Whether you’re waiting for Global Entry approval or don’t want to pay the $120 application fee, don’t worry: There’s still a convenient way to avoid long lines at U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
CBP offers a service called Mobile Passport Control. It’s been around for about a decade but is still a relatively unknown option for travelers.
Best of all, it’s fast, free, and doesn’t require a lengthy screening process or interview.
All you need to do to use the service is download an app, fill out some personal information, snap a selfie, and head to the designated (usually much shorter) queue once you arrive at passport control.
Mobile Passport Control is a good option if you’re waiting for Global Entry approval or if you don’t travel enough internationally to afford the program’s $120 application fee. It’s also available to a large number of travelers – many of whom may not be aware of it.
TPG writer Melissa Klurman is a fan (and loyal user) of the expedited entry program, which often helps her save time at customs.
Here’s everything you need to know about Mobile Passport Control:
What is the difference between Global Entry and Mobile Passport Control?
Generally speaking, mobile passport control is not as fast as Global Entry, but faster than regular lanes at customs. And, unlike Global Entry, it’s free.
global access
Global Entry is a paid program that allows travelers to expedite their journey through U.S. Customs and Border Protection ports of entry. Members submit an application and pay a fee, then undergo a screening interview. Once approved, they can proceed to the blue self-service terminal at customs for identity verification. This process usually only takes a few seconds.
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Global Entry members also receive a known traveler number that allows them to enter TSA Pre-Check lanes.
There is a $120 application fee to apply for a five-year Global Entry membership—although many travel credit cards can help offset this fee.
Mobile Passport Control
Mobile passport control, on the other hand, is free and available to a wide range of travelers. After your international flight, you will fill in your personal information and take a selfie on the app. By submitting this information in advance, you can use the special lane designated by customs as soon as you get off the plane.
Although users don’t get through customs as quickly as Global Entry members, it’s still a reliable way to save time, especially when standard passport control lines are crowded.
Who can use Mobile Passport Control?
According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, mobile passport control is available to many travelers entering the United States. This includes:
- U.S. citizen
- lawful permanent resident
- Canadian B1/B2 visa holders
- Travelers from 41 “visa-exempt” countries who have visited the United States
Which airports have mobile passport control?
The service is available at 53 sites and is available at 35 international airports in the United States. In addition, 14 international pre-clearance facilities offer this service, such as Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport (AUH), Dublin Airport (DUB) and Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ).
You can even find the service in four seaports: Miami, Palm Beach, and Port Everglades, Florida, and San Juan, Puerto Rico.
How to use Mobile Passport Control
The first step to using Mobile Passport Control is to download the CBP MPC app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Do this when you have Wi-Fi.
First, the app will ask you how to enter the United States. In most cases, you’ll be flying.
Next article: What is your CBP port? That will be your arrival airport. Let’s say you’re flying into Boston Logan International Airport (BOS).
From there, you can add travelers to your submission. The app now allows you to add up to 12 family members returning to the same household. Your best bet is to fill out your information and add each family member to your submission. You can do it all on one phone.
Next, you’ll need to upload your travel document; for U.S. citizens, this is usually a passport. You can scan it or enter the information manually.
After entering your information, you’ll add a selfie and repeat the process for each family member.
After submitting your application and getting off the plane, proceed to the designated MPC lane at the CBP facility. When you reach the officer, a family member will need to step forward and take a photo. CBP uses this photo to extract and process claims for each member of the travel party for facial comparison.
The agency said it typically deletes photos taken at passport control facilities within a few days. The agency added that photos taken on your smartphone will remain local to your device; they are not stored on CBP servers.
Is mobile passport control better than Global Entry?
Global Entry is generally faster than Mobile Passport Control. However, its upcoming $120 fee is not insignificant, especially considering that Mobile Passport Control is completely free.
Plus, if you haven’t traveled enough to warrant Global Entry, are ineligible, or are still awaiting conditional approval, Mobile Passport Control is a great option to expedite your re-entry into the United States
It’s also a great way to save time for families traveling together, as you can now add up to a dozen family members to a single application.
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