✈️ What Is Mobile Passport Control (MPC) and Should You Use It?
Skip the long lines at customs—even if you don’t have Global Entry!
If you’ve ever landed back in the U.S. after an international trip, only to face a massive line at passport control, you know the drill: tired feet, cranky travelers, and a line that barely moves. If you don’t have Global Entry, there’s another faster, free option you need to know about: Mobile Passport Control (MPC).
📱 What Is Mobile Passport Control?
Mobile Passport Control is a free app approved by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that lets U.S. citizens and Canadian visitors submit passport and customs declarations digitally—before reaching the customs agent.
It doesn’t replace your passport, but it does let you use a faster lane at customs at over 35 U.S. airports and major international preclearance sites.
✅ Who Can Use It?
- U.S. citizens (with valid U.S. passport)
- Canadian visitors with B1/B2 visa status
- No pre-approval or background check required
- Completely free
🌎 Where Can You Use It?
As of mid‑2025, MPC is available at these major U.S. airports (among others):
- TPA – Tampa International Airport ✔️
- Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL)
- Chicago O’Hare (ORD)
- Dallas–Ft. Worth (DFW)
- Denver (DEN)
- Fort Lauderdale (FLL)
- Houston (IAH/HOU)
- JFK, LAX, MIA, MSP, ORD, SFO, SEA, and others
- Plus 14 international preclearance locations
*Tip – check this website to see if your airport has MPC: https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/mobile-passport-control
🛃 How Does It Work?
- Download the free MPC app
- Create your traveler profile (passport + personal info)
- Upon landing, submit customs declaration in-app to receive a QR code
- Use the Mobile Passport lane in customs
- Show your QR code + passport, and you’re done!
🧠 MPC vs. Global Entry
| Feature | Mobile Passport Control | Global Entry |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | $100 for 5 years |
| Pre-approval Required | No | Yes (background check + interview) |
| TSA PreCheck Included | No | Yes |
| Line Speed | Shorter than regular lines | Fastest (Global Entry line) |
| In-App Convenience | Yes | No |
If you travel occasionally, MPC is a fantastic free alternative for faster customs — no interview needed!
🧳 My Experience with MPC
Both of my ‘home’ airports (Tampa and Orlando) have MPC. On average, I am through customs in under fiftteen minutes—while regular lines crept along. It was a game‑changer. You still chat with a CBP officer, but the process is faster and stress-free.
⚠️ Tips to Maximize Your MPC Experience
- Only submit after landing—don’t do it mid-flight
- QR codes last 4 hours—no rush if you’re delayed
- Keep your passport handy when entering the line
- Download and set up the app before your flight to avoid delays entering the data in the terminal
- Travel with a backup charger—you’ll need your phone!
✨ Final Thoughts
If you know me, you know I like to save money and learn a great travel hack! Mobile Passport Control is one of the best hidden hacks for U.S. travelers—it’s free, fast, and easier than filling out paper forms. Whether you’re ending an adventure or starting a family trip, MPC is a smart tool to skip the line and skip the stress.
Have questions or want help setting MPC up on your phone? Leave a comment or DM me on Instagram @dont.stay.home!
