Do you hate waiting in the United States Customs and Border Protection line especially after a long haul flight? Is the price of Global Entry too much for your budget?
Traveling internationally can be exciting, but the process of going through U.S. customs and passport control can be frustrating when waiting on long lines. The Mobile Passport Control (MPC or cbp mpc app) App may be your answer.
I first learned about Mobile Passport coming through Miami from my trip to Curaçao. Had I known the process using Mobile Passport was so quick, I probably wouldn’t have missed my flight home. (It wasn’t that big of a deal since they sent me to the airport closer to home).
Read more about the the benefits and features of the Mobile Passport Control app and how it can help you get through customs after overseas travel in less than 5 minutes!
What is the Mobile Passport Control App?
Mobile Passport is a free mobile app available for an iOS or Android devices. It helps the port of entry process for travelers easier by submitting their customs declaration form on their smartphone instead of filling out a paper customs declaration form or using the electronic kiosks.
Who Can Use the Mobile Passport App?
This service is available for U.S. citizens with a valid US passport, Canadian visitors with both a valid Canadian passport and Canadian B (B1 or B2 visa) status and is the only authorized application by US CBP. It doesn’t eliminate the process of going through US customs, but it makes it a lot easier.
How Safe is the Mobile Passport App?
Mobile Passport Control is a secure app that uses best practices for privacy to protect data that is submitted. Much like electronic kiosks, the data securely submits your information to CBP to review. After going through, the app gives smartphone users the option to store their passport information for future use or delete.
Benefits of Using Mobile Passport Control
- Time-saving: By using the app, eligible travelers can skip the long lines at passport control, leading to shorter wait times at your arrival airport.
- Convenient: The app eliminates the need to fill out paper forms, making the process more convenient and reduces the risk of misplaced documents.
- Secure: The Mobile Passport Control app has advanced security measures to protect your personal information, ensuring a secure and private experience.
- Availability: The app is currently available at over 30 major U.S. international airports and cruise ports, including Atlanta, Miami, New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago as well as Vancouver International Airport and Toronto Pearson International airport with plans to expand to more locations in the future.
How To Use the Mobile Passport App
Using Mobile Passport is very easy. After downloading the app for your mobile device (it is available on the Google Play store or Apple App Store), create a profile and enter your passport details, personal information like your date of birth and country of citizenship.
The next step is to enter travel entry information and a series of cbp inspection-related questions. When your customs declaration information is verified and submitted, you’ll receive an electronic receipt with an encrypted QR code that expires four hours after being issued.
There is a special line at customs specifically for Mobile Passport app users. Depending on the airport, the Mobile Passport lines are shorter and quicker than the line for Global Entry users.
Bring your physical passport and digital qr-coded receipt to a CBP agent to scan and you’re done.
Please note, you must have internet connection to use Mobile Passport, submit the customs declaration form and receive the QR code receipt.
I used the app on my trip from Greece and with my mom after Tobago Carnival since I recently got accepted into the Global Entry program. We were done in about 5 minutes and were one of the first people at baggage claim.
Where To Use the Mobile Passport Control App
The Mobile Passport Control app is a great resource for both US Citizens and Canadian citizens entering the US who are frequent international travelers.
While this free app simplifies the passport control process, it is not a substitute for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck which requires a background check and in-person interview. Frequent travelers should consider applying for these trusted traveler programs for an even smoother experience.
If you are traveling with your entire family, up to 12 family members can be added. This is a huge time saver since kids often get fussy waiting in long lines.
The Mobile Passport Control App is not accepted at every US airport, but you can visit their official website to get updated on when it is available at a US airport or cruise terminal near you.
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