Long lines at the airport are usually the worst part of traveling, especially after an amazing international trip and a long flight home. The last thing you want to do when you land is wait in line at customs and immigration. On my last trip, I discovered a travel hack that allowed me to breeze past the long lines and get through customs in a matter of minutes. My secret? Mobile Passport Control (MPC)!
MPC is an app that streamlines the entry process at certain designated US ports of entry. The app promises speed, convenience and ease. I personally experienced all three of these benefits.
So, you are probably wondering how MPC works and if it is worth it to you to download the app. You may also be wondering how MPC differs from the Global Entry program you may have heard about. This blog will provide you with all the answers you need to make your next international trip a bit easier (at least at US customs and immigration).
What is Mobile Passport Control (MPC)?
Mobile Passport Control is an official app developed by US Customs and Border Protection that allows you to submit your passport information and customs declarations via your smartphone or tablet. This means you can skip completing the traditional paper customs form and bypass the regular inspection lines, entering the US faster.
MPC is available for US ciitizens and Canadian visitors at select airports and seaports. The app is free to use and is different from Global Entry which requires an in-person interview and a membership fee.
How Does MPC Work?
The process for using MPC is straightforward and can be broken down into five easy steps:
Download the App: The first step is to download the free CBP Mobile Passport Control app from the App Store or Google Play. Be sure your are downloading the official app by CBP to ensure the security of your data.
Create a Profile: Open the MPC app and set up your profile. You will need to enter your passport details, including your full name, date of birth, passport number., issue date and expiration date. The MPC app stores this information securely for future trips.
Submit Your Trip Details: When you land in the US, open the MPC app and select "New Trip." Here you will answer a few standard customs declaration questions similar to the paper forms you usually fill out on the plane. I actually filled out my New Trip information prior to arriving in the US, but was prompted to press the "Submit" button only after landing at my designated airport. As soon as I got off the plane, i connected to the airport wifi and pressed Submit. Within seconds, I received the QR Code discussed in the next step.
Receive a QR Code: After submitting the details of your New Trip, the MPC app will generate a QR code. This code iwll serve as your digital customs declaation receipt.
Show the QR Code at Customs: At designated MPC airport locations, there will be special lines or kiosks for Mobile Passport users. Simply show the QR code on your mobile device to the customs officer, along with your physical passport. T
That's it! Easy Peasy...and you have breezed past all those people standing in line who don't know about this travel hack. You're welcome!
Tips for Using MPC
Make Sure Your App is Updated: Before your flight, check if you have the latest version of the MPC app. An outdated version might not work smoothly or might lack new features or updates.
Keep Your Phone Charged: You don't want to reach customs only to find your phone has died. If your phone dies, you won't be able to access your QR code. In this case, you will have to go through the traditional customs process, which means standing in the long line. Make sure your have your charger or portable battery handy!
Check Airport Eligibility: Not all US airports and seaports support MPC. Before your trip, visit the CBP website to confirm that your arrival airport accepts MPC.
Have Your Physical Passport Handy: While the MPC app helps expedite the declaration process, you still need to present your physical passport to the customs officer.
Traveling with Family: If you are traveling with your family, you simply add family members to your profile and submit all declarations together. It is a convenient option for families traveling with kids.
How Does MPC Compare to Global Entry?
You may be wondering how MPC compares to the popular Global Entry program. Both MPC and Global Entry offer expedited entry, but they cater to different travelers. Global Entry involves a more extensive vetting process and offers additional benefits like TSA PreCheck. To benefit from Global Entry, you must pay a fee and perform an in-person interview. MPC, on the other hand, is free and doesn't require any background checks. However, MPC only speeds up entry at those select airports that support MPC. Global Entry is accepted at all US airports.
If you are a frequent intrenational traveler, the investment in Global Entry is probably worth it. However, MPC offers those who travel less frequently an opportunity to avoid those long custom lines as well. I would check the list of airports that support the MPC process and if your nearest airport is on the list, MPC is a great (and FREE!) option to save some time at customs and breeze through the entry process.
Final Thoughts
International travel can be stressful enough; don't let the post-flight bottleneck slow you down. Take a few minutes to download the MPC app and create your profile. Then when you arrive at your US destination, you can skip those dreaded long customs lines and be on your way in no time!
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