport information, name, gender, date of birth, and country of citizenship |
| Usage | Open the app, select your arrival location, take a photo, answer trip and declaration questions, and proceed to the designated MPC line at CBP facilities |
| Benefits | Faster processing, shorter wait times, less congestion, no need for paper forms, ability to add family members to a single submission |
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What You'll Learn
Download the MPC app
The MPC app is free and can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. It is available for both iOS and Android devices.
Once you have downloaded the app, you will need to create a secure profile. This will include your passport information, name, gender, date of birth, and country of citizenship. You can also add up to 12 people to a submission from one device, which is useful if you are travelling with a group or family. This means you can stay together when you speak to the CBP officer.
The app is encrypted and uses a pin or touch/face ID via the settings on your mobile device. It will require you to take a photo and complete the questions on the form. The app transmits this encrypted data to Customs and Border Protection.
The MPC app is a convenient way to avoid long lines at U.S. Customs and Border Protection. It is a fast, free alternative to Global Entry.
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Submit your travel details
To use MPC at an airport, you will need to submit your travel details via the MPC app. This can be done from your mode of transport or upon arrival at a port of entry, for example, on a plane or at the airport.
To submit your travel details, you will need to download the MPC app onto your mobile device. The MPC app is available for Apple and Android devices and can be downloaded for free from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Once you have downloaded the app, you will need to create a secure profile by providing your passport information, name, gender, date of birth, and country of citizenship. You can also add up to 12 people to your submission, so you can stay together when you speak to the CBP officer. This is a great option for families travelling together.
After setting up your profile, you will be prompted to select your arrival location, take a selfie, and answer a series of required trip and declaration questions. Your passport information will be saved in the app for future use. Your submission is active for four hours. By submitting these travel details through the app ahead of time, you will speed up your interaction with the CBP officer.
Once you have submitted the information through the app, you will receive an electronic receipt with a QR code. You will need to present this QR code to a CBP official to finalize your entry. This will allow you to bypass customs and immigration kiosks and move more quickly through U.S. Customs and Border Protection checkpoints.
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Head to the designated MPC lane
Once you have completed the necessary steps on the MPC app, you can head to the designated MPC lane. This lane is usually marked with signage and is separate from the standard lanes. The MPC lane is typically much shorter, allowing you to save time and avoid the long lines at passport control.
When you reach the CBP officer in the designated MPC lane, you will be asked to present your passport and may be required to provide additional information. If you are travelling with a group, you can stay together when speaking to the officer, rather than going up to the booth individually. This further streamlines the process and ensures that your group clears passport control efficiently.
The designated MPC lane offers a faster and more convenient alternative to the regular lanes. By using the MPC app and taking advantage of the designated lane, you can benefit from shorter wait times and expedited processing. This is especially useful when returning from an international trip, as it helps you move more quickly through customs and immigration checkpoints.
It is important to note that MPC is not available at all airports, so be sure to check if your arrival or preclearance airport offers MPC services before relying on this option. Additionally, while MPC can speed up your interaction with the CBP officer, it does not replace your traditional passport. You will still need to carry your physical passport and present it as required.
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Present your QR code
After downloading the MPC app and filling out your details, you will receive an electronic receipt with a QR code. This QR code is a crucial part of the MPC process and will be used by the CBP officer to pull up your information and finalize your entry.
When you reach the designated MPC lane, make your way to a CBP officer. Present the QR code on your phone to the officer, who will scan it. This will bring up your application for processing. The CBP officer will then take a photo of one member of your travelling party for facial comparison purposes. This photo is only stored for a couple of days, and only on your device.
The QR code contains all the information you have submitted through the app, including your photo and customs declaration information. This means that when you scan the code, the CBP officer will be able to access all your details and verify your identity without the need for paper forms. This speeds up the process for both travellers and officers.
The MPC app is designed to help travellers move more quickly through customs and immigration processes. By using the app and presenting your QR code, you can bypass the regular kiosks and lines, saving time and avoiding the need for paper forms. This is especially useful for families travelling together, as the app allows you to create profiles for multiple family members.
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Finalise your inspection
Once you have submitted your application and you are off the plane, head to the designated MPC lanes at CBP facilities. When you reach a CBP officer, one member of your travelling party will need to step forward to have their photo taken. This photo is used to pull up and process the application for each member of your group. It is important to note that CBP deletes photos taken at passport control facilities within a few days, and photos taken on your smartphone remain on your device and are not stored on CBP servers.
At this point, you will be directed to a specific processing lane for a streamlined entry process. You will need to show your passport and can expect to be asked the usual questions. You will also need to present the QR code you received after submitting your information through the app. This will finalise your entry.
The MPC app is a great alternative to Global Entry, especially if you are waiting for approval or do not travel enough to warrant the program's application fee. While Global Entry is generally faster, MPC is free, and you can pick which mode of entry to use upon arrival.
It is important to check if your U.S. return and preclearance airport offers MPC, as you will not be able to use it if your flight is diverted to an airport that does not utilise MPC processing.
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Frequently asked questions
Mobile Passport Control (MPC) is a free program that helps travellers move more quickly through US Customs and Border Protection checkpoints when returning to the US from an international trip.
Travellers can download the MPC app on their mobile device and fill out their passport information, take a self-photo, and answer a few questions about their arrival and declarations. At the airport, travellers can then join the designated MPC line and finalise their inspection with a CBP officer by scanning the QR code received in the app.
The MPC app is free to download and use.
Global Entry is a paid program that allows travellers to expedite their trip through US Customs and Border Protection ports of entry. Global Entry members submit an application, pay a fee, and undergo a screening interview. While Global Entry is generally faster than MPC, it is not free.
MPC is available at 33 US airports, 9 pre-clearance locations, and 4 cruise ports.
