Mobile Passport Control: Expedite Your Entry into the United States

With many NEXUS applications still in limbo as American and Canadian authorities work to clear post-pandemic backlogs, many travellers without it remain stuck in regular passport control lines.

Fortunately, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has introduced Mobile Passport Control to Canadian pre-clearance locations and many US airports and seaports. With the app, inbound passengers can submit information prior to their arrival and have access to a separate line, which ultimately expedites their entry into the country.

While using this app is entirely optional, it’s a quick and free way that may save you time at the border.

What Is Mobile Passport Control?

Mobile Passport Control (MPC) is a free app from United States Customs and Border Protection. The app lets users upload information in advance, which ultimately speeds up their processing time when crossing into the United States.

Using the application, travellers can upload their passport information, answer a few questions about their trip, and take a selfie. 

Once the information is sent, a QR code is generated that is valid for four hours. At the airport, you simply present your passport(s) and the QR code to the border officer, who then processes your entry as per usual.

By simply filling in your information in advance and answering a few CBP inspection-related questions, you get to join an express line and spend less time facing a CBP officer.

A single submission can be made for all members of a family travelling together, which makes the process less cumbersome and more convenient for everyone.

To be clear, MPC is not a trusted traveller program like NEXUS or Global Entry, as trusted travellers are still processed separately at US borders. Furthermore, it doesn’t provide any benefit at security lines like TSA PreCheck does.

Some early data points from community members suggest that the Mobile Passport Control line is much shorter than the regular lines. If you’re waiting on a pending NEXUS application, or if you can’t be bothered to apply, then this is a free option that saves you time at the airport.

Note that only US citizens or Canadians entering the United States on a B1 or B2 visa can use Mobile Passport Control. This includes temporary entry for tourism and business, so it should be applicable to many travellers heading to the United States.

Where Can You Use Mobile Passport Control?

In total, there are…