The federal government reports that too few travelers are utilizing this alternative to Global Entry.

If you're awaiting a Global Entry interview or prefer to avoid the $100 application fee, there's a free option that can significantly reduce your customs wait time.

"While it's not exactly Global Entry, it comes pretty close," remarked Marc Calixte, port director of U.S. Customs and Border Protection at Dulles International Airport (IAD) near Washington, D.C.

Introducing Mobile Passport Control, a CBP app that allows you to manage most of the international arrivals process directly from your smartphone. After providing some personal details online and taking a selfie, you can bypass the long passport control lines for a typically much shorter lane.

This convenient option is accessible to a wide range of travelers, from those awaiting Global Entry approval to those who don't travel often enough to justify the program's expense.

Some travelers who may not qualify for Global Entry could still take advantage of this shortcut.

Despite its many advantages, this program is still relatively unknown according to the federal government.

"It has been available for some time," Calixte mentioned in a recent discussion with TPG. "The issue is a lack of adoption."

Who qualifies for Mobile Passport Control?

Known as MPC, this service is open to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and Canadian B1/B2 travelers. It is also an option for travelers from 41 "visa waiver" countries who have previously visited the U.S., including Australia, Belgium, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom.

Mobile Passport Control can be found for free on both Google Play and the Apple App Store. It is usable at many airports across the country and at various international Preclearance facilities, where travelers can clear customs overseas — from Toronto to Dublin and Abu Dhabi.

How to utilize Mobile Passport Control

After you land, open the app and follow the instructions. You'll need to input your flight's port of entry (your arrival airport).

The system will prompt you to scan your passport and provide some personal details.

In the end, you'll need to take a selfie.

Traveling with family? Repeat the process for each family member — you can even use the same smartphone. Thanks to a recent update, the app now lets you add up to twelve travelers from the same household to one mobile account.

After disembarking, look for signs in the customs area indicating the Mobile Passport Control line, like the one I spotted at Dulles.

When you approach an officer, one person from your group will have their photo taken. This will retrieve information for everyone in your party, allowing you to be on your way in just seconds.

It's important to note that the photos captured on your phone are stored within the app and not on CBP servers. The photo taken at the passport control area will also be deleted within a few days, usually within 48 hours, according to the agency.

CBP aims to increase the use of MPC

While MPC may seem like a new concept, it has actually been in existence for about ten years. CBP reports that over 4 million travelers utilized the app in the 2023 fiscal year. In 2024, the agency has already facilitated the processing of 4.6 million arriving passengers through the program.

However, CBP believes it can manage significantly more passengers. Calixte often points out that during peak times, the standard passport control lines become crowded, while only a few travelers use the MPC "shortcut" lanes.

"I see it every day," Calixte reflected. "It's interesting to watch people waiting in the afternoon... when there's a free application available that could greatly reduce their wait time."

CBP is collaborating with airlines to more widely promote MPC. They also aim to explore new ways for travelers to download the app while in transit.

Is MPC superior to Global Entry?

To clarify, Global Entry is still the top choice for saving time at customs, offering travelers a smooth experience with its touchless kiosks.

"Global Entry is always quicker," Calixte remarked.

The five-year membership, which also provides TSA PreCheck access, costs $100 (or $120 as of October).

Although changes to Global Entry this fall will allow children of applicants or current members to apply for free, families may still find MPC particularly beneficial — especially those who don't travel internationally often, according to CBP branch chief and spokesperson Corey Daboin this month.

"We're aiming to reach these family groups that take vacations once a year," Daboin explained. "Additionally, I think younger individuals — like college students — who might take occasional trips can easily use MPC... they can download it when they arrive at the airport, complete it, and submit it right away."

In conclusion

Mobile Passport Control offers a simple, budget-friendly solution to expedite your customs experience, especially if you don't travel internationally enough to justify a Global Entry application.

With record-breaking crowds already filling airports this summer — and CBP anticipating strong international travel throughout the season — this program serves as an attractive alternative, whether you're flying overseas in the upcoming days or months.