No one likes to wait in the immigration line — especially not when coming back from a long international trip. But here’s a lesser-known shortcut offered by US Border & Customs Protection: The free Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app. Getting this tool prior to returning back to the United States from out-of-the-country trip offers several significant advantages for international travelers entering the United States:
Primary Benefits
Expedited Entry Processing The app allows you to submit your passport information and customs declaration form electronically before arriving at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) inspection points. This pre-submission significantly reduces your processing time when entering the country.
Dedicated Processing Lanes At participating airports and seaports, MPC users have access to dedicated lanes that typically have shorter wait times than standard processing lanes. These special lanes function similarly to Global Entry lanes but without requiring the extensive application process or fee of Global Entry.
No Pre-Approval Required Unlike Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI programs, the Mobile Passport Control app doesn’t require pre-approval, background checks, interviews, or enrollment fees. You can download and begin using the app immediately.
Wide Availability The MPC app is available at over 30 major U.S. airports and seaports, covering most major international entry points to the United States.
How It Works
- Download and Setup: Install the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and create a profile with your passport information.
- Trip Information: Upon arrival in the U.S., connect to Wi-Fi or mobile data, open the app, and select your arrival airport and airline.
- Answer Questions: Complete the standard customs declaration questions that you would normally answer on the paper form.
- Submit and Receive: Submit your information to CBP and receive an electronic receipt with a QR code that’s valid for 4 hours.
- Present at Customs: Show your passport and the QR code to a CBP officer in the designated Mobile Passport Control lane.
Eligibility
The app is available to:
- U.S. citizens with a valid U.S. passport
- Canadian citizens with a valid Canadian passport
- Legal permanent residents with a valid green card
Privacy and Security Considerations
The app uses secure encryption standards to protect your personal information. Data submitted through the app is only stored temporarily and according to CBP’s retention policies. For travelers concerned about privacy, this offers a reasonable balance between convenience and data security.