Smartphone, Tablet App Can Speed Up Your Entry into the U.S.
PHILADELPHIA – With the busy summer travel season quickly approaching, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) authorities announce the launch March 26 of Mobile Passport Control.
at PHL Airport.
Already available at 25 airports and three seaports, Mobile Passport Control (MPC) allows U.S. citizens and Canadian visitors with a smartphone or tablet to use the Mobile Passport app to submit their passport information and answer CBP inspection-related questions prior to a CBP inspection. Eligible travelers opting to use the MPC app will no longer have to complete a paper Customs Declaration form, resulting in quicker processing and shorter wait times.
Much like Automated Passport Control (APC), the app does not require pre-approval and is free to use. The app streamlines the traveler inspection process and enables CBP officers to focus more on the inspection and less on administrative processing functions.
Android and iPhone users can download the Mobile Passport app for free from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, respectively.
More information about MPC airport locations, eligible users, and other frequently asked questions is available at CBP.gov/MPC.
"Customs and Border Protection remains committed to exploring dynamic technology and innovative public-private partnerships, such as Mobile Passport Control, to transform the traveler’s international arrivals experience,” said Casey Durst, CBP Director of Field Operations in Baltimore. “Through our partnership with Philadelphia International Airport, travelers arriving from overseas to Philadelphia will have another processing option to use that has been proven to reduce wait times without compromising our important border security mission.”
“We are always looking for ways to adopt technologies that enhance the passenger experience,” said Airport CEO Chellie Cameron. “The MPC program will streamline the international entry process, making it quicker and easier to start enjoying Philadelphia.”
There are five easy steps to using MPC:
- Download the Mobile Passport App from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store prior to arriving
- Create a profile with your passport information
- Complete the “New Trip” section upon arrival in the United States by selecting their arrival airport and airline, taking a self-photo
- Submit responses to inspection-related questions to CBP through the app to receive an electronic receipt with an Encrypted Quick Response (QR) code
- Bring your passport and smartphone or tablet with your digital bar-coded receipt to a CBP officer
smartphones or tablets.
The MPC pilot launched in August 2014 for eligible travelers arriving at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
This first-of-its-kind app was developed in partnership with CBP by Airports Council International- North America (ACI-NA) and their technical partners.
MPC is just one part of CBP’s resource optimization strategy, which is transforming the way CBP does business in land, air and sea environments. In recent years, CBP and airport partners launched APC at 43 airports.
CBP’s Travel website offers rules and tips for clearing CBP inspection during travel to and from the U.S. Please visit CBP Ports of Entry to learn more about how CBP’s Office of Field Operations helps secure our nation’s borders, and what CBP achieved during "A Typical Day" for CBP in 2018.
Go to www.CBP.gov for more information.