Ruth Haines
Mobile Passport Control (MPC) is a free app that allows travellers to expedite their entry through customs when returning to the United States. It is available at 33 international airports in the US, including John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), as well as 15 international preclearance facilities and 4 seaports. The app allows users to securely store their passport information, answer customs questions, and submit declarations, all of which speed up the interaction with the CBP officer. While it does not replace a passport or other required travel documents, it can be a convenient alternative to filling out paper customs declaration forms and can make returning to the US a more pleasant experience.
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What You'll Learn
Mobile Passport Control (MPC) is available at 33 US airports
Mobile Passport Control (MPC) is a free mobile app that allows travellers to expedite the customs and immigration process at select US entry locations. It is available for download on the Apple App Store for iOS and the Google Play Store for Android devices.
MPC is currently available at 33 US airports, including major airports such as John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). It is important to note that MPC is not available at all US airports, and travellers should check the availability at their specific airport before relying on MPC for their travel needs.
Using MPC, travellers can securely submit their passport information, take a self-photo, and answer Customs and Border Protection (CBP) inspection questions electronically. This can be done ahead of time, even before landing, by connecting to Wi-Fi or using mobile data. Upon submission, travellers will receive a QR code, which they can present to a CBP officer at the designated MPC line to finalize their inspection.
The benefits of using MPC include faster processing times, as it allows CBP officers to process travellers more efficiently, and the convenience of keeping families or groups together during the inspection process. Additionally, travellers can avoid filling out paper declaration forms and can store their passport information securely in the app for future use.
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It's a free alternative to Global Entry
Mobile Passport Control (MPC) is a free alternative to Global Entry. It is a mobile app that can be used to speed up the customs process when entering the United States. The app is available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
To use Mobile Passport, travellers must first create a secure profile by providing their passport information, name, gender, date of birth, and country of citizenship. Upon arrival in the US, users can open the app, select their arrival location, take a photo of themselves, and answer a series of trip and customs declaration questions. The app then generates a QR code, which the user presents to a CBP official to finalise their entry.
Mobile Passport offers several advantages over Global Entry. Firstly, it is free to use, whereas Global Entry costs \$120 for a five-year membership. Secondly, the Mobile Passport app is widely accessible and easy to set up, requiring only a mobile device and a stable internet connection. In contrast, applying for Global Entry involves a lengthy process, including completing a detailed application form, undergoing a federal background check, and attending an in-person interview at an enrolment centre.
Another benefit of Mobile Passport is shorter wait times. While Global Entry kiosks can have long lines, Mobile Passport users have access to dedicated lanes at participating airports, often resulting in faster processing. Additionally, Mobile Passport allows users to submit information for multiple people from a single device, enabling families or groups to stay together during the customs process.
However, it is worth noting that Mobile Passport is not a replacement for a passport or a trusted traveller program. It simply replaces the traditional paper customs declaration form or the Automated Passport Control kiosk. Eligible travellers who have Global Entry can use Mobile Passport as a complementary option, choosing the shorter line at border control. Therefore, Mobile Passport provides a convenient, free alternative to Global Entry, offering travellers a faster and more efficient customs clearance experience when entering the United States.
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It's not a replacement for a physical passport
Mobile Passport Control (MPC) is a free app that allows travellers to expedite their passage through customs and border protection when entering the US. It is available at 46 locations, including 33 US international airports, nine pre-clearance locations, and four cruise ports.
While the app allows users to avoid filling out paper customs declaration forms, it does not replace a physical passport. It is important to note that you must still carry your physical passport when using MPC, as it is not a substitute for the actual passport or other required travel documents. The app simply allows you to complete the necessary documentation and submit your information ahead of time, making the process faster and more convenient.
When using MPC, you will need to present your physical passport along with the QR code generated by the app. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that you have your passport with you and that it is valid and up-to-date. The app does not eliminate the need for a physical passport but rather works in conjunction with it to streamline the customs process.
Additionally, MPC does not replace any trusted traveller programs or the vetting process associated with them. For example, Global Entry, a trusted traveller program, requires an extensive background check and an in-person interview, which is not a requirement for MPC. MPC is designed to expedite the documentation process, making it quicker and easier for travellers to clear customs and border protection.
In summary, while MPC offers significant benefits in terms of convenience and speed, it is essential to understand that it does not replace the need for a physical passport or other required travel documents. It serves as a supplementary tool to enhance the efficiency of the customs process when entering the United States.
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It's available on the Apple and Google Play stores
Mobile Passport Control (MPC) is an official application created by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to streamline the customs process at most major U.S. airports and cruise ports. The app is available on the Apple App Store for iOS and the Google Play Store for Android devices. It is free to download and use.
The Mobile Passport app is a great alternative to filling out traditional paper customs declaration forms or using the Automated Passport Control kiosk upon arrival. It is also a good option for those who don't want to go through the extensive application process for Global Entry. Even if you already have Global Entry, Mobile Passport can be useful as it allows you to opt for whichever line is shorter once you reach border control.
To use the Mobile Passport app, you must first create a secure profile by entering your passport information, name, gender, date of birth, and country of citizenship. You can choose to have the app save your passport information or erase it after each trip. You will also need to take a self-photo, which can be done through the app. Once your profile is set up, you can enter your travel information, such as your arrival airport and airline, and answer CBP inspection questions. The app will then generate a QR code, which you will present to a CBP official to finalize your entry.
The Mobile Passport app is currently available in 20 of the busiest U.S. airports, including John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU). It is also available at 4 cruise ports in the United States. Notable airports that do not offer Mobile Passport include Detroit, Michigan, and Charlotte, North Carolina.
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It's a quick, easy way to clear US customs
Mobile Passport Control (MPC) is a great way to speed up your passage through US Customs and Border Protection when returning to the US. It's a free app that lets travellers use a dedicated, often shorter, customs line at US airports and cruise ports.
The app is available on the Apple App Store for iOS and the Google Play Store for Android devices. It's free to download and use, and it's an alternative to filling out a traditional paper customs declaration form or using the Automated Passport Control kiosk. It's important to note that Mobile Passport is not a replacement for a passport and is not a trusted traveller program. You must still carry your physical passport and present it to the CBP officer before leaving the airport.
To use the app, you'll need to set up a secure profile with your passport information, name, gender, date of birth, and country of citizenship. You can scan your passport or enter the information manually. You'll also need to upload a selfie. Once your profile is set up, using the app is straightforward. When you land in the US, connect to Wi-Fi or use your mobile data to open the app. You'll be prompted to select your arrival location, take a new photo, and answer a series of questions about your trip and declarations. After submitting this information, you'll receive an electronic receipt with a QR code to show to a CBP official.
Mobile Passport Control is a great option if you're looking for a faster, more efficient way to clear US Customs. It's free, easy to use, and available at 33 international airports in the US, as well as 15 international preclearance facilities and 4 seaports.
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Frequently asked questions
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.
All you have to do to use the service is download the CBP Mobile Passport app, fill out some personal information, snap a selfie and then proceed to a designated (usually much shorter) line once you reach passport control.
No, Mobile Passport Control is available at 33 international airports in the US. Notable airports that are not on the list include Detroit, Michigan, and Charlotte, North Carolina.
No, the service is currently not available for US Lawful Permanent Residents.
No, you must still carry your physical passport and present it to the CBP officer before leaving the airport.
