If you travel internationally more than once a year, then you know that clearing customs and immigration at the airport or cruise port can be a real pain.
Long lines and forms, can be quite frustrating, especially when your returning from a well- deserved vacation.
So as a seasoned travel professional, I want to share with you five benefits of using Mobile Passport Control. Never heard of it, no worries, we’re about to introduce you to your soon to be favorite travel app.
So, let’s get to it! Mobile Passport Control is a free app that allows you to submit your passport and customs declaration information electronically before you arrive at the airport. You can check out five of the biggest benefits of using MPC below:
- Save time. The biggest benefit of MPC is that it can save you a lot of time at the border. When you use MPC, you’ll be able to bypass the regular customs line and go through a dedicated MPC lane. This can save you a significant amount of time, especially during peak travel times.
- Avoid lines. In addition to saving time, MPC can also help you avoid long lines at the border. When you use MPC, you’ll be able to go through a dedicated lane that is typically much shorter than the regular customs line. This is a great way to avoid the hassle and stress of waiting in line for hours.
- Be more efficient. MPC can also help you be more efficient with your time. When you use MPC, you can submit your passport and customs declaration information before you even leave for the airport. This means that you won’t have to worry about filling out forms or dealing with paperwork at the border.
- Be more comfortable. MPC can also help you be more comfortable at the border. When you use MPC, you’ll be able to go through a dedicated lane where you’ll be greeted by a CBP officer who is familiar with the app. This can help you feel more relaxed and at ease during the customs process.
- Be more secure. MPC is a secure and convenient way to enter the United States. When you use MPC, your personal information is encrypted and transmitted to CBP securely. This helps to protect your privacy and security.
So How Does MPC Work?
After downloading the MPC Application from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, eligible travelers will be prompted to create a profile with their passport information, including the traveler’s name, gender, date of birth, and country of citizenship.
Arrival at eligible Pre-clearance locations or upon landing in the United States, travelers will select their arrival airport or seaport and terminal, take a self-photo, and answer a series of CBP inspection-related questions.
Once the traveler submits their transaction through the app, the traveler will receive an electronic receipt with an Encrypted Quick Response (QR) code. Travelers then bring their physical passport and mobile device with their digital QR-coded receipt to a CBP officer to finalize their inspection for entry into the United States.
Cellular or Wi-Fi connectivity is required to send information and receive a receipt, but travelers may complete profile(s) without being connected.
Of course, there are some potential drawbacks to using MPC. First, you’ll need to have a smartphone or other mobile device with a data connection.
Second, you’ll need to be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. Third, MPC is currently only available at 46 sites, including 33 U.S. International Airports, 9 Preclearance locations, and 4 seaports of entry 4/2023.
Overall, MPC is a great option for travelers that are eligible to use it.
So, if you’re looking for a way to speed up your trip through customs, I highly recommend using Mobile Passport Control. It’s a free, easy-to-use app that can save you a significant amount of time and will definitely give you a more positive travel experience.
