What is Mobile Passport Control (MPC)?

Mobile Passport Control (MPC) is an official application created by U.S. Customs and Border Protection that streamlines the CBP processing experience at U.S. airports and cruise ports for eligible travelers.

It allows users to submit their travel documents, photos, and customs declaration information through a free, secure app on their smartphone or other mobile device. The use of MPC streamlines the entry process into the United States by reducing passport control inspection time and overall wait time.

MPC is available for U.S. citizens with a valid passport, U.S. lawful permanent residents, Canadian B1/B2 citizen visitors, and returning Visa Waiver Program travelers with approved ESTA, and does not require pre-approval or a background check. The app is operational at 29 US airports, 10 international airports offering preclearance facilities, and 4 seaports.

What are the main benefits of using Mobile Passport Control?

The benefits of using MPC include:

Reduced passport control inspection time and overall wait time: MPC allows users to submit their travel document, photo, and customs declaration information through a free, secure app on their smartphone or other mobile device, which streamlines the entry process and reduces wait times.

No prior approval required: MPC does not require pre-approval or a background check, making it a convenient option for eligible travelers.

Expedited lane: MPC users have access to an expedited lane, which allows for faster processing and less congestion.

Efficient processing: MPC operations have increased threefold from 2016 to 2017, indicating the growing popularity and efficiency of the service.

Easy to use: MPC is available for download on iOS and Android devices and is operational at 29 US airports, 10 international airports offering preclearance facilities, and 4 seaports.

Secure: MPC uses encrypted QR codes to validate submissions with CBP officers, ensuring the security of user information.

Free: Mobile Passport Control or MPC is a free application, making it an affordable option for eligible travelers.

How does mobile passport control improve the customs process?

Mobile Passport Control (MPC) improves the customs process by streamlining the traveler’s entry into the United States through several key benefits:

Reduced passport control inspection time and overall waiting time: MPC reduces the time spent on passport control inspections, leading to faster processing and shorter wait times for travelers.

No prior approval required: Eligible travelers can use MPC without the need for pre-approval, simplifying the entry process and making it more accessible.

Elimination of paper forms: Travelers using MPC no longer need to complete a paper form, enhancing efficiency and reducing the need for manual paperwork during customs processing.

Designated queue: Successful MPC users may be provided with a designated queue, further expediting the customs process and reducing congestion at entry points.

More efficient processing: By leveraging Mobile Passport Control, travelers can enjoy more efficient processing, shorter waiting times, and generally speaking, a smoother and more enjoyable entry process into the United States.

Can I use an ESTA in combination with Mobile Passport Control?

Yes, if you already have an approved ESTA, you can use it in combination with your MPC, provided that you arrive in the United States at one of the airports that offer Mobile Passport Control facilities.

Which US airports have the necessary facilities for Mobile Passport Control travelers?

It’s important to note that not all airports have MPC machines or dedicated MPC lines. Therefore, it’s recommended to check the current MPC sites beforehand to ensure availability at the destination airport.

The Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app is available at 35 U.S. airports, 14 preclearance locations, and four seaports, including Miami, Palm Beach, and Port Everglades. Below is a list of MPC-ready ports of entry:

Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport (AUH)
Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL)
Aruba Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA)
Bermuda L.F. Wade International Airport (BDA)
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
Calgary International Airport (YYC)
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE)
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Denver International Airport (DEN)
Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW)
Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Dublin Airport (DUB)
Edmonton International Airport (YEG)
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ)
Honolulu Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)
Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
Houston William P. Hobby International Airport (HOU)
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Kansas City International Airport (MCI)
Las Vegas Harry Ried International Airport (LAS)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Miami International Airport (MIA)
Miami Seaport (MSE)
Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP)
Montreal Trudeau International Airport (YUL)
Nassau Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS)
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Oakland International Airport (OAK)
Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Ottawa International Airport (YOW)
Palm Beach Seaport (WPB)
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT)
Port Everglades Seaport (PEV)
Portland International Airport (PDX)
Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
San Diego International Airport (SAN)
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
San Jose International Airport (SJC)
San Juan Airport (SJU)
San Juan Seaport (SAJ)
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Shannon Airport (SNN)
Tampa International Airport (TPA)
Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
Winnipeg James A Richardson International Airport (YWG)

What happens if I arrive late for my flight after using Mobile Passport Control?

If you are using the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app, you should make sure to arrive at the airport with enough time to complete the necessary steps in the app upon arrival. This includes entering your passport information, answering customs declaration questions, and taking a selfie.

Once you have completed these steps, you will receive a QR code that is valid for four hours. You can then present your passport(s) and the QR code to the border officer, who will process your entry as usual.

It is important to note that the Mobile Passport Control line is typically shorter than the regular line, but you still need to see a border agent for processing. Therefore, you should plan to arrive at the airport with enough time to complete the MPC process and go through immigration, in addition to any other steps required for your flight, such as checking in and going through security.

In the case of arriving late for a flight after using MPC, you are in exactly the same position as anyone else who arrives late for a flight. If you, for example, miss your flight because of unexpected delays in the immigration process, you will most likely have to rebook your flight or make other arrangements.

We can’t stress enough that it’s always best to plan ahead and arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare, particularly if you are using a new or unfamiliar process such as MPC.

How does Mobile Passport Control affect my boarding time?

Mobile Passport Control (MPC) is a free app from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection that allows eligible travelers to submit their passport information, photo, and customs declaration in advance, removing the need to complete a paper form. This can result in shorter wait times, less congestion, and more efficient processing for US-bound passengers at participating airports and seaports.

Readers should, however, be aware that MPC is not a trusted traveler program like NEXUS or Global Entry, and as such it does not provide any benefit at security lines like TSA PreCheck does. The app is merely a quick and free way to potentially save time at the US border crossing, but using it is entirely optional.

If I already have an ESTA will using MPC as well make my entry into the US smoother or more cumbersome?

Using the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app as a Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) holder can make your entry into the US smoother by allowing you to submit your travel document, photo, and customs declaration information through a free, secure app on your smartphone or other mobile device.

This can reduce passport control inspection time and overall wait time, and you may be provided with a designated queue for faster processing. Although you may find anecdotal evidence of occasional glitches or closed MPC queues, using the app should generally expedite your entry into the United States, also if you have a valid ESTA.

How long will it take to get an ESTA if I am from one of the Visa Waiver Countries?

When applying for an ESTA for travel to visit the United States under the Visa Waiver Program it will typically take less than 72 hours for your application to be processed. Exceptions to this rule are rare and typically only happen when your application triggers additional security checks, for example, you have to clarify certain information or provide additional documentation.

We highly recommend that you apply for an ESTA at least 2 weeks before your planned trip to the United States just in case there are unexpected delays.

The ESTA application process can typically be completed in 10 minutes or less, and applicants will receive their valid ESTA via email after the embassy has processed their application.

For how long will an ESTA remain valid and an MPC?

An ESTA authorization is valid for two years or until the traveler’s passport expires, whichever happens first. The MPC app can be used during this whole 2-year period to facilitate entry into the United States.

Mobile Passport Control (MPC) does not require membership or pre-approval as such. It is simply a free application provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection that allows eligible travelers to submit their travel documents, photos, and customs declaration information through a secure app on their smartphone or other mobile device. This streamlines the traveler’s entry process into the United States by reducing passport control inspection time and overall wait time.