Frequent travelers to the United States are probably familiar with Global Entry, which allows enrolled members to get expedited immigration at US airports. However, applying for Global Entry is a bit of a process, and there’s a cost to participate.
If you don’t want Global Entry (or aren’t eligible), your next best option is Mobile Passport Control. This is sort of a hidden program, which can significantly cut down your wait times at US immigration. In this post I wanted to talk about how this works, as I used it for the first time yesterday (while going through immigration with my son, who doesn’t quite have Global Entry yet).
In this post:
How Mobile Passport Control works
Mobile Passport Control (MPC) is a free app that allows travelers to submit their travel document, photo, and customs declaration information, before they arrive at the immigration checkpoint at a US airport.
Travelers just have to download the app, which is available for Apple and Android. The idea is that the app streamlines the traveler’s entry process to the United States by reducing passport control inspection times and overall wait times.
Those who use MPC can access a separate immigration screening checkpoint. Really that’s the biggest advantage — because not many people use this program (as of now), the wait times are generally much shorter than the standard wait times.
There are some important things to be aware of, as you’d expect:
- MPC is available to US passport holders and permanent residents, as well as Canadian passport holders
- MPC is available in 48 locations, including at 33 US international airports, 11 Preclearance locations, and four seaports
- There’s no pre-approval required to use MPC; you just have to complete a customs declaration through the app every time you enter the United States, and then you’ll be given a QR code that you show the immigration officer
- Those who use MPC don’t have to complete a paper immigration form, or use a kiosk where they make their declaration; however, they still have to talk to an immigration officer (like other passengers), but in theory the process should be faster, and you shouldn’t be asked as many questions
Mobile Passport Control app: step-by-step guide
The Mobile Passport Control app couldn’t be much easier to use. I’d recommend downloading the app prior to boarding your flight to the United States, and completing the basic requirements. Then you have to submit your customs declaration after you land in the United States (within four hours of when you intend to clear immigration).
Once you download the app, there are several pages explaining how the app works, plus you have to agree to a disclaimer statement.
After that you can go through steps required for a particular entry to the country. Note that you can use one app to submit your application for multiple people in the same family. Furthermore, you can save the passport details in the app for multiple trips, eliminating the need to submit all of this information each time (though you do need to make a customs declaration each time).
To start the process, you’ll have to state which CBP port you’ll be arriving at, and they all show on a dropdown menu. 
At that point you’ll have to select the travelers who will be entering the country. If you’ve already saved people to your profile, they’ll show on that page. Otherwise you can start from scratch, which just requires scanning the document, and then all the information will be auto-populated.
You’ll then need to capture traveler photos. This doesn’t need to be a passport-quality photo, you just have to follow some very basic guidelines, like removing hats and sunglasses, and making sure only one person’s face is visible.
The above can all be saved to your profile. However, what you do need to complete with each trip is answering six standard CBP declaration questions.
You’ll only want to submit this when you arrive at your point of entry in the United States. The app asks you to submit this once you’ve arrived at the airport, though in reality you have up to four hours to go through immigration from the time that your application is submitted.
Once you submit your document, you’ll be given a receipt with a QR code, which you’ll need to scan when you see an immigration officer.
How Mobile Passport Control works at the airport
Once you land at your US point of entry and arrive in the immigration hall, look for the Mobile Passport Control signage. This will bring you to an area separate from the standard US immigration line.
You still need to queue to see an immigration officer, and when you get to the officer, you’ll see a scanning device where you should scan your QR code. The benefit is that this line is usually much shorter, and also that you generally won’t be asked as many questions (since you’ve already answered some questions via the app).
When I went through the MPC lane yesterday at Miami Airport, the wait was about five minutes, while the general immigration line looked much longer. The main benefit of MPC isn’t even the time savings from getting some of the work done in advance through the app, but rather just having access to a shorter line.
Is Mobile Passport Control a Global Entry alternative?
Mobile Passport Control isn’t as good as Global Entry, plain and simple. With Global Entry there’s almost never a wait, you just have to look at the camera, an officer acknowledges you, and then you’re usually sent on your way. The Mobile Passport Control experience isn’t as seamless. However, it’s the next best thing.
There’s no enrollment cost, using the app takes maybe a few minutes to set up, and then with each trip it just takes a minute or so to answer the declaration questions. Getting access to a special immigration line for that is awesome, as it could potentially save you a significant amount of time.
Of course like many things in life, I imagine that as this app becomes more popular and well know, it will also become less useful. After all, when everyone gets access to a special lane, no one gets access to a special lane. 😉
Bottom line
Mobile Passport Control is an awesome free app that can save you time at US immigration. The app is easy to use, and allows you to submit your documents and customs declaration prior to speaking to an immigration officer. Most valuable of all, those with MPC get access to a special lane at immigration, which is typically much shorter than the standard one.
While I’d still recommend Global Entry, those who don’t have it should use MPC if they’re eligible.
Have you ever used Mobile Passport Control before? If so, what was your experience like?
MPC was not up and running at CTL in June. Immigration was a 1.5 hour wait! Is it working there now? Are some airports better than others? DFW or MIA for instance? Traveling in November and planning my return connection based on the airport that best utilizes MPC.
I had Global Entry but it was revoked for no apparent reason.
A little tip for those applying for global entry. The appointment process absolutely suck. Use ttpracker.com or look it up on google to be alerted of an appointment. Saves you the time of having to manually refresh the appointment page for hours.
I am European and I have not travelled to US so far. But reading about all the hassle at the airports I am not sure I wish to do so....
I did travel to many other countries and major airports (including UAE (both DXB and AUH), China, Russia, Hong Kong etc.) and never waited at immigration more than 20 minutes. Also the process is everywhere straightforward and clear (some require more documents, but all...
I am European and I have not travelled to US so far. But reading about all the hassle at the airports I am not sure I wish to do so....
I did travel to many other countries and major airports (including UAE (both DXB and AUH), China, Russia, Hong Kong etc.) and never waited at immigration more than 20 minutes. Also the process is everywhere straightforward and clear (some require more documents, but all is explained very well).
Why is US having all this different systems in place? And why is clearing immigration such a long process?
One could ask the same of Europeans. We have to wait in long queues to clear immigration at European airports, rather than using mobile passport gates like you do.
As I said, I have never seen a queue where I waited more than 15-20 minutes, and did travel to LHR, FRA, AMS, MUC and so on many times...
Ever since around CBP wanted to shut down the private company developed MPC apps and replace it with a government one Simplified (Biometric) Arrival, the availability and reliability of MPC — the app use as well as the actual possibility to use it at US airports of entry — has become messed up, less reliable, and a shadow of its former self in terms of utility for me.
FLL Terminal 4 no longer has signage for MPC and they send you to general queue. One associate mentioned the special assistance lane may accept it, but on that occasion the app kept rejecting my form.
ORD didn’t accept it yesterday
Shhh...I use it all the time at MIA, heard about it through AARP. I laugh when I beat all the Global Entry people through the immigration queue.
I think MPC is hugely underused, which makes it perfect for those of us who use it because there's never a line. It's very simple and I've never had to wait more than five minutes in the immigration line in any airport where it's available. I've used it at ORD, MIA and IAD with no issues. I have had issues at FLL but it was because the airport was undergoing construction and the line was...
I think MPC is hugely underused, which makes it perfect for those of us who use it because there's never a line. It's very simple and I've never had to wait more than five minutes in the immigration line in any airport where it's available. I've used it at ORD, MIA and IAD with no issues. I have had issues at FLL but it was because the airport was undergoing construction and the line was closed. Considering the cost of Global Entry, MPC is an absolute must-have for anyone who travels internationally frequently but doesn't want to fork over the money for Global Entry.
Tried to use it in FLL in January returning from Grand Bahama (it no longer has pre-clearance). Enrolled and filled out MPS forms on the cell phone while waiting for our bags in Terminal 1 - all in vain - the officer said that only one station had a scanner (not his) and that it works only 40% of the time at best. Had to do it the old fashioned way whereas two weeks ago...
Tried to use it in FLL in January returning from Grand Bahama (it no longer has pre-clearance). Enrolled and filled out MPS forms on the cell phone while waiting for our bags in Terminal 1 - all in vain - the officer said that only one station had a scanner (not his) and that it works only 40% of the time at best. Had to do it the old fashioned way whereas two weeks ago at IAD we had a biometrics processing in a regular line (they take your picture and compare it to the system information) which took 15 seconds per person and no need to present any docs for inspection. I wish our son finally got a GE conditional approval so that the entire family could do it instead of splitting up.
I have had Global entry and Mobile Passport. I used to pre Covid use mobile passport instead of my GE. It was that good. So I let my GE expire. Last December 2022 I returned from Europe and used MP in Denver and there was no such thing anymore. Stood in line for 1 1/2 hours and just longingly looked at the empty GE entry. MP is no longer what it once was. It’s a waste of time. GE or fill out the paper form.
When did you last use the MPC app at ORD and get the app QR code scanned by CBP?
Isn't this just automating the problem rather than solving it? Passenger information is already made available before a flight arrives. People could easily be separated in returning residents, first time visitors and repeat visitors. Then, with some intelligence, focus can be dedicated to first time visitors and those out of the other 2 categories that merit some extra attention.
Eg when I return to my country I either use the auto-gates without the need...
Isn't this just automating the problem rather than solving it? Passenger information is already made available before a flight arrives. People could easily be separated in returning residents, first time visitors and repeat visitors. Then, with some intelligence, focus can be dedicated to first time visitors and those out of the other 2 categories that merit some extra attention.
Eg when I return to my country I either use the auto-gates without the need to talk to anyone, or when going via a manned desk, mostly a cursory glance at the passport is all it takes. Half of the time the passport is not even scanned.
Likewise, in my country of residence, I have to go through the formalities but very rarely get asked anything.
In your conclusion you describe it as "awesome" - I think that's a bit over the top to describe it. Let's face it, it'll be like the online bag check in the airport. At first the lines were short but nowadays the lines could be longer than the regular line. The online bag check has fewer staff too. The only advantage is being able to submit your information in advance.
Still needs work: went through US pre clearance in the Bahamas, so I entered all my family’s information the night before. Upon getting to the airport, I submitted the form and got “submission error, see agent.” I tried about 10 times and kept getting the same error, so had to stick it out in the regular line. I only saw about 4 people go into the MPC line, so not sure if it wasn’t working...
Still needs work: went through US pre clearance in the Bahamas, so I entered all my family’s information the night before. Upon getting to the airport, I submitted the form and got “submission error, see agent.” I tried about 10 times and kept getting the same error, so had to stick it out in the regular line. I only saw about 4 people go into the MPC line, so not sure if it wasn’t working for most, or that many people aren’t using it (though there were ads/banners everywhere in the pre clearance hall).
I have used it a number of times, specifically as you did when one of my party (namely, kids) doesn’t have Global Entry.
It’s benefit is the shorter line, thus far I find that the officer just uses the standard entry process (sometimes citing the MPC on their side is broken). But man- a quicker line - always a benefit.
Sorry you have spilled the beans about this. I use it for myself and my husband and it is great! We usually travel through Philadelphia and it really saves us time there. Have also used in CLT and DFW but to date has worked best in PHL. Used its predecessor also with similar results.
Ben, can a married gay couple just use one app and register as a family, or must we each have our own app?
Legal family yes.
It's even broader than this. For customs declarations, a "family" is everyone who lives like a family and is traveling together. You do not need to be legally married -- straight or gay -- to fill out a single customs form. Does your sister-in-law live with you and is she traveling with you? 3rd cousin? all one form.
IF I UNDERSTAND CORRECTLY IT IS NOT FOR VISITORS FROM OTHER COUNTRIES
Mostly correct. Canadians can use MPC. This is in contrast to global entry, which has a far broader system of reciprocity for foreign visitors.
Tried to use it, arriving in IAD 3 weeks ago. I submitted all information, got my QR code, and then they were not using it that day. 2.5 hours just in the US citizens immigration line..... 3 officers working.
Well, if it reduces the line (queue) length or time for the rest of us, then I'm all for it...
Mobile Passport is by far the best international travel 'hack' that most people still don't use. I went to a wedding in Mexico a few months ago with pretty inexperienced travelers. The day at all went home was a bad travel day but I had prepped them with the app and how to use it and most people avoided 90 minute or longer customs waits at a bunch of west coast airports.
I used this when it first came out - and overall liked it. The major problem at the time was problems using it if you have limited cell or wifi service before you entered all of your information - specifically, many areas of customs and immigrations (looking at you, DEN).
They then went to some subscription based model - and I gave up on it.....I am sure many will draw similarities between this and...
I used this when it first came out - and overall liked it. The major problem at the time was problems using it if you have limited cell or wifi service before you entered all of your information - specifically, many areas of customs and immigrations (looking at you, DEN).
They then went to some subscription based model - and I gave up on it.....I am sure many will draw similarities between this and CLEAR......
of course, I'm not doing as much INT travel these days.....but it had potential
ymmv
Oh no, Ben just revealed my secret and now everyone is going to use it! Mobile Passport works great for me: I zip through a short or nonexistent line with no signup nor signup fee. It's not perfect: sometimes an airport that is supposed to have it does not, and some airports (looking at you, IAH) have the Mobile Passport line do double duty as the aircrew line. But considering how much time it usually saves me, yes, I'm a fan. Just please don't tell anyone.
Works in theory. But in practice not all airports have a separate line depending on time of day. I have never see ORD have it in middle of afternoon on weekends.
I just used it arriving at terminal 4 jfk last week. The normal line wss backed all the way up, while there were like 5 people in the mpc line. Probably saved me at least an hour, likely more.
I have only been able to use this once, and that was ATL some years ago. Worked great. My usual arrival is IAD and it has never worked there for me.
We just returned to IAD from LHR - IAD started using biometrics processing (they announced it on the plane before landing). No need even to present any docs - they take your picture, compare it to the mug shot in the system and off you go. Took about 15 seconds per person in the regular line.
I use it all the time, and it is fast and efficient, when the mobile passport lines are open at the airports that I use. Works almost always at JFK T1 and T8.
I too have found the app to be essentially useless at major hubs as well as some posters remarking that people are being pushed over to the designated lines because their short, well folks there's a reason for that we took the time and effort to download and go through the long process of filling everything out.
The current administration has been a "train wreck" no pun intended NOR a political statement pure fact.
...I too have found the app to be essentially useless at major hubs as well as some posters remarking that people are being pushed over to the designated lines because their short, well folks there's a reason for that we took the time and effort to download and go through the long process of filling everything out.
The current administration has been a "train wreck" no pun intended NOR a political statement pure fact.
Let us hope that the fall and next spring travel will be more orderly, we have decided that our spring strips were enough given the mess overseas, LHR was a disaster in May!
MPC was being wrecked under the Trump Administration.
But what would I know, as someone who knew about MPC before even CBP at the airports knew it was coming their way and also knew that CBP was going to pull the rung from under it as part and parcel of Simplified (Biometric) Arrival expansion, a story the NYTimes only caught well after I had put it out there that this is why it was no longer working out for me like it was before.
Before my husband had GE, he and the fam used MPC. We go rejected at so many airports, EWR,IAD,ATL, PHL and JFK. Once the MPC line funneled into the regular line, so no time savings there. Other times got told, CBP can choose to open an MPC line if they want and there aren’t enough agents or scanners so tough. Would be great if it actually proved a time saver, now I just gift everyone GE and be done with it.
Tried to use this at JFK T1, but even though they funneled me into a separate, shorter Mobile Passport line, they kept pulling people from the normal line for a while before they'd let me go. Might have been because there were a lot of families with disruptive children and they just wanted to get them through, but still frustrating
I wonder if it will ever become that popular unless they really start to promote it. Frequent travelers will do global entry. Non frequent won't bother or won't be aware. It's not that new.
We used it a few years ago when I had global entry and my traveling companion did not (yet). She downloaded it while in line for the normal queue then jumped lines and probably saved an hour. Sounds like it hasn't changed much.
unfortunately, i tried this once, and when i went to show my phone/QR code to the immigration officer, he screamed no phones out! while at immigration
suffice to say, YMMV...:/
I don't think they need the code, at MIA I just tell the officer I did MPC, hand he/she my passport and they can see it on their screen. I have never had a problem...
I’ve never saved time with MPC. People with GE that need secondary screening get to cut the line. There’s only one agent. I’ve even seen interview on arrival slow the line by 15 minutes. Or it’s closed altogether. I gave up on it.
Did this in Houston and my buddy used the general line which was very log and he bear me through. 1 agent for us then they kept funneling aircrew in front of us.
Even if you don’t have a credit card that comps you, GE w/PreCheck is $20/yr. I can’t imagine money better spent for travel.
That said, the MP app is useful in edge cases, like Ben’s.