Traveling internationally? Here’s what you should know about the Mobile Passport Control app

If you're awaiting Global Entry approval or prefer not to pay the $100 (or more) application fee, don't worry: there’s still an easy way to skip the longest lines at U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

CBP provides a service known as Mobile Passport Control. Although it has existed for about a decade, it remains a relatively unknown option for many travelers.

The best part? It’s quick, free, and doesn’t involve a lengthy screening process or interview.

To use the service, simply download the app, enter your personal details, take a selfie, and then head to a designated (often much shorter) line when you arrive at passport control.

Mobile Passport Control is an excellent option if you're waiting for Global Entry approval or if you don’t travel internationally enough to justify the program’s $100 (soon to be $120) application fee. It's also accessible to a wide range of travelers — many of whom may be unaware of it.

Count TPG contributor Melissa Klurman among the supporters (and dedicated users) of this time-saving program, which allows her to regularly expedite her customs experience.

Here’s everything you should know about Mobile Passport Control:

What distinguishes Global Entry from Mobile Passport Control?

In general, Mobile Passport Control isn’t as quick as Global Entry — but it is faster than the standard customs lanes. Plus, unlike Global Entry, it’s completely free.

Global Entry

Global Entry is a fee-based program that enables travelers to speed through U.S. Customs and Border Protection entry points. Members complete an application and pay a fee, followed by a screening interview. Once approved, they can use blue kiosks at customs for identity verification, a process that typically takes just seconds.

Members of Global Entry also receive a Known Traveler Number, granting them access to the TSA PreCheck lanes.

To apply for a five-year Global Entry membership, there is a $100 application fee — though many travel credit cards can help cover this cost. Starting in October 2024, the application fee for Global Entry will increase to $120.

Mobile Passport Control

In contrast, Mobile Passport Control is free and accessible to many travelers. After your international flight, you’ll input your personal information and take a selfie in the app. By submitting this information ahead of time, you can use a designated lane at customs once you disembark the plane.

While users may not pass through customs as quickly as Global Entry members, it’s still a reliable way to save time — especially when standard passport control lines are busy.

Who is eligible to use Mobile Passport Control?

Mobile Passport Control is accessible to a large number of travelers entering the U.S., as stated by CBP. This includes:

• U.S. citizens
• Lawful Permanent Residents
• Canadian B1/B2 visa holders
• Travelers from the 41 "visa-waiver" countries who have previously visited the U.S.

Which airports offer Mobile Passport Control?

The service is available at 51 locations, including 33 international airports across the U.S. It can also be found at each of the 15 international preclearance facilities, such as Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airport (AUH), Dublin Airport (DUB), and Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ).

Additionally, the service is offered at four seaports: Miami, Palm Beach, Port Everglades, and San Juan.

How to utilize Mobile Passport Control

The initial step to using Mobile Passport Control is to download the CBP MPC app from either the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. Make sure to do this while connected to Wi-Fi.

First, the app will inquire about your method of entering the U.S. For most travelers, this will typically be by airplane.

Next, you’ll need to specify your CBP port, which refers to your arrival airport. For instance, if you’re landing at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS).

After that, you’ll add travelers to your submission. The app now allows you to include up to 12 family members who are returning to the same household. It's best to enter your information and add each family member to your submission, all from one phone.

Next, you’ll need to upload your travel documents; for U.S. citizens, this is usually a passport. You can either scan it or enter the details manually.

After entering the required information, you’ll take a selfie and repeat the process for each family member.

Once your application is submitted and you’ve disembarked the plane, proceed to the designated MPC lanes at CBP facilities. When you reach an officer, one family member will need to step forward for their photo to be taken. CBP uses this photo to retrieve and process the application for all travelers in your group for facial comparison.

The agency states that it usually deletes photos taken at its passport control facilities within a few days. The photos captured on your smartphone will stay on your device locally and are not stored on CBP servers, the agency notes.

Is Mobile Passport Control superior to Global Entry?

Global Entry is generally a quicker option than Mobile Passport Control. However, its upcoming $120 fee is significant, particularly when you consider that Mobile Passport Control is entirely free.

Additionally, if you don’t travel frequently enough to justify Global Entry, aren’t eligible for the program, or are still waiting for conditional approval, Mobile Passport Control is an excellent way to speed up your reentry into the U.S.

It’s also a fantastic option for families traveling together, as you can now include up to twelve family members in a single application.