Mobile Passport Control (MPC): Expedited U.S. Entry Guide
Streamline your arrival into the United States with the free, official CBP Mobile Passport Control app. Submit your travel documents, photos, and customs declarations digitally for shorter lines at over 50 international airports, 14 global preclearance hubs, and pedestrian land border crossings.
Official CBP Application- Program Authority U.S. Customs and Border Protection
- Eligible Travelers U.S., LPR, Canada B1/B2, ESTA
- Application Fee $0.00 (Zero Charge)
- Pre-Approval Wait Instant (No Interview Needed)
- Data Storage Encrypted On Personal Device
Crucial App Advisory: Only download the official app titled Mobile Passport Control developed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The former third party Airside Mobile Passport app was discontinued for CBP processing on February 1, 2022. You do not need to pay any third party subscription or expediting fee to use MPC.
Physical Passports Still Mandatory: Mobile Passport Control digitizes the customs declaration form and accelerates the passport control queue, but it does not replace your physical travel document. Every traveler must present their physical passport book or Lawful Permanent Resident card to the CBP officer upon inspection.
Who Can Use Mobile Passport Control in 2026?
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has expanded MPC access across four primary traveler categories. Review the requirements below before setting up your household profile.
U.S. Citizens
All United States passport holders arriving at supported ports can use the MPC app for primary inspection processing.
Valid U.S. PassportLawful Permanent Residents
U.S. Permanent Residents holding a valid Green Card can enter document numbers and verify their re-entry status through the app.
Form I-551 Green CardCanadian B1/B2 Visitors
Canadian citizens entering the United States for temporary business or tourism under B1 or B2 classification qualify for MPC submission.
Canadian PassportReturning ESTA Travelers
Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries with an approved ESTA who have previously visited the U.S. at least once can use the MPC lane.
Approved ESTA + Prior EntryMobile Passport Control vs. Global Entry
Both programs expedite federal immigration screening at major ports, but their cost, enrollment process, and household flexibility differ significantly.
| Feature Metric | Mobile Passport Control (MPC) | Global Entry (Trusted Traveler) |
|---|---|---|
| Enrollment Fee | Free $0.00 (about ₱0.00 / €0.00 / £0.00) | $120.00 (about ₱6,900.00 / €110.00 / £95.00) for 5 years |
| Application Process | Download app, zero background check or paperwork | Online application, vetting, in-person interview, fingerprinting |
| Family & Group Processing | Up to 12 household members submitted on 1 phone | Every individual traveler (including newborns) needs paid membership |
| Processing Queue | Dedicated MPC expedited inspection lane | Automated Global Entry biometric kiosks and dedicated portals |
| Pre-Approval Wait Time | Instant, ready to use on day of travel | Several weeks to months depending on interview availability |
| Included TSA PreCheck | No (arrival immigration inspection only) | Yes, includes TSA PreCheck for domestic airport security |
| International Preclearance | Supported across 14 Canadian, Irish, Caribbean sites | Supported at major global preclearance facilities |
Six Steps to Complete Mobile Passport Control
Follow this standard CBP workflow to set up your profiles, declare items accurately, and pass through the designated priority queue without delay.
Download & Build Primary Profile
Install the official app and scan your passport biographical data. Profiles are encrypted locally on your mobile device for rapid reuse on future trips.
Add Household Members
Include up to 11 additional qualifying family members traveling together. Everyone in the group must share the same customs declaration submission.
Select Port & Complete Declaration
Choose your entry port and terminal. Answer the CBP declaration questions regarding agricultural goods, commercial merchandise, and currency over $10,000.
Capture Selfies on Arrival
Once your flight lands or you arrive at preclearance, open the app, capture a clear facial photo for each person, and tap the submission button.
Receive 4-Hour Virtual Receipt
CBP processes the submission and returns an encrypted digital receipt with a QR code. Your virtual receipt remains valid for 4 hours from delivery.
Present at MPC Priority Counter
Follow airport signs to the dedicated Mobile Passport Control lane. Present your physical passport and show the on-screen digital receipt to the officer.
Where Is Mobile Passport Control Available in 2026?
CBP has deployed Mobile Passport Control across major international gateway airports, foreign preclearance hubs, cruise seaports, and new land border facilities.
Major U.S. International Hubs
Available at over 50 international airports across the United States. Key participating terminals include:
International Preclearance Stations
Clear U.S. customs before boarding flights from 14 international preclearance airports worldwide:
Land Border Ports of Entry
Deployed on April 20, 2026 for eligible pedestrians at select border checkpoints, accelerating cross-border travel:
Cruise Seaports & Aviation
Expedited debarkation for cruise travelers and general aviation arrivals deployed in late 2026:
Pro Traveler Tips & Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Frequent international travelers report that following these specific habits makes the difference between a two minute breeze and an unexpected inspection delay.
Submit Only Upon Touchdown
Do not submit your transaction before departure or during flight. The digital receipt expires exactly 4 hours after generation. Submit right as the aircraft taxis to the gate or when arriving at preclearance.
Ensure Clear Lighting for Photos
Selfie photos must show unobstructed facial features without hats, masks, or sunglasses. Solid lighting inside the cabin or terminal ensures instant matching with government biometric databases.
Connect to Free Terminal Wi-Fi
If international roaming data is sluggish, connect immediately to the airport complimentary public Wi-Fi network before entering the customs hall to transmit your declaration without timeout errors.
Scan for Dedicated MPC Signage
Do not queue in the standard foreign visitor or non-citizen line. Look overhead for banners specifically designating Mobile Passport Control or MPC, which frequently match Global Entry speeds.
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Request a Free Delegation QuoteFrequently Asked Questions About Mobile Passport Control
Answers to the most common traveler inquiries regarding official CBP app usage, fees, and eligibility.
Is Mobile Passport Control completely free to use?
Yes. The official Mobile Passport Control app is completely free to download and use, with zero enrollment fees, zero subscription costs, and zero interview fees. Do not pay any third party service claiming to expedite MPC submissions.
Can whole families submit on a single phone?
Yes. Up to 12 household or family members can be submitted together under one transaction from a single mobile device. This provides a major financial and logistical advantage over programs like Global Entry, where each infant and child requires an individual paid enrollment.
Can international tourists with visas use Mobile Passport Control?
General B1/B2 tourist visa holders from countries other than Canada cannot use MPC. MPC is restricted to U.S. citizens, U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents, Canadian citizen visitors under B1/B2 status, and returning Visa Waiver Program travelers with an approved ESTA who have previously entered the United States.
Does Mobile Passport Control include domestic TSA PreCheck?
No. Mobile Passport Control only expedites entry immigration and customs clearance upon arrival into the United States. It does not provide expedited domestic security checkpoint screening like TSA PreCheck.
What should I do if my digital receipt expires after four hours?
If your flight experience severe delays or baggage collection exceeds 4 hours, simply reopen the app, select your entry port, capture fresh selfie photos, and generate a new virtual receipt before presenting yourself to the officer.
Where can I find the official CBP app?
Download the official app titled "Mobile Passport Control" published directly by U.S. Customs and Border Protection from the Apple App Store for iOS or the Google Play Store for Android devices.
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