In May, I waited two and a half hours in line at Miami International Airport to re-enter the United States after my trip to Anguilla. But last month, I tested the free Mobile Passport Control app in Boston on my way back from Malta. And I sailed through Customs and Border Protection using the same lane reserved for diplomats! Here’s how you, too, can skip the wait after your next international trip— without pre-approval and without any fees! (And yes, even non-U.S. citizens are eligible to use Mobile Passport Control, with some conditions.)
What is Mobile Passport Control?
Mobile Passport Control is a free app from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection. American citizens, lawful permanent residents of the U.S., some Canadian travelers, and approved participants in the Visa Waiver Program can use it to enter the United States through an expedited line at dozens of U.S. airports and select overseas Preclearance sites. (See below for more details about eligibility and locations where Mobile Passport Control is accepted.)
And unlike the better-known Global Entry program, there is no charge or pre-approval process to use Mobile Passport Control.
Mobile Passport Control – How it Works
To get started, download the Mobile Passport Control app on your smart phone. Then store your passport details in the app and upload a photo of yourself. The next time you arrive at an eligible U.S. airport or overseas Preclearance location, open the app, answer several questions about your trip, and transmit your responses.
Now you’re ready to skip the long lines and head to the designated “MPC” lane for expedited clearance. And for added convenience, up to 12 people traveling together can provide their details with a single, group submission. (Each traveler’s passport details and photo must first be uploaded to the app, though.)
Eligibility for Mobile Passport Control
All American citizens, lawful permanent residents of the U.S., and Canadians traveling on a B1 (business) or B2 (tourism) visa are eligible to use the Mobile Passport Control app. And if you’re a participant in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program with an approved ESTA, you can use MPC, too.
(The Visa Waiver Program allows citizens of 41 countries to travel to the United States for business or tourism without a visa for stays no longer than 90 days. ESTA, the Electronic System for Travel Authorization, is an automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program.)
Mobile Passport Control Locations
At present, eligible travelers can use the Mobile Passport Control app at 34 international airports in the United States. MPC is also accepted at the Miami, Palm Beach, Port Everglades, and San Juan seaports. In addition, 14 overseas Preclearance sites accept Mobile Passport Control. Click here for a full list of current MPC locations.
What is a Preclearance Site?
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has stationed personnel at designated foreign airports to inspect travelers prior to boarding U.S.-bound flights. Passengers who transit through these Preclearance locations then bypass the CBP lines and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) inspections upon arrival in the United States— and proceed directly to their connecting flight or destination.
There are 15 Preclearance locations in 6 countries: Dublin and Shannon in Ireland; Aruba; Bermuda; Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates; Nassau in the Bahamas; and Calgary, Toronto, Edmonton, Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, Vancouver, Victoria, and Winnipeg in Canada. MPC is currently accepted at all Preclearance locations except Victoria, Canada.
Final Thoughts
Although Mobile Passport Control has been available for ten years, it somehow escaped my attention until a few months ago. But my first experience with MPC was flawless and such a timesaver that I’d hate for anyone else to miss out, too. Plus, Mobile Passport Control is available without the cost or lengthy pre-approval delay associated with Global Entry. What could be better than immediate eligibility to skip the entry line for free upon return from your next international trip?!
For more information about the Mobile Passport Control and CBP programs, click here.
