If you’ve ever stood in a long customs line, watching the minutes tick by as your vacation glow starts to fade, there’s good news on the horizon. Mobile Passport Control (MPC)—once reserved for airports—is now rolling out at select land border crossings, making customs faster and more convenient than ever. Whether you’re a frequent flyer, a busy parent, or simply someone who values a smoother border experience, MPC might just become your new travel essential.
What Is Mobile Passport Control (MPC)?
MPC is a free, easy-to-use app from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that lets eligible travelers submit their passport and customs declaration information before arriving at major U.S. airports and, as of April 20, 2026, select land border crossings. It’s not a replacement for your passport, but it is a serious upgrade for your border-crossing experience.
Why You Should Try MPC
- Shorter Wait Times: Skip the long lines and get through customs faster.
- Group Processing: Traveling with family or friends? You can process up to 12 people together from a single device.
- Easy Declarations: Declare items through the app—no more paper forms.
- Provisional I-94: Apply and pay for a provisional I-94 at the land border right in the app.
- No Enrollment Needed: Unlike Trusted Traveler Programs, there’s no application or background check.
- Secure and Private: Your information is transmitted directly to CBP with secure encryption protocols.
Who Should Use MPC?
- Anyone who wants to get through customs quickly—especially if you aren’t (yet) part of a Trusted Traveler Program.
- Parents, group leaders, or friends traveling together who prefer to stay together during customs inspection.
- Travelers waiting for Trusted Traveler approval, or those who don’t meet eligibility for those programs.
How to Use MPC: Step-by-Step
- Before Your Trip: Check if your airport or land border port offers MPC. Download the MPC app (Apple or Android) and scan your passport—it’ll be saved for next time.
- Just Before Arrival: Up to 4 hours before landing (airports) or 8 hours before reaching a land border, take a self-photo and answer a few quick questions about your trip and declarations.
- At Customs: Head to the clearly marked MPC line with your passport. You and your group can talk to the officer together, making the process even quicker.
Important Reminders
- Always look for MPC signage when you arrive at customs.
- You must answer declaration questions every time you use MPC.
- MPC does NOT replace required travel documents (like your passport or ESTA).
- If your flight is diverted to an airport without MPC, you’ll go through the standard process.
MPC vs. Global Entry: What’s the Difference?
- Cost: MPC is free; Global Entry costs $120 for five years.
- Enrollment: MPC requires no application or background check; Global Entry does.
- Officer Interaction: MPC users always speak to a CBP officer; Global Entry members sometimes skip this step.
- Eligibility: MPC is open to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, Canadian B1/B2 visitors, and Visa Waiver travelers with ESTA. Global Entry has stricter requirements and vetting.
- Technology: Both offer mobile app convenience, but only MPC lets you process groups together.
The Bottom Line
Mobile Passport Control is quickly becoming a must-have travel tool for anyone looking for a hassle-free return to the U.S.—whether by air or, now, by land. As more border crossings adopt MPC in 2026, it’s worth keeping the app on your phone and checking if your next trip is eligible. After all, who doesn’t want a little less waiting and a little more adventure?
Have you tried MPC yet? MOBILE PASSPORT CONTROL (MPC)