Eligible Travelers Entering the U.S. Have a Mobile Option for Customs Declaration
ORLANDO — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Orlando International Airport (MCO) today announced the expansion of Mobile Passport Control (MPC) to MCO. 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 Orlando International Airport. We are thrilled to work with the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority to offer Mobile Passport Control for travelers arriving to Orlando International Airport from abroad,” said Diane J. Sabatino, director of Field Operations in Florida. “CBP is committed to using technological advances and resources to make international arrivals as traveler-friendly as possible. Collaborations with stakeholders in Orlando make these enhancements possible while maintaining the highest level of security standards.”
“Orlando International Airport is committed to enhancing the international customer arrival experience by working with our partners at Customs and Border Protection,” says Phil Brown, Executive Director of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. “The introduction of innovative technology to further expedite international processing, while not compromising security, is good for our passengers and our community.”
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), 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 Orlando on international flights,” said Eduardo Oliveros, port director. “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 is now available to passengers arriving at Chicago O’Hare International Airport, Miami International Airport, San Francisco International Airport, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport. MPC is expected to expand to more airports in 2016 and CBP has committed to expand the program to the 20 airports with the highest volumes of international travelers by the end of the calendar year.
"The continued expansion of MPC shows how airports are taking advantage of innovative technology to improve the passenger experience by helping reduce wait times in customs lines for thousands of eligible travelers entering the United States," said ACI-NA President and CEO Kevin M. Burke. “We are thrilled by the launch of Mobile Passport at Orlando International Airport and we look forward to additional launches at airports throughout 2016."
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 36 locations and automated the I-94 form. CBP has also enrolled more than 3.5 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.