Mobile Passport Control - Fast customs processing

Mobile Passport Control (MPC) is an official application developed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection to enhance the CBP processing experience at selected U.S. entry points. The process involves creating a traveler profile, answering CBP-related queries, and heading straight to the "Mobile Passport Control" lane at the airport or seaport.

MPC is a voluntary program open to U.S. Citizens, Canadian Citizen Visitors, Lawful Permanent Residents, and Visa Waiver Program Visitors at various supported airport and seaport locations listed on the official website of CBP.

The purpose of MPC is to streamline the in-person inspection process for both CBP Officers and travelers, thereby reducing entry wait times significantly.

Using the Mobile Passport Control APP:

There is a way to pass customs faster by using the MPC (Mobile Passport Control) mobile passport control device. However, the MPC mobile passport control device is only open to US citizens and Canadian citizens.

Its usage is similar to the APC (Automated Passport Control) automatic passport control device, except that APC requires filling in information on the APC inspection device and may encounter queues, but MPC is more convenient to fill in information using your own smartphone or tablet.

   Step 1 Download the app from the app store

You can download it from the Apple Store or Google Play.

   Step 2 Fill in the information on your phone or tablet

   Step 3 Take a photo with your phone or tablet as required

After taking the photo, you will receive a receipt with a bar code on it.

   Step 4 Give the receipt received on your phone to the customs staff

The information filled in will appear immediately after the customs officer scans it, saving a lot of time for both parties.

Applicable Passengers

- U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents

- Canadian B1/B2 visa holders

- ESTA applicants, and passengers who have entered the country more than twice with ESTA certification

Available Airports

There are 24 airports in the United States, including Atlanta International Airport, Chicago O-Hare International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport LAX, San Francisco International Airport SFO, and Seattle Sea-Tac International Airport, that provide MPC clearance. The full list can be found below:

- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

- Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)

- Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)

- Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)

- Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)

- Denver International Airport (DEN)

- Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)

- Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)

- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

- William P. Hobby Houston International Airport (HOU) 

- Miami International Airport (MIA) 

- Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) 

- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) 

- Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) 

- Orlando International Airport (MCO) 

- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) 

- Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) 

- Sacramento International Airport (SMF) 

- San Diego International Airport (SAN) 

- San Francisco International Airport (SFO) 

- San Jose International Airport (SJC) 

- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) 

- Tampa International Airport (TPA) 

- Washington Dull es International Airport (IAD) 

- Port Everglades (PEV)

Have questions about Mobile Passport Control

1. What are the benefits of using MPC?

MPC provides a more efficient in-person inspection between the CBP officer and the traveler. Since the administrative tasks are performed by the traveler prior to the passport control inspection, MPC reduces passport control inspection time and overall wait times.

2. When will I be able to submit my information to CBP through an MPC app?

Travelers should submit their information upon arrival at the port of entry, including preclearance locations.

3. Does MPC replace my passport?

No, travelers must present a valid U.S. Passport, U.S. lawful permanent resident card, Canadian passport or a Visa Waiver Program passport to a CBP officer upon arrival.  

4. Will I still have to go through the processing lines if I use MPC?

Yes, travelers will still be processed by a CBP officer. Travelers using MPC will be directed to a specific processing lane for a streamlined entry process.

5. Do travelers still have to fill out a declaration form?

No. Travelers will answer CBP inspection-related questions electronically via their smartphone or tablet. If a traveler has already filled out a CBP declaration form, it can be turned in to a CBP Officer.

6. Can groups use MPC?

Yes, up to 12 travelers can be added under 1 group submission.  

Using MPC involves the following steps:

1.Create a traveler profile by providing biographical details from your passport. Profiles can be created for all eligible family members and stored securely on your device for future use.

2.Choose your mode of transport, select the port of entry and terminal (if required), answer CBP queries, verify the accuracy of your responses, and tap "Submit Now" upon arrival.

3.Take a clear photo of each traveler included in your submission, including yourself.

4.Once processed, CBP will send a virtual receipt to your device.

5.Upon arrival, head to the designated MPC lane and present your passport and other travel documents to the CBP Officer. Note that MPC does not replace the need to show your passport.

6.The CBP Officer will conduct the inspection. If additional information is required, the officer will request it accordingly.