Using Mobile
Passport Control

How Mobile Passport Control (MCP) Works

Quick Quiz: Is waiting in line your favorite part of traveling? Yes or no?

If your answer is no, it’s time to check out Mobile Passport Control (MPC), one of our favorite travel apps. This app is more than just a convenience, it's becoming an essential tool for savvy travelers navigating international re-entry.

What is Mobile Passport Control?

MPC is a free app that streamlines re-entry into the United States for U.S. and Canadian passport holders, saving you valuable time at customs. More than just a travel hack, MCP is a forward-thinking solution for making international travel smoother and more enjoyable. With airports and ports getting busier every year, knowing how to use tools like MPC will help you travel stress-free.

Three Reasons to Use Mobile Passport Control

1. Skip the Paperwork: Forget filling out paper forms; you can complete your customs declaration right in the app—even before you deplane.
2. Dedicated Fast-Track Line: The app grants access to a designated MPC line at customs (often shared with Global Entry users).
3. Lightning-Fast Processing: Customs officers finalize inspections quickly because the app handles most of the paperwork ahead of time.

The app is designed by Airside Mobile, the same team behind the mobile boarding pass, and is officially approved by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Since its 2014 debut in Atlanta, Georgia, Mobile Passport Control has expanded and is now accepted at over 30 U.S. airports and cruise ports. (Pro tip: the list of participating locations keeps growing, so check the app for updates before you travel!)

Why Mobile Passport Control is the Future of Travel

With international travel on the rise and increasing airport congestion, MPC offers a practical solution for reducing wait times and simplifying the customs process. While Global Entry requires pre-approval, a background check, and an application fee, MPC is free, making it accessible to nearly all travelers with a smartphone.

Key Reasons to Use MPC for Future Travel

• Faster Re-Entry: The MPC line can save travelers hours during peak travel times.
• No Cost to Use: The basic version of the app is free, eliminating financial barriers.
• Ease of Access: Unlike Global Entry, MPC doesn’t require pre-approval, so you can use it for your next trip without delay.
• Safe and Secure: MPC encrypts your data and doesn’t store it in the cloud, so your information stays on your device.

As airport technology evolves, tools like MPC are poised to become an integral part of how travelers navigate customs and immigration. The app’s convenience and efficiency make it a must-have for modern travel.

How to Use Mobile Passport Control in 5 Steps

Ready to give it a try? Follow these simple steps:

1. Download the App
Grab the app for free from the Google Play Store (Android) or Apple App Store (iPhone). You can do this in advance while at home or at your hotel. Two ways to download the Mobile Passport Control App:

1. Open store or browser on your phone: search for "Mobile Passport Control" and find the app. 
2. Open this page on your phone:
   Click here for Android Phone download 
   Click here for Apple iPhone download

2. Fill Out Your Information
Open the app and input your passport and personal details. The app will prompt you to snap an in-app selfie for verification.

3. Complete a “New Trip”
When you’re ready to return to the U.S., open the app and complete the trip section. Select your arrival airport and airline, then answer the standard customs questions.

4. Submit and Generate Your QR Code
Once completed, press submit to receive an encrypted QR code (your electronic receipt).

5. Use the MPC Line at Customs
When you arrive at the customs area, look for the MPC-designated line. Show your QR code and physical passport to the CBP officer. They’ll review your submission, finalize your inspection, and send you on your way—often in minutes or less.

Using a Free vs. Premium Version of Mobile Passport Control (MPC)

The app offers both a free version and a premium upgrade (~$14.99 per year). Here’s what you get with premium:

• Passport Scanner: Quickly scan and upload passport information for up to 12 family members.
• Secure Profile Storage: Save your data directly to your device for easy re-use.
• Ad-Free Experience: Enjoy uninterrupted use of the app.

While the free version works perfectly for individual travelers, the premium version is ideal for families or frequent travelers who value convenience.

Next time you’re planning a trip, make sure you download the MPC app. You’ll spend less time standing in line and more time exploring your destination—or relaxing at baggage claim.