Mobile Passport Control: Which Airports Offer This Service?

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 app is available on iOS and Android devices and is operational at 29 US airports, 10 international airports offering preclearance facilities, and 4 seaports. Eligible travelers can submit their passport and trip details via their mobile device to CBP officials and then access an expedited line. This enables travelers to bypass the long lines and excessive processing times that can be experienced at some airports.

Airports with dedicated MPC lanes

The Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app is a free, official application created by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to streamline the CBP inspection process at select U.S. entry points. It is available on iOS and Android devices and is operational in 29 US airports, 10 international airports, and 4 seaports.

The app is particularly useful for parents travelling with children, groups of family or friends, or those who are waiting for approval for a Trusted Traveller Program. It is also a good option for those who do not want to spend money on or go through the extensive application process for Global Entry.

Using the MPC app, eligible travellers can submit their passport and trip details via their mobile device to CBP officials and then access an expedited lane. This means that users can avoid filling out paper customs declaration forms and bypass customs and immigration kiosks at US airports and cruise terminals.

• Atlanta (ATL) – Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• Aruba (AUA) – Aruba Queen Beatrix International Airport
• Baltimore (BWI) – Baltimore-Washington 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
• Las Vegas (LAS) – Las Vegas Harry Ried International Airport
• Los Angeles (LAX) – Los Angeles International Airport
• New York City (JFK) – John F. Kennedy International Airport
• Newark (EWR) – Newark Liberty International Airport

MPC app features

The MPC app is designed to help travellers avoid long airport lines and speed up the customs and immigration process at US border entry checkpoints. The app is available for download on iOS and Android devices and can be used at 29 US airports, 10 international airports, and 4 seaports.

The MPC app allows eligible travellers to submit their passport information and customs declaration form to Customs and Border Protection via smartphone or tablet. This enables travellers to bypass the regular lines and use an expedited lane. The app is free to use and does not require pre-approval. It is important to note that while the MPC app expedites the documentation process, it does not replace a traditional passport, and users will still need to present their physical passport and briefly speak with a CBP officer.

To use the MPC app, travellers must first download it from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. They can then scan their passport, take a self-photo, and answer a few questions about their arrival and declarations. This submission is active for four hours, during which travellers can present their phone's QR code, along with their passport, to a CBP officer for inspection. The app also allows users to create profiles for up to 12 people, making it convenient for families or groups travelling together.

The MPC app is particularly useful for travellers who do not qualify for a Trusted Traveler Program or Global Entry but still want to take advantage of expedited processing. By using the MPC app, travellers can significantly reduce their wait times and experience a smoother and faster entry process when returning to the US or entering Canada. It is important to note that some airports have dedicated MPC lanes, while others direct MPC users to the general arrival lanes, which can be disappointing during peak hours.

MPC app availability

The Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app is available for download on iOS and Android devices. It is currently operational in 29 US airports, 10 international airports offering preclearance facilities, and 4 seaports.

The MPC app is authorized by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and was previously operated by Airside Mobile. The app is free and does not require pre-approval. It is available for download from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

MPC enables eligible travelers entering the United States to submit their passport information and customs declaration form to CBP via smartphone or tablet. This allows travelers to bypass the regular lines and use an expedited lane during the customs process.

MPC is available at the following US airports:

• Atlanta (ATL) – Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• Aruba (AUA) – Aruba Queen Beatrix International Airport
• Baltimore (BWI) – Baltimore-Washington 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
• Las Vegas (LAS) – Las Vegas Harry Ried International Airport
• Los Angeles (LAX) – Los Angeles International Airport
• New York City (JFK) – John F. Kennedy International Airport
• Newark (EWR) – Newark Liberty International Airport

MPC app vs Global Entry

Mobile Passport Control (MPC) is an official application created by U.S. Customs and Border Protection that streamlines your CBP inspection process at select U.S. entry locations. It is available at most major U.S. airports, including Atlanta (ATL), Houston (HOU), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), and Las Vegas (LAS). The MPC app is free and can be downloaded on Apple or Android devices. Users complete customs declaration documents and take a self-photo on arrival at the entry point. The MPC app stores the information in a QR code that passengers scan upon arrival, expediting the document formalities. Up to 12 people living in the same household can submit one profile using the MPC app, which is helpful for families travelling together.

Global Entry, also run by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency, requires an extensive background check and an interview appointment before being approved. It is designed for low-risk travellers and carries a $120 application fee for a five-year membership period. The Global Entry application fee is non-refundable, and there is no fee for children under 18 if their parent or guardian is already a member. The Global Entry app allows users to take a selfie after getting off the plane and then proceed directly to the officer.

Both MPC and Global Entry can speed up the time it takes to get through customs. MPC is free and can be used by anyone with a mobile device, whereas Global Entry has a significant fee and not everyone is eligible for the program. MPC may be a good option for those who don't want to go through the extensive application process for Global Entry or are waiting for approval. However, Global Entry may be worth the time and money for frequent international travellers. It is important to note that MPC and Global Entry are two different programs, and some travellers may benefit from having both options available.

MPC app vs Airside app

Mobile Passport Control (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. It is available at most major U.S. airports, including Atlanta (ATL), Houston (HOU), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), and Las Vegas Harry Ried International Airport (LAS). The MPC app is free to download on Apple or Android devices and allows users to securely store passport information, take a self-photo, and answer CBP inspection questions ahead of time, expediting the customs process upon arrival. Additionally, MPC supports group submissions, allowing up to 12 people to be added from a single device, keeping families and travel groups together during the inspection process.

On the other hand, the Airside Mobile Passport app, previously operated by Airside Mobile, has been discontinued as of February 1, 2022. Airside provided a platform for users to store and share verified passports, driver's licenses, and other ID documents. The app ensured user privacy and control over their data, allowing them to decide when and with whom to share their ID information. Airside also offered services with partners like Alaska Airlines and Curaçao Express Pass to enhance users' travel experiences. While the Airside app is no longer available for submitting passport and travel entry information to CBP, it continues to provide digital identity services, empowering users to store and share their verified documents securely.

Both MPC and Airside apps aim to facilitate travellers' journeys by offering digital solutions for identity verification and streamlining airport processes. However, MPC, as an official CBP application, is now the primary app for Mobile Passport Control, providing a seamless and expedited customs experience for eligible travellers at select U.S. entry points.

While MPC offers a free and efficient alternative to Trusted Traveller Programs like Global Entry, it does not provide entry to those programs. MPC users should be aware that some airports may have removed MPC receipt scanners, leading to longer processing times despite having dedicated MPC lanes. Nonetheless, MPC remains a convenient option for travellers seeking to expedite their customs process and avoid filling out paper declaration forms.

Frequently asked questions