If you’re waiting for a Global Entry interview or wanting to avoid the $100 application fee, there’s an alternative that can save you almost as much time at customs, and it’s entirely free.
“It’s not quite Global Entry, but it’s fairly similar,” stated Marc Calixte, the port director for U.S. Customs and Border Protection at Dulles International Airport (IAD) near Washington, D.C.
We are discussing Mobile Passport Control, an app from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that allows you to complete a significant portion of the international arrival procedures using your smartphone. By providing some personal details online and taking a selfie, you can bypass the lengthy lines at passport control and proceed to a different, typically much shorter, lane.
This convenient choice is accessible to a wide range of travelers, including those who have not yet been approved for Global Entry and those who do not travel often enough to justify the program’s expense.
Related: Global Entry versus TSA PreCheck: Which is more advantageous?
In certain situations, travelers who would generally not qualify for Global Entry might still be able to take advantage of this expedited process.
Despite all the advantages of this program, it continues to be somewhat of a well-kept secret as far as the federal government is concerned.
“It’s been available for some time,” Calixte mentioned in a recent discussion with TPG. “However, what we are missing is widespread usage.”
Who qualifies for Mobile Passport Control?
MPC, as it is called, is accessible to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and Canadian B1/B2 travelers. Additionally, it is available to travelers from 41 “visa waiver” countries who have previously visited the U.S., including countries such as Australia, Belgium, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom.
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You can download Mobile Passport Control for free from both Google Play and the Apple App Store. It can be used at many airports across the country and several international Preclearance locations, where travelers complete customs checks before arriving in the United States, including cities like Toronto, Dublin, and Abu Dhabi.
Utilizing Mobile Passport Control
Upon arrival, open the app and adhere to its instructions. You’ll need to input the port of entry for your flight, which is your arrival airport.
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The system will subsequently prompt you to scan your passport and provide some personal details.
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Lastly, you’ll snap a selfie.
Taking a trip with your family? You can perform the same actions for each family member — even from a single smartphone. With a recent update, the app now enables users to include up to twelve household members in one mobile application.
After disembarking from the plane, look for the Mobile Passport Control line signage in the customs hall, similar to the one I encountered at Dulles.
After reaching an officer, a photo will be taken of one member of your group. This will retrieve the information for everyone in the party. You should be finished within seconds.
It’s important to mention that photographs captured on your phone will remain stored within the app on your device and not on CBP’s servers. According to the agency, the photo taken at the passport control booth will be erased within a few days, typically within 48 hours.
CBP aims to increase the use of MPC.
Although MPC might seem new, it has actually existed for roughly ten years. According to CBP’s statement to TPG, over 4 million travelers utilized the app in the 2023 fiscal year. By 2024, the agency had already processed 4.6 million incoming passengers via the program.
However, CBP believes it has the capability to accommodate a significantly higher number of passengers. Calixte often observes that during peak times, the regular passport control lanes experience long queues, whereas only a few travelers utilize the MPC “shortcut” lanes.
“I notice it every day,” pondered Calixte. “It’s intriguing to see people standing around in the middle of the afternoon, waiting… when there’s a free app they could use to significantly reduce the wait time.”
CBP is collaborating with airlines to increase the promotion of MPC more extensively. Additionally, it aims to explore opportunities for travelers to download the app during their flights.
Is MPC superior to Global Entry?
To clarify, Global Entry continues to be the best time-saving tool at customs, offering travelers a smooth experience through its contactless kiosks.
“Global Entry is always quicker,” Calixte observed.
For a five-year membership, which includes TSA PreCheck access, the cost is $100 (or $120 starting in October).
Corey Daboin, a branch chief and spokesperson for CBP, told TPG this month that despite upcoming changes to Global Entry this fall allowing children of applicants or current members to apply for free, families might still find MPC to be a good fit, especially those who do not travel internationally frequently.
“We’re aiming to reach families who vacation annually,” Daboin mentioned. “Additionally, I believe younger individuals, possibly college students, who take spontaneous trips can simply use the MPC. They can download it upon arriving at the airport, complete it, and submit it.”
Bottom line
Mobile Passport Control offers a convenient and cost-effective method to expedite your customs process, especially if you don’t travel abroad frequently enough to justify applying for Global Entry.
With airports experiencing unprecedented crowds this summer and CBP anticipating strong international traffic to continue throughout the season, the program offers an enticing alternative for those planning to travel abroad in the coming months or even days.
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