Ever found yourself stuck in a never-ending customs line, shifting from one foot to another, checking your watch, and wishing the line would move faster? If so, let me introduce you to a revolutionary tool: the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app. This handy little app is the unsung hero for American and Canadian travelers, and it’s time we give it the recognition it deserves.
The Benefits and Convenience of the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) Application
You have just spent three happy months in the Philippines, basking in the sunshine, enjoying culture and incredible food. You are on a flight back to San Francisco, and the flight attendants are conducting routine reconnaissance on customs procedures. But later, they provided gold nugget information about the Customs and Border Patrol’s “Mobile Passport Control” application. Curiosity was aroused, and after landing, you downloaded the application. Within four minutes, you answered a few simple questions, took a photo of your passport, and submitted a form to CPB. That’s it, you can easily pass through customs.
This is not a drill. The MPC application is a true trading tool and completely free. It aims to accelerate customs and immigration procedures for US and Canadian citizens at US border checkpoints. No longer have to painstakingly fill out paper customs declaration forms, nor have to wait in long queues at immigration booths. On the contrary, you will be quickly taken to another line where you are only behind the other five savvy travelers, rather than hundreds.
Now, you might be wondering, ‘Is there a catch?’ No, this app won’t replace your traditional passport; it simply speeds up the document processing. You’ll show the QR code generated by the app along with your passport, and voila, you’re done. It’s like someone waved a magic wand and made the customs line disappear.
Who can control this magic? Any US citizen and Canadian B-1/B-2 citizen visitor holding a valid passport. No background checks, interviews, or prior approval are required. Although it does not allow you to enter trusted traveler programs such as TSA pre screening or global entry, it is a great option, especially if you are not a frequent traveler.
This application is very convenient to use. Once your plane lands or cruise ship docks, you can fill out the online form. If you have downloaded the application beforehand, you can even complete it when taxiing to the boarding gate. Connect to Wi Fi or data, enter your personal information, take photos, and answer the questions on the form. Then, the encrypted data will be sent to Customs and Border Protection, and your answer will automatically appear when you scan the QR code or swipe your passport at the immigration counter. This is a seamless process that saves time and paper.
More and more airports and cruise ports are offering mobile passport checks, which means you can submit your declaration form through the application and go directly to the immigration counter, saving valuable time. Some airports even provide dedicated routes for MPC users, which may be as fast or faster than the Global Entry route. Although U.S. Customs and Border Protection personnel may raise other questions, the processing speed is usually much faster than usual arrival channels.
So, where can you use the MPC application? It is available in 46 locations, including 33 US international airports, 9 pre clearance locations, and 4 cruise ports. If you travel with your family, you can create personal profiles for up to 12 people and submit them in one transaction. This is a family friendly way to tackle the often challenging task of clearing customs.
For those using the advanced version of the old Mobile Passport app, you can still access your stored data until your original subscription expires. If you’ve paid for automatic renewal, you won’t be charged anymore from the app store.
The mobile passport control application is an excellent alternative to global entry, especially for those who do not travel frequently enough to justify the additional fees and application process for global entry. This is a wiser choice to achieve maximum convenience and shortest waiting time at the airport. Therefore, the next time you plan an international trip, please remember the MPC application. It may be your best travel companion.
Now that you are familiar with the wonders of the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) application, let’s delve into how to make your next airport experience as smooth as silk. We are talking about a fast and worry free process that allows you to confidently and easily pass through customs with a smile on your face. So, pick up your smartphone and let’s start this step-by-step guide to quickly experience the airport.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Using the MPC Application
You need to download the MPC application before packing your luggage. It is available on both the Google Play Store and the Apple Play Store, and it is completely free. Remember, this applies not only to tech savvy or travel elites; It is suitable for anyone who owns a smartphone and wants to save time and avoid the headache of long queues.
Once you have an application, open it and create your profile. You need to enter your passport information, so please carry it with you. This application will ask for detailed information such as your name, gender, citizenship, and passport number. It’s like filling out those annoying blue customs forms, but without narrow airplane tray tables and pens that always run out of ink.
You will take a selfie. However, this is not an ordinary selfie; This is a government approved selfie. So, make sure you have good lighting, take off your sunglasses and hat, and look straight at the camera – there are no duck faces or filters here. This photo will be used for identity verification with your passport photo, so you want it to be valuable.
After setting up your personal information, you can start submitting your passport application in the application. About 72 hours before the flight takes off, you will complete the standard customs declaration questions on your mobile phone. These questions are the same as the ones you usually scribble on the blue customs form, but now you are clicking on them on the screen. Be honest with what you bring back, whether it’s souvenirs, agricultural products, or currency.
When you land in the United States, please pay attention to the mobile passport check signs at the airport. These channels are the fast track for you to go through the customs process. Open the application and prepare to scan the QR code. This is your golden ticket, equivalent to the digital version of Willy Wonka chocolate bars, which allows you to enter a chocolate factory for fast airport processing.
The mobile passport inspector will scan your password, and your information will appear on their tablet. They will ask you some questions about travel – standard procedures, there’s nothing to worry about. Then, nod and say ‘welcome home’, and you’re done. No formality, no fuss, no chaos.
Now, let’s talk about the benefits of using MPC applications. For beginners, this saves time. Frequent travelers reported that their waiting time had been reduced from a terrifying one hour long queue to five minutes with a gentle breeze brushing their faces. Parents dragging exhausted children praised it endlessly, thanking it for its quick handling that made them seem about to collapse after a long flight.
This application is not only suitable for solo travelers; This is a family matter. You can create personal profiles for up to 12 people and submit them all at once. That’s right, a deal, your entire team is ready. It’s like having a VIP pass to the coolest club – except that this club is the ‘We just skipped the customs queue’ club.
But what about those who have the advanced version of the old Mobile Passport app? Don’t worry, you can still access your stored data until your original subscription expires. If you paid for automatic renewal, it will be canceled. The app store will no longer charge fees, and you just need to ensure it runs smoothly (or flies).
It’s important to note that while the MPC app is a fantastic tool, it can’t replace your physical passport. You’ll still need to carry it with you and present it along with the QR code generated by the app. Think of this app as your passport’s best friend, helping it through tough times like long customs lines.
As for potential pitfalls, there are a few things to keep in mind. Not all airports have dedicated mobile passport screening lanes, so if you’re flying into a smaller regional airport, you might still end up in the regular passport queue. But don’t let this deter you; this app can still save you time at airports with dedicated lanes, and its usage is growing.
The Mobile Passport Control app is a traveler’s best friend. It’s a smart way to navigate customs, saving you time and stress. So, the next time you plan an international trip, remember the MPC app. It’s the secret weapon of savvy travelers who skip the queue and head home the right way. With the MPC app, you’re not just a traveler; you’re a travel expert.
Related posts:
Mobile Passport App: What to Know
Mobile Passport Control: Expedite Your Entry into the United States
Flying internationally? Here’s what you need to know about the Mobile Passport Control app
