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The Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app offers a faster, hassle-free entry into the U.S. for eligible travelers. Free to use and easy to set up, it’s a great alternative to Global Entry—especially for families and group travelers.
Tired of long lines at United States Customs after an international flight? There’s a free and convenient solution right at your fingertips. The Customs and Border Protection offers the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app, a time-saving tool designed to expedite your arrival process back into the United States.
Say goodbye to tedious queues and hello to a smoother transition through security.
What Is Mobile Passport Control (MPC)?
Mobile Passport Control (MPC) is a free, official app by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) designed to streamline the entry process for travelers returning to the United States from abroad.
By submitting your passport and declaration information through your phone, the app gives you access to dedicated express lanes at customs in over 50 U.S. airports and ports.
It is worth mentioning here that, despite the name, MPC does not replace your physical passport. You must still carry and present it during inspection.
Who Can Use the MPC App?
The MPC app is available to a wide range of travelers, including:
• U.S. citizens
• U.S. lawful permanent residents
• Canadian B1/B2 citizen visitors
• Returning Visa Waiver Program travelers with an approved ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization)
Travelers do not need to apply or enroll in advance. There’s no background check, fingerprinting, or fee involved.
Best of all, the app allows a single user to submit information for groups of up to 12 people traveling together. This makes it an invaluable tool for families and travel companions looking to navigate customs as a unit.
Where Can You Use MPC?
MPC is accepted at 53 airports and cruise ports, including major international hubs like:
• Atlanta (ATL)
• New York (JFK & EWR)
• Orlando (MCO)
• Phoenix (PHX)
• Detroit (DTW)
• Houston (IAH & HOU)
• Cleveland (CLE)
• Dublin (DUB) and Montreal (YUL) with U.S. pre-clearance facilities
Key Benefits of the Mobile Passport Control App
• Skip long customs lines with dedicated MPC lanes
• Completely free to use
• Process groups of up to 12 people on one device
• Secure digital submission using encryption
• Faster re-entry into the U.S. without filling out paper customs forms
How to Use the MPC App: Step-by-Step Guide
Using the MPC app is a straightforward process designed for convenience:
1. Before Your Return Flight:
• Download the Mobile Passport Control app
• Scan your passport using your phone
• Your information will be stored securely for future use
2. Up to 4 Hours Before Landing or Immediately After Landing
• Open the app and take a selfie photo
• Answer a few customs declaration questions
• Submit your travel info (you can include up to 12 people per submission)
3. At the Airport or Port of Entry
• Look for the MPC signage
• Present your passport to the CBP officer
• Show your confirmation screen from the MPC app
Finalize Inspection: Approach the CBP officer in the MPC lane to complete your inspection. Because you’ve already submitted your information electronically, the process is typically faster.
Important Reminders
• You must still carry your passport
• MPC does not replace an ESTA or visa
• Submit a new customs declaration every time you use the app
• Look for MPC signs at customs
• If your flight diverts to a non-MPC airport, the app won’t work
Is Mobile Passport Control Safe?
Yes. Your information is transmitted directly to CBP using secure encryption protocols, and nothing is stored permanently on CBP servers after processing.
Save Even More Time with U.S. Pre-Clearance Airports
Airports like Dublin (DUB) and Montreal (YUL) offer U.S. pre-clearance, where you clear U.S. customs before you board your flight. Combined with MPC, you could cut up to 2 hours off your trip.
Final Thoughts
If you’re traveling internationally and want a free, easy way to skip long lines, the Mobile Passport Control app is a must-have. Whether you’re returning solo or with your family, it’s a convenient solution for faster re-entry into the U.S.— no paperwork or long waits required.
Source: https://travelobiz.com/faster-us-entry-mobile-passport-control-app-guide/
