October 9, 2024
No Global Entry? Try Mobile Passport!
Pam
My sister and I travel a lot together internationally. I have Global Entry and she doesn’t. Guess who is always waiting a long time for her to get through customs when we arrive back in the United States? This time, I encouraged her to check out a different way to get through customs, and my wait was much shorter. No Global Entry? Try Mobile Passport!
The Facts
Mobile Passport Control allows you to get through the customs process quicker. Here is how they describe it:
“Mobile Passport Control (MPC) allows eligible travelers to submit their travel document, photo, and customs declaration information through a free, secure app on their smartphone or other mobile device. “
Steps to Using It
- My sister downloaded the app on her phone.
- It had her take a picture of her passport to the app.
- Once she got to the airport, they asked her questions about her arrival information, like what terminal she was in and if she had anything to declare, and they had her take a picture of herself.
- Once she filled out the information, it gave her the number of the booth she should go to.
- She got to the booth, and they asked if she had anything to declare. She said no.
- She was through!
Not every airport allows you to use MPC, but many do. You can find a list of those that do here.
People Eligible to Use Mobile Passport Control
- U.S. Citizens
- Lawful Permanent Residents
- Canadian B1/B2
- Returning Visa Waiver Program Applicants
This is a completely free app to use, so people who don’t have a credit card with a Global Entry credit have a quicker way to get through customs. My sister was delighted with her experience using it and has raved about it to anyone who will listen! 😜
Bottom Line
No Global Entry? Try Mobile Passport! It’s a great alternative to standing in the regular customs lines, is free, and doesn’t entail a screening process.
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I used it this past month. Super easy & super fast through customs.
I used it on our return trip from Puerto Vallarta to SFO in August of this year. The line was empty and we just breezed by the hour-long line at customs. We felt like celebrities because everyone was looking at us wondering why we were so special 😂