Mobile Passport App: Airports That Support The Feature

The Mobile Passport Control app is a free, fast and easy way to speed up the customs and immigration process when entering the United States. The app is available at 46 locations, including 33 US airports, nine pre-clearance locations and four cruise ports. It enables eligible travellers to submit their passport information and customs declaration form via smartphone or tablet and go through the inspections process using an expedited lane. Users can create a secure profile with their passport information, name, gender, date of birth and country of citizenship. After landing in the United States, they select their arrival airport, take a photo of themselves and answer a series of required trip and declarations questions. The app then generates a QR code, which is presented to a customs official to finalise entry.

How does the Mobile Passport Control app work?

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 46 locations, including 33 U.S. international airports, nine pre-clearance locations, and four cruise ports.

To use the Mobile Passport Control app, you must first download the app on your Apple or Android device. Next, you will need to create a secure profile with your passport information, name, gender, date of birth, and country of citizenship. You can choose to have the app save your passport information for future use or reset it each time your forms for entry expire.

When arriving in the U.S., open the app and select your arrival location. You will then be prompted to take a photo of yourself and answer a series of required trip and declarations questions. After submitting this information, you will receive an electronic receipt with a QR code. Present this QR code to a CBP official to finalize your entry.

It is important to note that MPC does not replace your physical passport or other required travel documents. You will still need to bring your passport and any other necessary documentation when travelling. However, by submitting your travel details through the app ahead of time, you can expect a shorter wait when finalizing your inspection with a CBP officer.

Which airports use the Mobile Passport Control app?

The Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app is a free mobile application that enables eligible travellers entering the United States to submit their passport information and customs declaration form to Customs and Border Protection via smartphone or tablet. It is available to US citizens, US lawful permanent residents, Canadian B1/B2 citizen visitors, and returning Visa Waiver Program travellers with approved ESTA. The app is available on iOS and Android devices and can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play.

The MPC app is operational at 29 US airports, 10 international airports offering preclearance facilities, and four seaports. However, some sources state that it is available at 33 US airports, nine preclearance locations, and four cruise ports. This discrepancy may be due to the fact that the app has been expanding to new locations. As of 2023, it was available at the following 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
• Newark (EWR) – Newark Liberty International Airport
• JFK Airport in New York City

Using the MPC app, travellers can avoid filling out paper customs declaration forms and bypass customs and immigration kiosks at US airports and cruise terminals. It is important to note that the app does not replace a traditional passport but expedites the required documentation process. Travellers will still need to show their physical passport along with the QR code generated through the app.

How to download the Mobile Passport Control app

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. airports and cruise ports. The app is free to download without the need for an application process. It is available for both Apple and Android devices and can be downloaded from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

To download the app, simply visit the app store on your device and search for "Mobile Passport Control" or "MPC." Once you have found the app, you can download and install it on your device.

After downloading 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 choose to have the app save your passport information or reset it each time your forms for entry expire. Additionally, you can add up to 12 people to a submission from one device, allowing you to stay together when speaking to a CBP officer.

Once your profile is set up, you are ready to use the app when passing through a U.S. Customs and Border Protection checkpoint. Open the app, select your arrival location, take a photo of yourself, and answer a series of required trip and declaration questions. After submitting this information, you will receive an electronic receipt with a QR code that you will present to a CBP official to finalize your entry.

Benefits of the Mobile Passport Control app

The Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app is an official application created by U.S. Customs and Border Protection to streamline the inspection process at select U.S. entry locations. It is available at 46 locations, including 33 U.S. international airports, nine pre-clearance locations, and four cruise ports. The app is free, does not require pre-approval, and is available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Save Time and Avoid Long Lines

MPC users can save time by submitting their declaration form via the app in advance and going directly to an immigration booth upon arrival. Some airports have dedicated MPC lines, allowing users to skip the regular lines, while others direct users to a single line. When a dedicated lane is available, clearing immigration can be faster than with Global Entry.

Convenience and Ease of Use

The MPC app is convenient and easy to use. It eliminates the need for filling out paper customs declaration forms and allows users to bypass customs and immigration kiosks. Users can securely store their passport information in the app for future use, and it offers a simple process for creating profiles for up to 12 people travelling together.

Streamlined CBP Inspection Process

By submitting travel details and answering inspection questions in advance through the app, users can expedite their interaction with CBP officers. The app transmits encrypted data, including the user's photo and answers to inspection questions, directly to Customs and Border Protection. Upon arrival, users simply scan their QR code at the immigration counter or have their passport swiped to pull up their information instantly.

Keep Your Group Together

The MPC app is ideal for families or groups travelling together. It allows users to create profiles for up to 12 people on a single device and submit them in one transaction. This means that groups can stay together when speaking to a CBP officer, rather than having to go up to the booth individually.

Mobile Passport Control app vs. Global Entry

The Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app and Global Entry are both programs designed to help travellers move through customs and immigration more quickly. Here is a comparison of the two:

Mobile Passport Control App

The Mobile Passport Control app is a phone application available for both iOS and Android users. It is free to use and does not require a lengthy application process, an in-person interview, or renewal. It is run by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency and is available at 47 sites, including 33 U.S. international airports. Only U.S. citizens, Canadian citizen visitors, and legal permanent residents are eligible to use the Mobile Passport. With the MPC app, users can pre-fill their arrival information and scan their passports before going through passport control. The app stores the information in a QR code that passengers scan upon arrival, expediting the document formalities. Additionally, users can add up to 12 people to their family group on Mobile Passport. However, it does not provide the same level of convenience as Global Entry, as it does not include TSA PreCheck.

Global Entry

Global Entry is a federal Trusted Traveler program available to pre-approved members who have completed a screening process. It is also run by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency and is available at twice as many airports as Mobile Passport. Global Entry requires an extensive background check and an in-person interview appointment before approval. It is designed for low-risk travellers and carries a fee for a five-year membership. Global Entry members can move through an expedited line, fill out any paperwork, and access TSA PreCheck services. However, each family member must apply individually for approval, and it may take a long time to get approved.

In conclusion, both programs offer benefits for travellers. Mobile Passport is free, easy to use, and available at many major airports. On the other hand, Global Entry provides more convenience with TSA PreCheck and expedited lines, but it comes with a cost and a more lengthy application process. The choice between the two depends on individual travel needs and preferences.

Frequently asked questions