Picture this. You have just stepped off a long international flight. You are tired, your phone is low on battery, and all you want is to get home. Then you round the corner and see the dreaded line at U.S. Customs and Border Protection. 

It could take an hour or more.

Now imagine walking past that line and joining a much shorter one, reaching an officer in just minutes. That is exactly what the Mobile Passport Control app makes possible.

Mobile Passport Control, also known as MPC, is a free program created by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. It allows eligible travelers to submit their passport details and customs declaration through a mobile app instead of filling out paper forms or waiting in the regular processing line.

Even though Mobile Passport Control has been available for several years, many travelers do not know it exists or how to use it. In fact, many walk right by the signs at airports without realizing they could take advantage of this faster option.

In this guide, you will learn what the Mobile Passport Control app is, who can use it, where it is available, and exactly how it works. We will also compare it to Global Entry, share tips for smooth use, and answer common questions. 

By the end, you will know how to make your next trip back to the United States easier, faster, and less stressful.

What Is Mobile Passport Control

The Mobile Passport Control app (MPC) is an official program from U.S. Customs and Border Protection that helps travelers move more quickly through customs when entering the United States. 

Instead of filling out paper forms on the plane or waiting in the regular customs line, you can use the MPC app to submit your passport details and customs declaration electronically.

The app is free to download on iOS and Android devices. 

Once installed, you create a secure traveler profile by entering basic details such as your name, date of birth, citizenship, and passport information. The app allows you to store this profile for future trips, so you do not need to re-enter your information every time you travel. 

Families can also add multiple profiles to the same device, making it easy for parents to manage the process for children.

When you arrive in the United States at a participating airport or cruise port, you simply open the app, select your arrival location, take a quick selfie, and answer standard customs declaration questions. 

The app then generates a secure QR code, which you present to a CBP officer in the designated Mobile Passport Control lane. 

The entire process often takes less than a minute once you reach the officer.

Who Can Use The Mobile Passport Control App

The program is designed to be accessible and does not require an application, background check, or interview. 

Eligible travelers include:

• U.S. citizens with a valid passport
• U.S. lawful permanent residents
• Canadian citizens with valid B1 or B2 visa status
• Travelers using the Visa Waiver Program returning to the United States

Because the app is authorized and operated directly by CBP, it offers a high level of security. All data is encrypted and stored on your device rather than on external servers.

In short, Mobile Passport Control is a fast, free, and secure way to get through customs more efficiently. For many travelers, it feels like having a shortcut that has been hiding in plain sight.

Where Can You Use Mobile Passport Control

One of the most important things to know about the Mobile Passport Control app is that it is not available everywhere. The program is active at select airports, seaports, and international preclearance locations. 

Before your trip, it is always a good idea to confirm that your arrival point supports MPC, so you can plan accordingly.

U.S. Airports With Mobile Passport Control

Mobile Passport Control is active at more than 30 of the busiest airports in the United States. These locations include major international gateways where customs lines can be some of the longest, making the MPC lane especially valuable.

• Atlanta (ATL) – Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• Baltimore (BWI) – Baltimore-Washington International Airport
• Boston (BOS) – Logan International Airport
• Charlotte (CLT) – Douglas International Airport
• Chicago (ORD) – O’Hare International Airport
• Dallas (DFW) – Fort Worth International Airport
• Denver (DEN) – Denver International Airport
• Fort Lauderdale (FLL) – Hollywood International Airport
• Honolulu (HNL) – Daniel K. Inouye International Airport
• Houston (IAH) – George Bush Intercontinental Airport
• Houston (HOU) – William P. Hobby Airport
• Kansas City (MCI) – Kansas City International Airport
• Las Vegas (LAS) – Harry Reid International Airport
• Los Angeles (LAX) – Los Angeles International Airport
• Miami (MIA) – Miami International Airport
• Minneapolis (MSP) – Saint Paul International Airport
• Newark (EWR) – Liberty International Airport
• New York (JFK) – John F. Kennedy International Airport
• Oakland (OAK) – Oakland International Airport
• Orlando (MCO) – Orlando International Airport
• Philadelphia (PHL) – Philadelphia International Airport
• Phoenix (PHX) – Sky Harbor International Airport
• Pittsburgh (PIT) – Pittsburgh International Airport
• Portland (PDX) – Portland International Airport
• Sacramento (SMF) – Sacramento International Airport
• Salt Lake City (SLC) – Salt Lake City International Airport
• San Diego (SAN) – San Diego International Airport
• San Francisco (SFO) – San Francisco International Airport
• San Jose (SJC) – Mineta San Jose International Airport
• San Juan (SJU) – Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport
• Seattle (SEA) – Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
• Tampa (TPA) – Tampa International Airport
• Washington, D.C. (IAD) – Dulles International Airport

International Preclearance Locations With Mobile Passport Control

Some airports outside the U.S. allow travelers to clear U.S. customs before boarding their flight. These preclearance locations in Canada and the Caribbean support Mobile Passport Control, which can make arrivals in the United States much smoother.

• Aruba (AUA) – Queen Beatrix International Airport
• Calgary (YYC) – Calgary International Airport
• Edmonton (YEG) – Edmonton International Airport
• Halifax (YHZ) – Stanfield International Airport
• Montreal (YUL) – Trudeau International Airport
• Nassau (NAS) – Lynden Pindling International Airport
• Ottawa (YOW) – Ottawa International Airport
• Toronto (YYZ) – Pearson International Airport
• Vancouver (YVR) – Vancouver International Airport
• Winnipeg (YWG) – James A. Richardson International Airport

Seaports With Mobile Passport Control

MPC is not just for airports. Several major cruise ports also support the program, which can help passengers disembark faster and avoid long customs lines after a voyage.

• Miami Seaport
• Palm Beach Seaport
• Port Everglades
• San Juan Port

TPA Pro Tip: The list of Mobile Passport Control airports and seaports can change. Always check the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website for the most up-to-date information before your trip.

How To Use the Mobile Passport Control App

The Mobile Passport Control app is designed to be simple and user-friendly. Once you set it up, the process of moving through customs can take only a few minutes. 

Below is a clear step-by-step guide so you know exactly how to use it on your next international trip.

Step 1 – Download The App In Advance

The first step is to download the free CBP Mobile Passport Control app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Be sure to choose the official CBP app, as older versions like the Airside Mobile Passport app are no longer supported.

TPA Pro Tip: Download the app before your trip and explore the setup process at home. Doing this in advance helps avoid stress when you land and need it immediately.

Step 2 – Create Your Secure Traveler Profile

After downloading, open the app and create your traveler profile. You will need to enter:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Gender
• Country of citizenship
• Passport number and expiration date

Once saved, this information stays on your device for future use. The app allows multiple profiles, which is helpful for families traveling together. 

Parents can add children and manage the full family details from one phone.

Step 3 – Submit Trip Information On Arrival

When your flight lands at a participating airport, connect to Wi-Fi or mobile data and open the MPC app. You can complete your submission up to four hours before arrival or immediately after landing. 

You will be prompted to:

• Select your arrival airport or seaport
• Take a quick selfie photo to verify your identity
• Answer standard U.S. Customs declaration questions about your trip

This digital process replaces the old paper form you may remember filling out on the plane.

Step 4 – Receive Your QR Code Receipt

After submitting your trip information, the app will instantly generate an electronic receipt with an encrypted QR code. This QR code is valid for four hours and confirms that your declaration has been submitted. 

Keep the app open or take a screenshot of the QR code for quick access.

Step 5 – Follow The Mobile Passport Control Lane

After receiving your QR code, follow the signs for the Mobile Passport Control lane at customs. These signs are usually located near the Global Entry kiosks or standard CBP lanes. 

When you reach the CBP officer:

• Present your passport
• Show your QR code receipt on the app
• Allow the officer to scan it and confirm your entry

Most travelers find this step extremely fast – often faster than Global Entry when those kiosks are backed up.

Step 6 – Travel As A Family Or Group (Optional)

If you are traveling with family or companions, you can use the app to submit a group declaration. The app supports up to 12 travelers per submission. 

The officer will scan the QR code of one person, and the system will pull up the data for the entire group. This makes it especially helpful for parents traveling with children.

Why This Process Works

By submitting your details in advance, you save time at the airport and avoid the hassle of filling out paper forms or answering multiple questions at the counter. 

The MPC app is designed to cut down processing time for both passengers and customs officers, which is why it often feels like a hidden shortcut.

Benefits Of Mobile Passport Control

The Mobile Passport Control app may not get as much attention as Global Entry, but for many travelers it is a hidden gem. It combines speed, simplicity, and accessibility in a way that makes international arrivals far less stressful. 

Here are the top benefits you can expect when using MPC.

Save Time At Customs

The most obvious advantage is speed. By using the app, you move into a dedicated Mobile Passport Control lane, which is often much shorter than the standard customs line.

Travelers have reported clearing customs in under 5 minutes with MPC, even when the main line was hundreds of people long. 

For example, one family arriving at Miami International Airport (MIA) described walking past a sea of tired passengers waiting for customs and reaching an officer almost immediately in the MPC lane.

With more than 40 U.S. airports and international preclearance locations now supporting MPC, this shortcut is becoming more widely available.

It Is Completely Free

Unlike Global Entry, which costs $120 as of 2025 and requires a lengthy application and interview, MPC is free to use. You only need a valid passport, a compatible smartphone, and the official CBP app.

For travelers who want to save money or avoid the hassle of a background check, MPC is an easy alternative. It is also a smart backup for frequent flyers who already have Global Entry but want another option in case the kiosks are crowded.

Family-Friendly And Group-Friendly

One of the best features of MPC is that it allows up to 12 travelers to be included in one submission. This means parents can handle the process for their children, and families can pass through customs together.

Imagine arriving in Orlando (MCO) with two tired kids after a long flight from Europe. Instead of juggling multiple paper forms and passports, one parent submits the family’s details on the app. 

At customs, the officer scans one QR code, and the entire group is cleared together.

Secure And Reliable

Because the app is built and maintained directly by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, it is considered highly secure. Your personal information is encrypted and stored locally on your phone rather than on external servers. 

That means you are in control of your data, and nothing is left in the cloud once your QR code expires.

A Hidden Advantage Few Travelers Know About

Although it has been available for several years, the MPC app is still underused. 

In 2024, there were fewer than 5 million MPC users, compared with more than 10 million Global Entry members. For travelers who do know about it, that lower adoption means shorter lines and a smoother experience.

TPA Pro Tip: Even if you already have Global Entry, download and set up MPC before your trip. Having both options gives you the flexibility to choose whichever line is shorter when you land.

Mobile Passport Control vs Global Entry

Both Mobile Passport Control (MPC) and Global Entry are designed to help you clear customs faster when returning to the United States. However, the two programs are very different in terms of cost, eligibility, and convenience. 

Many savvy travelers actually use both, switching between them based on which line is shorter.

Which Travelers Benefit Most

Both programs have strengths, but the right choice depends on your travel style, budget, and family needs. 

Here is a breakdown of which travelers will get the most value from Mobile Passport Control and which will benefit more from Global Entry:

Mobile Passport Control is best for:

• Families: Parents can add children and submit one group declaration for up to 12 travelers. This is perfect for families returning to New York City, Chicago, Miami, or Los Angeles, where long customs lines can be overwhelming.
• Budget-Conscious Travelers: Since MPC is free, it is ideal for travelers who want a fast option without paying for Global Entry.
• Occasional International Travelers: If you only take one or two international trips a year, MPC is a simple way to save time without committing to a five-year program.
• Backup Planners: Even frequent flyers with Global Entry use MPC when kiosks are crowded. Having both gives you flexibility.

Global Entry is best for:

• Frequent International Flyers: If you travel abroad multiple times per year, Global Entry offers the most consistent time savings. The automated kiosks can clear you in seconds when there is no line.
• Travelers Who Value TSA PreCheck: Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck, which lets you skip long security lines at U.S. airports before departure. This benefit alone often justifies the $120 fee.
• Solo Travelers: Since each Global Entry membership is individual, it works best for solo or business travelers who do not need to manage multiple family members in one account.
• Credit Card Holders With Fee Credits: Many premium travel credit cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and The Platinum Card® from American Express, reimburse the Global Entry fee, making it effectively free.

TPA Pro Tip: Do not think of Mobile Passport Control as a replacement for Global Entry. Think of it as a complement. With both in your toolkit, you can pick whichever line is shorter and get home faster.

Tips And Best Practices For Using Mobile Passport Control

The Mobile Passport Control app is easy to use, but knowing a few insider tips can make the process even faster and less stressful. Below are the key do’s and don’ts to help you get the most from the program.

Do’s For A Smooth Experience

These best practices will help you move through customs quickly and avoid unnecessary delays.

• Download The App In Advance: Install the CBP Mobile Passport Control app at home, set up your profile, and test it before your trip.
• Keep Your Phone Charged: You will need your phone to display the QR code. Carry a portable charger, especially on long flights.
• Submit Information Promptly: Complete your declaration as soon as your plane lands, or up to four hours before arrival.
• Use The Group Feature: Add up to 12 travelers to one submission to save time if you are traveling with family or friends.
• Confirm Airport Availability: Not all airports or seaports support MPC. Check the CBP website or the app before your trip.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

A few small errors can slow down your experience. Here are the most common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

• Waiting Until The Last Minute: Opening the app for the first time in the customs hall can slow you down. Submit details as soon as you land.
• Using The Wrong App: The only valid option is the official CBP MPC app. Do not download outdated versions like the old Airside Mobile Passport app.
• Forgetting Your Passport: MPC does not replace your passport. You must still present the physical document to the CBP officer.

Final Thoughts

International travel is one of life’s greatest joys, but the long customs lines that greet you after landing in the United States can quickly take the shine off the experience. 

The Mobile Passport Control app offers an easy solution. It removes the need for paper forms, gives you access to a faster customs lane, and allows families and groups to move through together with less stress.

For travelers who want to maximize their time and minimize unnecessary hassle, MPC is an essential tool. It is especially valuable for families juggling kids and luggage, but it is just as useful for solo travelers returning from a quick getaway. 

Unlike Global Entry, there are no fees, no applications, and no background checks. All you need is a valid passport, a smartphone, and a few minutes to set it up before your trip.

Even frequent flyers who already have Global Entry can benefit from downloading the app. Lines can vary depending on the time of day and airport, and having both options available means you can always choose the faster path home.

The beauty of Mobile Passport Control is that it feels like a hidden advantage. Many passengers walk right past the signs without realizing they could save time simply by using an app that costs nothing.

Travel should be about the memories you create, not the time you waste waiting in line. 

With Mobile Passport Control, that next trip through customs can be faster, easier, and far less stressful.

Kevin Zanes