Mobile Passport Control app: skip the line at US customs

The free CBP Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app lets US citizens, permanent residents, Canadian visitors, and ESTA-approved Visa Waiver travelers skip the paper-form line at US customs — no Global Entry enrollment or fee required. As of April 2026, MPC now works at select land border crossings in addition to 30-plus US international airports.

What is the Mobile Passport Control app — and is it really free?

Yes, completely free. Mobile Passport Control is an official CBP-approved app that lets eligible travelers submit their passport information and customs declaration digitally on their phone before landing. CBP sends back a QR-code receipt, which you scan at a dedicated MPC kiosk lane — faster than the standard paper-form line.

The app is separate from CBP One, but MPC features are also available within the CBP One app as of 2023. Search “Mobile Passport Control” or “CBP One” on the App Store or Google Play to download either.

• Free to download and use — no membership fee ever
• CBP-approved official government app
• Available on Apple App Store and Google Play
• Separate standalone app (ID 1520656722 on App Store) or built into CBP One

Who can use Mobile Passport Control? Eligible travelers explained

MPC is open to a wider range of travelers than Global Entry. As of 2026, CBP updated eligibility to include Visa Waiver Program (VWP) travelers with a valid ESTA approval, expanding access beyond the original eligible groups. If you hold a B1/B2 visitor visa, check CBP's eligibility page directly as visa-category access has been updated.

How to use the Mobile Passport Control app: step-by-step

The whole process takes a few minutes and is best done while still on the plane. Submitting in the air (or right after landing) means your QR code receipt is ready by the time you reach the CBP inspection area.

• Create a profile: enter your passport and biographic information once; saved for future trips
• Select your port of entry and terminal (if applicable) when you start a new trip
• Add group members: include up to 11 additional travelers on a single submission (12 total)
• Answer the CBP customs declaration questions and certify your answers are truthful
• When the plane lands, tap “Yes, Submit Now” and take the required photos
• CBP sends a virtual QR-code receipt to your device — proceed to the MPC lane and scan it at the kiosk
• A CBP officer reviews your submission and may ask follow-up questions before clearing you

Which airports and land borders support Mobile Passport Control in 2026?

MPC is available at more than 30 major US international airports. A significant 2026 expansion: on April 20, 2026, CBP deployed MPC for eligible pedestrians at select land border crossings, with more ports of entry being added throughout the rest of 2026. Always confirm your specific terminal at larger airports before arrival — not every terminal at a multi-terminal airport may have an MPC lane.

Mobile Passport Control vs. Global Entry: which should you use?

Global Entry is faster at high-volume airports because its biometric kiosks are built to move dedicated members through quickly — but it requires a $100 application fee, a background check, and an in-person interview. MPC is the right choice if you want a speed boost today at no cost, or if you travel internationally only occasionally. If you already have Global Entry, use GE kiosks; MPC is a solid fallback if a GE kiosk is out of service. For the full picture on all expedited programs, see our guide to TSA PreCheck vs. CLEAR vs. Global Entry.

Traveling with family? How group submissions work

You can add up to 11 other travelers to your MPC submission, for 12 people total on one device. Minor children can be included under a parent or guardian's submission rather than needing their own device. Each adult in your group who is traveling separately (different flight or different arrival) will need their own device and their own submission. For groups of more than 12, split into multiple submissions across devices.

• One device can cover up to 12 travelers (1 primary + 11 group members)
• Minor children do not need a separate device — add them to a parent's submission
• Each adult traveling separately still needs their own submission
• Families benefit most: one parent can handle the whole group's declaration
• For groups over 12, split across multiple devices as separate submissions

How much time does MPC actually save?

CBP states MPC delivers “shorter wait times” because the pre-filled digital declaration lets officers process travelers more efficiently than the paper form workflow. MPC is faster than the standard customs line but generally not as fast as Global Entry, which uses biometric kiosks with a fully pre-vetted traveler database. The actual time saved varies by airport, volume, and time of day — peak international arrival windows (afternoon at major hubs) see the biggest benefit from having a dedicated MPC lane.

• MPC: faster than standard paper-form lane
• Global Entry: faster than MPC
• Standard customs: slowest option
• Biggest gains at high-traffic airports during peak international arrival hours
• Submit while on the plane (or immediately after landing) for fastest processing

Information verified as of June 29, 2026. Sources: CBP Mobile Passport Control, App Store listing, CBP Mobile Apps Directory.