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Mobile Passport Control App Expands to BWI

Release Date
Fri, 08/19/2016

Eligible Travelers Entering the U.S. have a Mobile Option for Customs Declaration

BALTIMORE — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) today announced the expansion of Mobile Passport Control (MPC) to BWI.  BWI becomes the 18th airport to offer MPC admission processing.

MPC is the first authorized app to expedite a traveler’s arrival into the United States. Eligible travelers submit their passport information and customs declaration form to CBP via a smartphone or tablet app prior to arrival. Android and iPhone users can download the Mobile Passport app for free from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

“It is an exciting time for CBP and for Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.  We are thrilled to work with the Maryland Aviation Administration to offer Mobile Passport Control to travelers arriving to BWI from abroad,” said Augustine Moore, Director of Field Operations in Baltimore. “CBP is committed to using technological advances and resources to make international arrivals as traveler-friendly as possible. Collaborations with stakeholders in Baltimore make these enhancements possible while maintaining the highest level of security standards.”

“Mobile Passport Control will help many of our international travelers speed through the arrivals process,” said Ricky Smith, Chief Executive Officer for BWI Marshall.  “We are pleased to partner with CBP to offer this user-friendly technology that will provide an efficient travel experience for our international passengers.”

Mobile Passport Control app logo.
Travelers may now use the Mobile
Passport Control application at
BWI Airport.

MPC currently offers U.S. citizens and Canadian visitors a more secure and efficient in-person inspection between the CBP officer and the traveler upon arrival in the United States.  Much like Automated Passport Control (APC), which is also available at BWI, the app does not require pre-approval, is free to use, and does not collect any new information from travelers.  Travelers opting to use the app will no longer have to complete a paper customs declaration form.  As a result, travelers will experience shorter wait times, less congestion and faster processing.

“I am pleased to see the latest technological advancements become available to those arriving in Baltimore on international flights,” said Dianna Bowman, CBP Area Port Director for Baltimore. “Being able to increase efficiencies through technology while enhancing our security posture is a win-win for all involved.”

There are five easy steps to MPC:

  • Download the Mobile Passport Control 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 your CBP Declaration form 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

The MPC pilot launched in August 2014 for eligible travelers arriving at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and has since expanded to 16 airports.

In addition to BWI and Atlanta, MPC is available to passengers at Boston Logan International Airport; Chicago O’Hare International Airport; Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport; Denver International Airport; Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport; Miami International Airport; Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport; New York John F. Kennedy Airport; Newark International Airport; Orlando International Airport; Raleigh-Durham International Airport; San Francisco International Airport; San Jose International Airport; Seattle-Tacoma International Airport; Tampa International Airport; and Washington Dulles International Airport.

MPC is expected to expand to more airports in 2016, and CBP has committed to expanding the program to the 20 airports with the highest volumes of international travelers by the end of the calendar year.

This first-of-its-kind app was developed in partnership with CBP by Airports Council International- North America (ACI-NA) 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, CBP installed APC kiosks at 42 locations and automated the I-94 form. 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 Travel website offers rules and tips for clearing CBP inspection during travel to and from the U.S.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021