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EmpyreanTravel · Est. 1984

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Mobile Passport Control: The Free App That Speeds Up US Arrivals

Mobile Passport Control is a free CBP app that speeds up US arrivals. Learn who can use it, how to submit, where it works, and how it compares to Global Entry.

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Quick answer

Reviewed · 3 min read

Mobile Passport Control (MPC) is a free CBP app that lets eligible travelers submit passport details, a selfie, and customs declaration answers from their phone when arriving in the US. You then use a dedicated, often shorter lane at participating airports and seaports. It requires no application or background check, making it a strong free alternative to Global Entry.

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Cost
Free
Who can use it
US citizens, green card holders, some visitors
Group size
Up to 12 people per submission
Application needed
No background check or interview
Official app
Mobile Passport Control by CBP
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How does Mobile Passport Control work?

MPC replaces the paper-and-kiosk steps of arrival with a quick submission from your phone. CBP says you can submit up to four hours before landing, or on arrival at the airport.

  • Download the official Mobile Passport Control app from CBP
  • Create a profile by scanning your passport, and add household members
  • Select your arrival airport and terminal, and answer the inspection questions
  • Take a selfie and submit; you’ll receive a digital receipt
  • Follow signs to the MPC lane and show your passport to the officer

Who can use Mobile Passport Control?

According to CBP, MPC is available to US citizens, US lawful permanent residents, Canadian B1/B2 visitors, and returning Visa Waiver Program travelers with an approved ESTA. Check the CBP page for current eligibility.

You can include up to 12 people in one submission from a single device, so families and travel groups can go through together.

Where can you use Mobile Passport Control?

MPC works at dozens of locations, including most major US international airports, several US preclearance airports abroad, and some seaports and land ports. CBP keeps the current list on its website, and it changes as new sites are added.

Your submission is active for four hours in the air environment, so wait until you’re close to landing before you submit.

Is Mobile Passport Control or Global Entry better?

Global Entry is usually faster and includes TSA PreCheck, but it costs $120 (as of 2026) and requires a background check and an interview. MPC is free and needs no application, so it’s ideal for occasional international travelers or households where only some members have Global Entry.

Our Global Entry vs TSA PreCheck comparison helps if you’re deciding which program fits.

What are the best tips for using MPC smoothly?

A little setup before your trip makes MPC fast on arrival day.

  • Set up profiles for everyone before you leave home
  • Download only the official CBP app and avoid paid look-alikes
  • Make sure you have data or Wi-Fi on arrival
  • Keep passports handy; the officer will still check them
  • Look for MPC lane signs, which may be shared with other lanes

Frequently asked questions

Is the Mobile Passport Control app free?

Yes. Mobile Passport Control is a free app from US Customs and Border Protection. There’s no fee, application, or background check. Be sure to download the official CBP app, since look-alike apps have existed in the past. Once your profile is set up, you can reuse it on future trips.

Do I still need my passport if I use MPC?

Yes. MPC speeds up processing, but it doesn’t replace your passport. You scan it into the app when creating your profile, and a CBP officer will still check your physical passport in the MPC lane. Keep it accessible, rather than packed in a checked bag, until you’ve cleared customs and immigration.

Can my family submit together on Mobile Passport Control?

Yes. CBP allows up to 12 people in one submission from a single device, so a family or small group can submit together and approach the officer as a group. Each traveler needs to be eligible for MPC, and you’ll take a photo of each person as part of the submission.

Does Mobile Passport Control replace Global Entry?

Not exactly. MPC is a free way to shorten arrival lines, but Global Entry is typically faster and includes TSA PreCheck for domestic flights. Frequent international travelers usually prefer Global Entry, while occasional travelers or families with mixed memberships often find MPC a great no-cost option.

Is Mobile Passport Control available at every US airport?

No. MPC is available at participating airports, preclearance locations, seaports, and land ports, including most major international gateways, but not every arrival point. Check CBP’s current list before your trip. If your airport isn’t participating, you’ll use the standard arrival process or Global Entry if you’re a member.

Official sources

Rules, fees and schedules change — confirm the latest details at the source before you travel.

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