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If you’ve traveled internationally, you have probably seen signs for “Mobile Passport Control” while passing through U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
You might have wondered if you could use that line instead of waiting in the ridiculously long one (with everyone else) to have your passport checked. And the simple answer is yes — you just need to learn how!
Mobile Passport Control can be a great option when returning to the U.S. from another country — but many people have no idea what it is or how to use it. And you’re not alone in your confusion.
This complete guide to Mobile Passport Control will tell you everything you need to know and help you pass through U.S. Customs and Border Protection as quickly as possible.
We will explain the program and how you can use it and even show you why it’s a good idea even if you already have Global Entry.
Mobile Passport Control (MPC) is a program authorized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
The program is designed to help travelers move more quickly through U.S. Customs and Border Protection checkpoints when returning to the U.S. from an international trip.
You don’t need to have a pen or fill out arrival forms on the plane or in line. All you have to do is download and use the Customs and Border Protection Mobile Passport Control (CBP MPC) app (available for iOS and Android). The information sent from the app replaces the paper forms passengers typically have to fill out before arrival.
In addition, you can securely store your passport and personal information on the app and use the same information on multiple trips. You can even set up a profile for each family member within a single account, which is especially nice for families with young children.
Hot Tip: The original Mobile Passport app, developed by Airside, still shows on the Apple and Android app store. However, when you click it, you’ll be directed to download the new (as of February 2022) CBP MPC app.
Mobile Passport Control is currently available at 33 U.S. airports, 9 preclearance locations, and 4 cruise ports around the country.
The current airport locations where you can use Mobile Passport Control are below:
You can download the CBP MPC app for free from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
As a new user, you’ll need to create a secure profile with your passport information, name, gender, date of birth, and country of citizenship.
To use the service upon arrival in the U.S., open the CBP MPC app. You will be prompted to select your arrival location, take a photo of yourself, and answer a series of required trip and declarations questions.
After submitting the information through the app, you’ll receive an electronic receipt with a QR code, which you’ll present to a CBP official to finalize your entry.
When you return to the U.S. at a participating Mobile Passport Control location, simply follow these steps:
It’s as easy as that!
Hot Tip: Remember that when you submit information through the Mobile Passport Control app, you are certifying under penalty of law that the information is correct. This is the same as filling out a paper form or answering questions directly from a Border Control officer.
Although Mobile Passport Control has some similar benefits to the Global Entry program, a few key features make each desirable. You can almost think of Mobile Passport Control as a “Global Entry Lite.”
Rather than compare the programs to decide which you should use, let’s look at why you might want to have both at your disposal. Then you can choose whichever has a shorter line when you arrive at the Customs and Border Protection checkpoint.
Global Entry is significantly more difficult to get approved for. It requires an extensive online application, a $100 application fee, a background check, and an in-person interview. Once approved, you must reapply and pay the fee every 5 years.
The extra hassle of signing up does get you a few more perks, though. With Global Entry, you get the added benefit of TSA PreCheck to help you breeze through security at the beginning of your trip.
Global Entry also uses a kiosk system that takes care of your declarations, identification match, and even your passport check without waiting in line to talk to someone.
When there is no line for the kiosks, there is no faster way to get through the Customs and Border Protection checkpoint than with Global Entry. However, with many credit cards refunding the application fee and most international passengers traveling regularly and valuing the faster checkpoint experience, there are times when you may have to wait in line for a Global Entry kiosk.
Mobile Passport Control may be the way to go in those times or when you’re traveling with family members who don’t have Global Entry. Your trip through the checkpoint will still be significantly faster than going through the regular line, and having your family members pre-registered in your app can make things even quicker.
Hot Tip: Check out our answers to the top FAQs for more info on Global Entry.
Mobile Passport Control is a great program that can really shorten the time it takes you to clear Customs and Border Protection when returning to the U.S. As long as you meet the basic requirements to sign up, getting started with Mobile Passport Control is quick and simple, with an easy-to-use app that lets you securely store information for your whole family.
If you don’t want to spend the money or go through the extensive application process for Global Entry, consider Mobile Passport Control. It provides an excellent alternative that makes returning to the U.S. a bit more pleasant.
Even if you already have Global Entry, Mobile Passport Control is free, so there is no reason not to have it set up in case the line is shorter, and it is the better option on arrival.
Download the CBP MPC app today and have Mobile Passport Control ready to go for your next international trip.
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Mobile Passport Control (MPC) is a program that allows for expedited entry into the U.S. for qualified U.S. and Canadian citizens. Using the Mobile Passport app allows travelers to submit their passport and declaration information electronically to Customs and Border Protection instead of using the traditional paper form.
Yes, Mobile Passport Control is free. There is no cost to use the Mobile Passport service, as long as you have a compatible iOS or Android mobile device.
Yes, but only at the 3 eligible Canadian preclearance locations. Otherwise, it can only be used at the 31 airports and 4 seaports of entry in the U.S.
Mobile Passport Control can be used by U.S. citizens with a valid U.S. passport and by Canadian citizens with a valid Canadian passport and either a B1 or B2 visa status. You must have the Customs and Border Patrol Mobile Passport Control app (CBP MPC) installed on either an iOS or Android device with Wi-Fi or mobile internet service at the time of entry.
The Mobile Passport Control app is used to communicate with Customs and Border Protection, electronically submitting passport and declaration information, allowing travelers to forego the traditional paper forms when entering the U.S. from another country. Traveler information can be stored in the Mobile Passport Control app for use on future trips.
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135 comments
LeeAnn
April 23, 2019
I read that once you submit your information you receive an electronic receipt that contains an encrypted barcode. This should take only a few seconds to get and will be valid for 4 hours.
Does this mean you need to arrive at your USA city airport within 4 hours of submitting it, or does it mean you only have 4 hours to print it out?
Thanks
Christy Rodriguez
April 24, 2019
Hi LeeAnn, your bar code will be good for 4 hours once you enter in all of your information. The Mobile Passport App actually notes that this needs to be done upon arrival to the US. Personally, I like to submit the information while taxiing to the gate or while waiting for everyone to deplane the aircraft. You will get a bar code confirming that this was successful.
Your bar code doesn’t need to be printed. You can simply show your passport to the Customs and Border Protection officer who will also scan the bar code on your phone. Hope this helps!
LeeAnn C Doppel
April 23, 2019
Is the airport city list above updated? I will be landing back in the USA at the SLC airport.
Thanks
Christine Krzyszton
April 24, 2019
Hello LeeAnn. I just checked the Mobile Passport App and SLC is not one of the listed airports.
Igor
May 05, 2019
I got this application 2-3 years ago and have used it 3-4 times on my trips. It was good that I did not need to enter my password information every time. I loved just to select my airport, company and flight number and go. All other information was on my phone and I used it. I had info an myself and my wife. Lines were Ok, quicker for 5-10 min then regular gates. (I was coming through JFK).
I just had another trip 2 weeks ago and was looking forward to use it again and to save some time.
Unfortunately it did not work as I have expected.
1. When I wanted to enter information about my trip and be ready to go through the control, the application did not let me go through process until I will select between 2 options:
A. upgrade to plus version ($14.99 every year) or
B. stay with a free version.
It is Ok, but biggest surprise was that, if I choose to continue with my free version, warning pop up that ALL MY INFORMATION including passport information WILL BE DELETED, meaning I have to enter everything over again and will have to do it every time in the future. As I have mention, I have used this application before and I never needed to reenter my data again. This was one of the big pluses of the application. So, I found myself in airport with choice to select Plus Version and pay or not to pay and reenter all data about 2 of us because if I proceed my current data will be deleted! Reentering data means time. So. what is the gain?
Eventually, I decided to pay and it was nice to find out that I still have 7 days free trial for it and do not need to pay now.
2. When I got into Mobile Passport line in JFK, we found ourself behind approximately 30-40 people line to get through Mobile Passport gate. It is interesting, that it was at least 16-18 gates open if you do not have Mobile App and ONLY one if you do. So, more people get an application, more problem we will have. Line was moving pretty slow and after 10 min of. waiting we decide to leave it and to go to regular lines (which had much less people and were moving faster), but found it is not easy because you are between 2 boards on the left and right which are separating you from regular lines. We realized that we are trapped and the only way to finish is to continue through this gate. In approximately 25-30 min in line, we got to the person at the gate. I was surprised that he did not care about our mobile pass. He checked our passports and then started to ask all questions one by one which we have answered in our mobile passes. After we answered them, he documented all, scanned our passports and only after that he checked mobile pass and let us go.
So, If you travel across the border multiple times a year, may be it worse it, If you like most of us and doing trip once in a while (more then once a year) it will cost you $14.99 each time or you will need to spend time entering all data over again. I feel that they doing this only for one purpose – force you to select Plus Version and collect extra money for the application, because otherwise why to delete your data, it is there…
More customers will use it, longer lines will be and you again under mercy of the agent at the gate how fast he/she will process you.
Christy Rodriguez
May 05, 2019
Hi Igor, as you noted, Customs and Board Protection made changes to the Mobile Passport app as of 4/23/19. These changes included a significant decrease in accessibility to the free app and added in the paid version that retains all of your information. This was a disappointment to all of us here at Upgraded Points as well.
Ultimately, there is still a free option with Mobile Passport, which is nice even if you have to re-enter all the information each time. Other similar options, like Global Entry, are $100, but valid for 5 years. This might be a good option for you as lines are usually much shorter. In addition, many credit cards will pay for your application as well.
Thank you for noting your experience, it may help some of our other readers in deciding if the upgrade is worth it for them as well.
Leigh
January 06, 2021
CBP does not run or own the program.
Christy Rodriguez
January 07, 2021
Hi Leigh, CBP does operate the Mobile Passport Control program: https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/mobile-passport-control
Walter
May 07, 2019
If I am a citizen and my spouse is just a resident and through the app I try to use the ‘family’ feature, does anyone know if we are still able to utilize the app? I understand that one must be a US Citizen but didn’t know if everyone on the family needed to be one as well. Anyone have any insight on this?
Christy Rodriguez
May 08, 2019
Hi Walter, currently only U.S. citizens (with a valid U.S. passport) and Canadian visitors (with both a valid Canadian passport and B1 or B2 visa status) are able to use the Mobile Passport app. I am not sure if your spouse is from Canada. If not, unfortunately they would be unable to join in on the “family” side of the app. Sorry about that!
Jarid
May 11, 2019
San Diego no longer has Mobile Passport, as of my international arrival 10 May 2019. I was told if I use Mobile Passport and Global Entry in the same visit (not knowing which line would be shorter) it can deny your global entry use on that visit. Why did San Diego take out its Mobile Passport?
Christy Rodriguez
May 11, 2019
Hi Jarid, San Diego is still listed as having Mobile Passport available as of today: https://mobilepassport.us/
There were recently changes to the Mobile Passport app though, so I would make sure you have the most current version.
Also, have never heard of “denying” global entry upon your re-entry to the U.S. if you also fill out a Mobile Passport form. In fact, sometimes the Global Entry and Mobile Passport lines are combined. I’ve done this many times myself and just chose the shortest line. Hope this helps!
Leigh
January 06, 2021
If you do MP then the GE kiosk will not issue you a receipt as you have already entered using that system.
Keem
May 15, 2019
Does Dominican Republic allow MP?
Christy Rodriguez
May 15, 2019
Hi Keem. Mobile Passport is only valid in the U.S. at the airports/seaports listed above. You would be able to use it upon your return if you will be returning to one of those locations though!
Tina
December 14, 2021
I travel quite frequently and have used it since its conception. The more I have traveled the less frequently it is actually used. I would say my last 10 trips coming back into ORD, IAD, and EWR I used it. However, when I got to the agent, a regular form was given to me by the agent that I had to fill out. The agent retook my picture and everything. On my trip before last though IAD, I was told by BP they don’t do it anymore. The agent said he is not sure why it’s still being advertised because it is no longer acceptable. I just got back and the worker in the terminal was asking for mobile passport people to go one way. However, I went the normal way. I didn’t even have to fill out a declaration form.
Mike
May 27, 2019
Hello! I’m going to be returning to the US from the UK on an American Airlines ticket, but the actual carrier will be British Airways. In the list of carriers in the app, American is not listed but British is. I suspect that the airline I should select is the one who sold me the ticket. If that’s the case then it looks like I can’t use Mobile Passport for this trip. Should I choose British from the list? I’d rather not screw it up and waste more time at the airport.
Stephen Au
May 27, 2019
Hey Mike,
Yes, AA sells British Airways tickets via codeshare agreements. Keep in mind that we are not AA or British Airways. We feel that hte best option for you would be to choose British Airways. But, please double check with the appropriate customer service representatives. Thanks for reading!
Christy Rodriguez
May 27, 2019
Hi Mike! Here is specifically what CBP has to say. “We are approved to list only those airlines that have international arrivals at the respective port of entry. Sometimes travelers are looking for airlines that are operating under a code-share partner, so take a look at the bottom of your ticket or in the flight status box.”
So basically, don’t look for the carrier you bought your ticket with, select the carrier that is operating the flight. You should be able to use Mobile Passport as long as you’re landing at an airport that has it available.
Hope this helps and thanks for reading!
Mike
May 28, 2019
Excellent answers! Thanks for the advice!
Jeremy Carson
May 29, 2019
They are no longer using Mobile Passport at SJC. When I asked on my British Air arrival, they said it was being phased out in favor of facial recognition.
Christy Rodriguez
May 30, 2019
Hi Jeremy, SJC is still listed on the Mobile Passport site as of this morning: https://mobilepassport.us/#locations
Facial recognition is in place at SJC. It eliminates the need for agents to scan passports manually and visually compare travelers to their passport photos. This doesn’t eliminate the need for a CBP agent to review your arrival information though, so the information provided and questions answered in Mobile Passport can’t simply replaced by facial recognition alone.
Specifically on SJC’s website they note: “Travelers who use the Mobile Passport app to digitally fill-out immigration forms and customs declarations can continue to use it, but will also go through the same facial recognition process at passport control.”
Not sure who gave you this information, but it doesn’t appear to be correct. Thanks for reading!
Jaime Kachinsky
June 04, 2019
I have mobile passport app on my phone, I will be traveling with my mother who does not reside with me and does not have a phone. Can I add her to my app even though we do not reside at the same address?
Christy Rodriguez
June 04, 2019
Hi Jaime. According to Customs and Border Patrol, “The app allows for a single household to submit one MPC transaction, including answers to CBP inspection-related questions.”
Since it does state “a single household” and your mother is not part of your household, it doesn’t appear that she could be added to your app. I would definitely prepare for the fact that your mother may not be able to use Mobile Passport.
Ultimately, we are not CBP, so I would recommend you contact them directly for a definitive answer: https://www.cbp.gov/contact
Larry Harris
June 07, 2019
I will be going through US Customs in Aruba on my return trip to Atlanta. Can I use Mobile Pass at U S Customs in Aruba?
Christy Rodriguez
June 07, 2019
Hi Larry, there is no U.S. Customs in Aruba – you will go through Aruba customs.
Mobile Passport is only good in the U.S. at the locations noted above. You will only be able to use Mobile Passport upon your return to the U.S. – not upon arrival to other countries.
Hope this helps!
Christy Rodriguez
June 07, 2019
Hi Larry. I wanted to follow back up with you as I realized I may have misunderstood your original question!
There is pre-clearance available in Aruba, but this isn’t compatible with Mobile Passport. On the other hand, if you have Global Entry, you can use this as part of the pre-clearance process for your return to the U.S.
Again, thanks for reading Larry!
roger branker
June 12, 2019
My family of four is traveling from Cancun to JFK. Will the passport info & photos need to be entered to the mobile passport free app on the plane or can it be entered before departure and submitted with CBP questions after arrival?
Christy Rodriguez
June 12, 2019
Hi Roger! Customs and Border Patrol specifically notes that all information will need to be entered upon arrival back into the U.S. In addition, the barcode that you will receive after submission only lasts for 4 hours. Since you noted that you’re using the free app, this information can’t be stored and will all need to be entered once you get back into the US – not before you leave.
Hope this answers your questions and enjoy your trip!
Tom Johnson
July 11, 2019
I am trying to upgrade to Mobile Passport Plus, but when I do it insists that I enter my “Company Code.” I don’t have a company nor do I have a code other than the PIN I use to get into the app. So what’s a “Company Code” and where do I get one?
Thanks.
Jarrod West
July 13, 2019
Hi Tom,
That is very bizarre as a company code should not be required in order for you to upgrade to Mobile Passport Plus. I would suggest that you contact the Mobile Passport support by sending an email to flightcrew@airsidemobile.com
Nancy
July 25, 2019
Before my recent flight from Europe into SFO, I was disappointed to see that I would have to upgrade to the Plus version of Mobile Passport, or lose our passport information. I chose the free version, expecting that we may not have time to enter our passport info before customs. But since the app mentioned the info being saved for four hours, we decided to enter it all while still in the air. I had to manually enter everything, since the passport scan isn’t available with the free version, but it was all still there upon landing and turning on my data. Then while taxiing, I just had to enter in my trip, answer the questions and submit. So even though it’s a pain to type in everything and take a selfie during the flight, at least I had plenty of time to do it. I think I’ll continue using the free version.
Christy Rodriguez
July 25, 2019
Hi Nancy, thanks for letting readers know about your experience and tips for entering the information. I’m sure it will help those who were also disappointed by the recent changes.
Thanks for reading!
Gerald Maloney
August 06, 2019
Can I use Mobile Passport for myself and my fiancée, living at two different addresses, as “family members” traveling together?
Andrew Kunesh
August 06, 2019
Hey Gerald, the CBP considers family members family members people “related by blood, marriage, or adoption.” In this case, you and your fiancée will need to submit your Mobile Passport declarations separately.
Karl Hannum
August 13, 2019
Sounds great. Any idea if/when Detroit will be active. Thanks. Karl
Christy Rodriguez
August 13, 2019
Hi Karl! Unfortunately we’re not affiliated with Mobile Passport at all – the best advice we can give you is to keep checking their website as they note they are adding new airports all the time.
If you are arriving into a participating airport from an international destination, be sure to use Mobile Passport to save tons of time upon reentry! Thanks for reading.
Al
August 22, 2019
Hi there. Can I use the Mobile Passport in transit? I am traveling from Calgary to Paris via Seattle.
Thanks for answering my question.
Christy Rodriguez
August 22, 2019
Hi Al, Seattle uses Mobile Passport, so yes you can! The app will definitely help speed up your time at customs and immigration on your layover. Hope this helps!
Al
August 22, 2019
Thanks for responding to my question. I meant can I use the app before flying from Calgary to Seattle? Calgary airport is a preclearance airport, but it’s not listed of course on the app list of airports.
Christy Rodriguez
August 22, 2019
Oh, I’m sorry I misunderstood. No – Mobile Passport is only available at the U.S. locations listed above. If there is preclearance, you can use something like Global Entry to expedite the process, but not Mobile Passport.
Phyllis
August 27, 2019
I just love Mobile Passport. I’ve used it in about 8 different US cities. However, signage is USUALLY poor or non-existent. But I just keep moving along and skip the lines hoping to find a sign or someone in the know.
Now wondering if MP is available at the San Pedro Port, World Cruise Center? I haven’t found a listing of any ports. Thanks.
Christy Rodriguez
August 27, 2019
Hi Phyllis, glad to hear that you’re enjoy Mobile Passport! Yes, signage varies by airport/port, so it can be difficult to track down!
Regarding ports, we actually have them listed above as well. There are only 3 ports that have Mobile Passport, and unfortunately San Pedro isn’t one of them. They are always adding in new locations, so keeping checking back here or on the Mobile Passport website!
Colleen Sheldon
September 04, 2019
We are flying from Amsterdam to Portland Oregon on Nov. 12. It is a 10 1/2 hour flight . Can we put all of our info into the app at the airport so that when we arrive in Portland it will all be done ? Or do we have to wait until the plane is on the ground in Portland? And will we have WiFi at that point to do it?
Thank you…
Christy Rodriguez
September 04, 2019
Hi Colleen. On the Mobile Passport website they note that the information has to be completed upon arrival.
However, there are two versions of Mobile Passport – one is free and one is paid. With the free version, you would need to enter all of your information on arrival into Portland. If you get the paid version (which is $14.99/yr), then you can enter your passport information before and it will store it for you. You will still need to answer the customs and border protection questions upon arrival in Portland though.
Portland airport does have free WiFi as well. Hope this helps!
mbh
September 18, 2019
I just spent about 30 minutes reading all the most recent reviews of the (android) app. There are two big things I think people may need to know that were mentioned repeatedly: First, do not “submit” the MP info until you are SURE you do not want to use Global Entry. As one commenter above noted, it appears to be true that once you do that, you are blocked from GE as it appears you have already “entered” via MP. So, look at the lines before choosing. Also, it appeared to me that MP is losing airports, not gaining them. ATL appears to be off and on, mostly off, and others as well. Several people mentioned asking BP/Customs agents about MP and they all seemed to think it was useless and on the way out.
All of that said, I downloaded the free version and I’ll keep it handy in the event it’s ever the better option on one of those dreadful days in which the kiosks for GE are mostly not working and/or have crazy long lines.
Christy Rodriguez
September 18, 2019
Hi mbh, thanks for documenting your thoughts. I’m sure it will help many readers when deciding if Mobile Passport is a good choice for them. We can’t comment on the future of Mobile Passport, but for now, it’s definitely a great (and free if you don’t have the ‘plus’ version) option for travelers.
Thanks for reading!
SAVANNAH R PEREZ
October 05, 2019
I am having a hard time taking the picture. It says frame your face but still rejecting.
Annette
October 25, 2019
Hi Jill,
I just had the same problem and it was driving me crazy. Nothing I did helped – different background, different lighting, slowly moving the phone camera – you name it. I finally decided to press the button that lets me select the photo without having the “frame your face” line in green. It worked just fine and the app inserted my photo. I haven’t finished the questionnaire because I am not returning yet, but it looks like the photo is OK.
Annette
Jill Baumbach
October 21, 2019
Hi-
I keep getting an error when taking the photo. It keeps rejecting my photo on the “Frame my Face” requirement. I have tried several times at several different distances from the camera. It’s very clearly just me in the photo (an upclose of my face with the entire head visible just like my passport photo). Any suggestions/tips?
Thank you.
Christy Rodriguez
October 21, 2019
Hi Jill – sorry you’re having trouble with taking your photo. When you are taking your photo, you should see the red “x’s” become green check marks as you subtly move your phone to change the photo’s position. Our best advise is to be patient and make small tiny movements to best position the photo. Hopefully this helps you!
BARRY WIELERT
October 24, 2019
Can this Mobile application be used to board domestic flights requiring Special ID other than basic Drivers Licence. My DL doesn’t have that special designation and it take 3 months for an appointment with DMV, and I have misplaced my Passport, (I do have a photo copy of it). Both I can’t replace before my desired Thanksgiving November 20 flight.
Thank you
Christy Rodriguez
October 25, 2019
Hi Barry. We couldn’t find any answers to this question listed on their website. We would recommend contacting Customs and Border Protection directly for the best answer for this question.
There are a few ways to reach them: https://www.cbp.gov/contact
Jane
February 01, 2020
What happens if the airport you’re flying into–San Antonio International–isn’t one of the currently listed MP airports? I’m flying back to SATX on Monday. Any help you can provide would be great. Thanks…
Jarrod West
February 02, 2020
Hi Jane,
If the airport does not offer it, then you will need to go through Passport review.
peter
March 04, 2020
ok thanks so much
Varinnia Colemere
March 18, 2020
FYI – Atlanta Hartsfield International no longer offers Mobile Passport. Otherwise, it is a great app. I have used it since it’s inception.
Bobby
April 05, 2020
If I submit the Mobile Passport when I land and then discover that the regular lines are shorter can I just go to the regular lines and not use the mobile passport?
Jarrod West
April 05, 2020
Hi Bobby,
Yes, you can still use a regular line if you wish.
patrick
April 13, 2020
Does anyone know how to turn off auto renewal? That option is not in the app. I’ve checked my phone in the subscription section and it’s not there and when I go to the app store it sends me to my phone settings.
Thanks
Christine Krzyszton
April 13, 2020
Hi Patrick. If you have the free version, you can just delete the app from your phone. If you have a paid subscription, here are the directions for turning off the auto-renewal: https://www.mobilepassport.us/faq/ If the link doesn’t go directly to the instructions, select “How do I determine and manage the subscription status of mobile passport plus?”
Dmitri
August 14, 2020
There’s now another free app out there that does the same thing as Mobile Passport/can be used in the MPC lane, plus stores your passport information for free (no need to pay for amy subscription.) It’s called CLEAR Pass, is also approved by CBP, and is free for all / doesn’t require any CLEAR subscription or membership either. Check it out, it might help you one day!
Ron
February 22, 2021
On a recent trip returning through Chicago (ORD) they were no longer using Mobile Passport and the TSA officer I spoke to left me thinking they were discontinuing it permanently. Is this true and is it happening at other airports?
Jarrod West
February 22, 2021
Hi Ron,
There does not appear to be any information indicating that on the Mobile Passport website and I’ve not personally heard of this happening at other airports.
Jim W
January 11, 2022
It no longer woks at Fort Lauderdale either. I used to use it all the time, but they stopped using it. A shame.
Paul Myers
April 04, 2021
Passing through DFW on 4/1/21, there was no line for Mobile Passport, when asked, the person in charge told me just to stay in the regular line.
Bart Dinin
April 19, 2021
This is the first time using the Mobile passport.
It says:
1. “Select Port of Entry” is that the port I’m leaving from Miami or the port I’m going to Cancun?
2. When do I fill the form out?
3. Can I do it in advance before the trip?
4. I’m thinking that it only gets filled out and used on my return and the port of entry is Miami right?
Thanks
Jarrod West
April 19, 2021
Hi Bart,
You’re correct that it only gets filled out and used on your return to the U.S. You can fill the form out whenever you’d like prior to your return trip. Safe travels!
Ben
May 22, 2021
Returning through LAX on 5/13/21 we were told the mobile passport program has no longer being used. The CBP officers we spoke to didn’t know if that was temporary or permanent. It would be great to find some info, though.
fabrizio
June 10, 2021
Yesterday I landed back from abroad and the CBP officer just asked me for my passport. I asked him if also wanted to check my Mobile passport and he replied that they no longer use it because it is outdated technology. They now rely on face recognition.
Alex
July 08, 2021
I just went through DFW a few weeks back and they did not have a space for mobile passport, only global entry and a regular line.
Alex V
August 27, 2021
I’ve been using Mobile Passport for many years and it has been a tremendous time saver. However, this was completely different at MSP yesterday. There were only 2 options, Global Entry or everyone else. There was no distinction between American citizens and foreign nationals, everyone else stood in the same line. It felt like a push for more people to apply for Global Entry.
Bryan
September 05, 2021
When did they stop using Mobile Passport at the Atlanta airport? Do you think Mobile Passport will be implemented at the Atlanta airport again by November?
Jarrod West
September 06, 2021
Hi Bryan,
We cannot say for sure one way or the other, as we do not have any connection to Mobile Passport. But if Atlanta begins to accept Mobile Passport again we will definitely update this post to indicate that. Safe travels!
Badgerboy
October 10, 2021
Just arrived at Chicago O’Hare international terminal 5 and they don’t accept MPC anymore. RIP. Good ole long lines were back.
Jim Middleton
November 03, 2021
Purchased the app but was told by a rude CBP employee that Phoenix was not doing Mobile Passport. I’ve had this same experience 3 separate times in Phoenix. Don’t waste your money on the paid version. If CBP is not going to use it, they should post that information on the website.
Peter
December 15, 2021
I came through ORD yesterday and they don’t accept mobile passport processing. They said it was due to pandemic.
Max Weber
May 15, 2022
Airside mobile passport is longer accepted by CBP. Download the new CBP MPC app online.
Brian Trumbo
May 30, 2022
CBP MPC is a joke. Flew in on United to Newark airport and updated my mobile passport app to the CBP MPC app. Loading passport was easy however there are no mobile passport lines and you must stand in the same customs lines as everyone else. After waiting in line for 45 + minutes officer said the app is meaningless and must still see your passport and ask you questions. Don’t waste your time at Newark using this app.
M. Webb
June 14, 2022
I flew into Seattle last week. I have been using the new CBP MPC. No signage for Mobile Passport anymore. Both the airline agent and the emigration agent told me that Seattle no longer has Mobile Passport. Bummer.
MBB
August 09, 2022
Mobile passport/MCP used to be a breeze but no longer seems to work at JFK. The customs people don’t seem to know what you are even talking about (in spite of there still being ads for it in the security area) and there are no longer any official posted signs or dedicated lane. I flew into JFK last night and had to wait in line nearly 2 hours as there was no longer a mobile passport option. I am going to just bite the bullet and get Global entry.
Donna
August 13, 2022
ORD doesn’t accept it anymore. I flew in yesterday and we were in line for at least 30 min.
andre Ko
August 24, 2022
I had the exact same experience as MBB yesterday at JFK. The blue floor striping directing mobile passport users to the center windows has been removed. Neither the staff nor the agents could/would explain the status of mobile passport. The app itself functioned but to no avail.
Mark
October 30, 2022
If I use the app to go through preclearance in Montreal do I need to do it again and generate a new QR code when I go through customs in Chicago? Or is the QR code I got in Montreal just used again going through Chicago?
Jarrod West
October 31, 2022
Hi Mark,
To my knowledge, you will need to generate a new code. Thanks for reading!
caroline
June 20, 2023
You do US custom clearance in Montreal itself …….when you land in Chicago there is no custom clearance.
Cw
January 11, 2023
I used this app in Houston Monday and worked perfectly. Went straight to front of line passing at least 60-80 people. My cousin used it in Phoenix with same results. But her sister tried at LAX and they said its not accepted anymore. No help or info why either. But fyi- as of Jan/9/2023- Houston and Phoenix both work.
John Mallin
August 18, 2023
Can I still register for the app so I can download all the required basic information (name, birthdate, passport data, etc.)? The app store app does not provide the basic form; only the information needing to be entered post-trip. And is MPC still being used in Toronto?
Jarrod West
August 21, 2023
Hi John,
Yes you should still be able to register for the app, and as far as we know MP is still being used in Toronto. Thanks for reading!
Bob Slaybaugh
September 19, 2023
It is my understanding that the MPC form can be submitted when landing or even proceeding to gate. Will turning off airplane mode and turning cellular data on suffice to get the reference number even if internet is not available. Our re-entry to US is Miami.
Joey
September 21, 2023
I noticed some airports are not using MPC anymore in my recent travels. I arrived at EWR two weeks ago and was told to join the regular US citizen line despite there signs for MPC (yes I showed them the MPC QR code.) I asked for a reason and was just told the machine wasn’t working. Not sure if that was true or not. Yesterday I arrived at JFK terminal 7 and was told the same thing. Not sure if this is a trend or not. I was at JFK terminal 4 last month and was able to use MPC app with no issues.
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