SEATTLE, Wash. – With the busy summer travel season upon us, U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is encouraging international travelers to use Mobile Passport Control.
app can expedite the CBP
entry process for eligible
international travelers.
Mobile Passport Control is the first authorized app to expedite a traveler’s arrival into the United States. Eligible travelers may voluntarily submit their passport information and answers to inspection-related questions to CBP via a smartphone or tablet prior to arrival. Android and iPhone users can download the Mobile Passport app for free from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. The Passport app has been downloaded more than 1 million times over the past two years.
“CBP is committed to improving the international travel experience by offering innovative technology to streamline the arrival process,” said Seattle Area Port Director Mark Wilkerson. “Our Automated Passport Control kiosks, Global Entry kiosks and smart-phone and mobile technologies reduce wait times without compromising our vital border security mission.”
MPC currently offers U.S. citizens and Canadian visitors a more efficient in-person inspection between the CBP officer and the traveler upon arrival in the United States. Much like Automated Passport Control, the app does not require pre-approval and is free to use. Travelers who successfully use the app will no longer have to complete a paper form or use an APC kiosk. As a result, travelers will experience shorter wait times, less congestion and faster processing.
There are five easy steps to 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
- Submit responses to inspection-related questions to CBP through the app to receive an electronic receipt with an Encrypted Quick Response code
- Bring your passport and smartphone or tablet with your digital bar-coded receipt to a CBP officer
The MPC pilot launched in August 2014 for eligible travelers arriving at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and has since expanded to more than 20 airports. For more information on which airports have MPC available please visit, CBP.gov/MPC.
This first-of-its-kind app was developed in partnership with CBP by Airports Council International- North America and their technical partners. Information about Mobile Passport Control, including how to download, user eligibility and other frequently asked questions, is available on CBP.gov.
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. As part of its commitment to innovation, APC kiosks are located at 49 airports around the world and I-94 form is now automated. CBP has also enrolled more than 5 million travelers in trusted traveler programs such as Global Entry, NEXUS and SENTRI. These programs allow CBP officers to process travelers safely and efficiently while enhancing security and reducing operational costs.
CBP’s website offers rules and tips for clearing CBP inspection during travel to and from the United States.