Discover the Mobile Passport Control App: Your Free Key to Faster US Entry
Traveling internationally is often a thrilling experience, but the re-entry process can sometimes feel overwhelming. The lines at immigration can seem endless, making the once-exciting journey back home turn into a frustrating ordeal. Fortunately, if you haven’t subscribed to the Global Entry program, there’s a fantastic alternative available: the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) App. This free app, hailed as Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) best-kept secret, promises a hassle-free immigration experience for travelers heading back to the United States.
What is the Mobile Passport Control App?
The Mobile Passport Control App revolutionizes the way travelers approach immigration and customs at US airports. As a free official app from CBP, it serves as a digital "fast lane," significantly streamlining your arrival process in the US. By allowing travelers to submit their passport details and customs declarations electronically, the app eliminates the need for paper forms, making the process quicker and more efficient.
With access to dedicated express lanes at over 50 airports, the MPC App is a game changer, especially during the busy travel seasons when lines can stretch for what feels like eternity.
Mobile Passport Control vs. Global Entry
While both Mobile Passport Control and Global Entry aim to expedite the travel process, they differ dramatically in approach. One of the most significant distinctions is cost. The MPC App is entirely free, while Global Entry charges an application fee of $120 for a five-year membership.
Furthermore, Mobile Passport Control is much more accessible. There’s no formal application process, no interviews, no fingerprinting— in essence, no prior approval required. Downloading the app and creating your profile is all it takes to get started. Unlike Global Entry, which also includes TSA PreCheck for expedited security screening, MPC is a straightforward solution for travelers seeking convenience without the premium cost.
Where You Can Use the Mobile Passport Control App
As of April 2025, the MPC App can be utilized at 53 US entry points. This includes 35 international airports, 14 US preclearance facilities, and 4 seaports (or cruise ports). The app covers virtually every major gateway airport across the country, allowing travelers to leverage its benefits at iconic locations such as:
- New York City (JFK)
- Los Angeles (LAX)
- San Francisco (SFO)
- Chicago (ORD)
- Atlanta (ATL)
- Houston (IAH)
- Detroit
- Miami (MIA)
International travelers utilizing Etihad flights to the USA can even bypass customs at the preclearance facility in Abu Dhabi Airport using the MPC App, making it an excellent option for those heading to the US from abroad.
How to Use the Mobile Passport Control App
The Mobile Passport Control App is compatible with both iPhones and Android devices. To get started, download the app before you fly back to the U.S. After installation, creating a profile is simple: either scan your passport or manually input your details. You can even store information for up to 12 additional travelers.
The app must be used within four hours before your U.S. landing or immediately after you arrive. You’ll need to upload a selfie for identity verification, answer several standard customs declaration questions, and hit ‘Submit’. Your information is securely transmitted to CBP, and you’ll receive a confirmation, either as a QR code or a digital receipt.
When you disembark, follow the signs for "Mobile Passport Control" or consult airport staff for direction. Major airports typically have clearly marked lanes for MPC app users.
Present your physical passport along with the confirmation QR code or receipt you received. CBP officers will scan both your passport and the QR code, and may ask a couple of routine questions to verify your identity. The entire process saves you precious time and effort, ensuring a smoother transition from international travel back to everyday life.
Who Can Use the Mobile Passport Control App?
According to CBP guidelines, both U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders) can take advantage of the Mobile Passport Control App for faster entry into the United States. Canadian citizens visiting the U.S. on B1/B2 visas and travelers from countries eligible for the Visa Waiver Program (those with pre-approved ESTA) can also utilize the app.
However, B1/B2 visa holders from India do not have access to the MPC app. Still, Indian travelers who hold a U.S. Green Card can enjoy a quicker, more convenient immigration experience upon their return.
With the Mobile Passport Control App, re-entering the United States after international travel has never been easier, providing a seamless experience for those who take advantage of this helpful tool. As travel resumes and continues to grow, consider downloading the MPC App for your next journey—it’s free and could be the key to a significantly reduced waiting time at customs and immigration.
