How To Use Mobile Passport Control To Enter U.S.A

How to use Mobile Passport Control to enter the U.S. — How to use Mobile Passport Control (MPC) to enter the U.S.

In an increasingly digital world, convenience and efficiency are paramount, especially when it comes to international travel. Mobile Passport Control (MPC) is a groundbreaking solution that leverages technology to streamline the customs and immigration process for U.S. and Canadian travelers. This detailed guide will explore what MPC is, its benefits, how to use it, and its impact on the travel experience.

Understanding Mobile Passport Control (MPC)

What is Mobile Passport Control?

Mobile Passport Control (MPC) is an innovative application developed by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in collaboration with Airports Council International (ACI). Launched in 2014, this app allows eligible travelers to submit their passport information and customs declaration form through their smartphone or tablet before they arrive at the airport. This digital approach significantly reduces the time spent at customs and immigration checkpoints, providing a faster and more efficient experience.

You will save a lot of time. The Mobile Passport Control line at airport immigration is usually much shorter than the main line.

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How Does MPC Work?

MPC streamlines the process by enabling travelers to complete part of the immigration process electronically. Here’s a step-by-step overview of how MPC works:

Download the App: Travelers must download the official Mobile Passport Control app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
Create a Profile: Users create a profile by entering their passport information, including their name, passport number, expiration date, and other relevant details.
Submit Trip Information: Before arriving at the airport, travelers can submit their trip information and answer standard customs declaration questions through the app.
Receive QR Code: After submission, the app generates a QR code.
Use the MPC Lane: At the airport, travelers can use the dedicated MPC lane for expedited processing. A CBP officer will scan the QR code and verify the traveler’s passport and declarations.

Eligibility for MPC

MPC is available to U.S. citizens and Canadian visitors with valid passports. It can be used at over 30 major U.S. airports and a number of cruise ports. The eligibility criteria include:

Possessing a valid U.S. or Canadian passport.
Being 18 years or older (children can be added to an adult’s profile).
Traveling internationally and arriving at a U.S. airport that supports MPC.

Supported Airports and Ports

MPC is continually expanding to more locations. As of now, it is available at several major U.S. airports, including:

Atlanta (ATL)
Boston (BOS)
Chicago O’Hare (ORD)
Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW)
Los Angeles (LAX)
Miami (MIA)
New York John F. Kennedy (JFK)
San Francisco (SFO)

Additionally, MPC is available at several cruise ports, making it a versatile tool for international travelers.

Benefits of Using Mobile Passport Control

1. Time-Saving Efficiency

One of the primary benefits of MPC is the significant reduction in processing time. Traditional customs and immigration processes can be lengthy, involving long queues and multiple checkpoints. MPC simplifies this by allowing travelers to complete necessary documentation beforehand, enabling a swift passage through dedicated MPC lanes.

2. Ease of Use

The MPC app is user-friendly and straightforward, designed to make the customs and immigration process as seamless as possible. The intuitive interface guides users through each step, from creating a profile to submitting travel information and customs declarations.

3. Enhanced Security

MPC enhances security by reducing the potential for human error in processing documents. The digital submission of information ensures that data is accurately transmitted to CBP, minimizing the risk of discrepancies that can occur with manual data entry.

4. Cost-Free Service

Unlike some other expedited travel programs, such as Global Entry, MPC is free to use. There are no application fees or annual memberships required, making it an accessible option for all eligible travelers.

5. Reduced Contact

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, reducing physical contact has become crucial. MPC minimizes the need for direct interaction with CBP officers and touchpoints at the airport, aligning with health and safety protocols.

How to Use Mobile Passport Control: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Download the MPC App

The first step in using MPC is to download the app from the App Store (for iOS devices) or Google Play Store (for Android devices). Ensure that you download the official app, which is free and regularly updated.

Step 2: Create a Profile

After downloading the app, you need to create a profile. Here’s how:

Open the App: Launch the MPC app on your device.
Enter Passport Information: Input your passport details, including your name, passport number, date of birth, and expiration date. Ensure that all information is accurate and matches your passport exactly.
Add Family Members: If you are traveling with family, you can add additional profiles for each member. Children under 18 can be included in a parent or guardian’s profile.

Step 3: Submit Trip Information

Before you arrive at the airport, you will need to submit your trip details and complete the customs declaration form:

Start a New Trip: In the app, select the option to start a new trip.
Input Travel Details: Enter your flight information, including the airline, flight number, and arrival date.
Answer Customs Declaration Questions: Complete the customs declaration form by answering a series of standard questions about the items you are bringing into the country, your travel history, and any cash or monetary instruments you are carrying.

Step 4: Receive Your QR Code

After submitting your trip information and customs declaration, the app will generate a QR code. This code is unique to your trip and contains all the information you have entered.

Step 5: Arrival at the Airport

When you arrive at the airport, follow these steps to use MPC:

Head to the MPC Lane: Look for signage directing you to the Mobile Passport Control lane. This lane is separate from the regular customs and immigration lanes.
Present Your QR Code: When you reach the CBP officer, present your smartphone with the QR code displayed.
Verify Your Identity: The CBP officer will scan the QR code and verify your passport information. You may be asked a few additional questions for verification purposes.

Step 6: Proceed to Baggage Claim

Once your identity and declarations are verified, you can proceed to baggage claim and exit the airport. The entire process is typically much faster than going through the standard customs and immigration lines.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Mobile Passport Control

Is MPC Available for All Travelers?

MPC is available to U.S. and Canadian citizens with a valid passport. It is not currently available to other foreign nationals or residents.

How Much Does MPC Cost?

MPC is a free service provided by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. There are no fees associated with downloading or using the app.

Can MPC Be Used for All International Flights?

MPC can be used for international flights arriving at participating U.S. airports. It is not applicable for outbound flights or at non-participating airports.

What If I Don’t Have a Smartphone?

If you do not have a smartphone or prefer not to use the app, you can still go through the traditional customs and immigration process. MPC is an optional service designed to expedite the process for those who choose to use it.

Is MPC the Same as Global Entry?

No, MPC is not the same as Global Entry. Global Entry is a trusted traveler program that requires a background check and an application fee. It provides expedited entry benefits for pre-approved, low-risk travelers. MPC, on the other hand, is a free app that simplifies the customs process for eligible travelers but does not require pre-approval or a background check.

The Impact of Mobile Passport Control on Travel

Streamlining the Travel Experience

MPC has revolutionized the way travelers approach the customs and immigration process. By allowing travelers to complete necessary documentation ahead of time, it reduces congestion at airports and speeds up the overall process. This innovation is particularly beneficial during peak travel seasons when airports are busier than usual.

Improving Airport Operations

From an operational perspective, MPC helps airports manage passenger flow more efficiently. By diverting a portion of travelers to dedicated MPC lanes, it reduces the burden on traditional customs checkpoints and allows CBP officers to allocate their resources more effectively.

Enhancing Traveler Satisfaction

The convenience and efficiency of MPC have a direct impact on traveler satisfaction. Faster processing times mean less waiting, reduced stress, and a more positive overall travel experience. This is especially valuable for families, business travelers, and anyone on a tight schedule.

Supporting Public Health Initiatives

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, MPC supports public health initiatives by minimizing physical contact and reducing the need for paper-based processes. This aligns with broader efforts to create a safer and more hygienic travel environment.

Conclusion Mobile Passport Control – (MPC)

Mobile Passport Control (MPC) represents a significant advancement in modernizing the customs and immigration process for international travelers.

By leveraging mobile technology, MPC offers a faster, more efficient, and secure way to navigate through U.S. airports. Its user-friendly interface, combined with the benefits of time-saving efficiency and enhanced security, makes it an invaluable tool for eligible travelers.

As air travel continues to evolve, innovations like MPC are crucial in meeting the demands of a fast-paced, interconnected world.

By embracing such technologies, we can look forward to a future where travel is not only more convenient but also more enjoyable and secure.

Whether you’re a frequent flyer or an occasional traveler, understanding and utilizing Mobile Passport Control can significantly enhance your travel experience.