Last updated: November 2, 2026. This guide is informational and based on U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) published information. It is not legal or immigration advice and is not affiliated with CBP or any app developer. Program details, participating airports and eligibility can change, so confirm on CBP’s official website before you travel.
Landing after a long flight and facing a long customs line is nobody’s favorite part of the holidays. Mobile Passport Control (MPC) is a CBP program that lets eligible travelers complete much of the arrival process on their phone before they reach the officer. It is free to use and does not require pre-approval.
The Short Answer
- What it is: a CBP program that lets you submit your passport details and answers to CBP’s inspection questions through an authorized smartphone or tablet app.
- Who can use it: CBP says it is currently available to U.S. citizens and Canadian visitors.
- Cost: the apps are free to download and use, and no pre-approval is required.
- Where: CBP lists 27 U.S. international airports and 4 seaports.
- What still happens: you still show your physical passport and are processed by a CBP officer, but in a dedicated lane.
How Mobile Passport Control Works
- Download a free authorized app. CBP names Mobile Passport, CLEAR Pass for CBP Mobile Passport Control and the DFW app as examples, available from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Create a profile with your passport information, including name, gender, date of birth and citizenship.
- After you land in the U.S., open the “New Trip” section, select your arrival airport and airline, take a photo of yourself and answer the CBP questions.
- Submit the transaction. You receive an electronic receipt with a QR code.
- Go to the Mobile Passport Control lane and show the CBP officer your physical passport and the QR-coded receipt on your device.
Because the administrative steps are done in advance, CBP says the program can mean shorter wait times and less congestion. It also means travelers no longer need to complete a paper form or use an Automated Passport Control kiosk.
Is Mobile Passport Control Really Free?
Yes. CBP states the apps are free to download and use. Some developers offer optional paid premium features, such as storing a profile or scanning the passport’s machine-readable zone. CBP says it does not require these and collects no fees from vendors, so you do not need to pay for the basic service.
Who Can and Cannot Use It
| Question | What CBP says |
|---|---|
| U.S. citizens | Eligible |
| Canadian citizen visitors | Eligible |
| Other nationalities | CBP’s page does not list other groups, so check CBP before relying on it |
| Device needed | A smartphone or tablet that can connect to the internet or a mobile network |
| Family travel | Up to 12 profiles can be created for family members, and one household can submit a single transaction |
| Photo | Profile photos must be updated yearly |
Limits to Know Before You Rely on It
- You must still present a valid U.S. or Canadian passport to a CBP officer.
- You still go through processing with an officer. The program speeds up the process but does not replace the inspection.
- If your flight is diverted to a U.S. airport without Mobile Passport Control, you cannot use the program and must follow standard procedures.
- The apps let you store your profile or delete it after your trip, so choose the option you are comfortable with.
Smart Tips for Holiday Returns
- Create your profile at home on Wi-Fi so you are not setting it up in the arrivals hall.
- Charge your phone and keep your passport in your hand so you can move quickly once you are in the lane.
- Check that your arrival airport is on CBP’s current MPC list before you travel.
- Keep a backup plan: know where the regular line is in case the app lane is closed or your device fails.
Related Travel Guides
Planning holiday trips? Our guide on when to book Thanksgiving and Christmas flights in 2026 covers dates and prices. If you are heading to Europe, read about Europe’s Entry/Exit System for Americans and the latest on ETIAS for Americans. Connecting through Turkey? See our Istanbul Airport layover guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mobile Passport Control the same as Global Entry?
No. MPC is a free app-based program that requires no pre-approval, while CBP runs other trusted traveler programs separately. Check CBP’s website for how each one works.
Do I need to pay for a Mobile Passport Control app?
No. CBP says the apps are free to download and use. Optional premium features are not required.
Can I submit the form before my plane lands?
CBP’s instructions say to open “New Trip” after landing in the U.S., so follow the app’s current instructions and CBP’s guidance on timing.
Can my whole family use it?
CBP says up to 12 profiles can be created for family members and one household can submit a single transaction.
Bottom Line
If you are a U.S. citizen or Canadian visitor arriving at a participating airport, Mobile Passport Control is a free way to move some of the customs process to your phone. Set it up before you fly, confirm your airport is on CBP’s list, and keep your physical passport ready.
Source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection, “Mobile Passport Control” (cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/mobile-passport-control). Confirm current details with CBP before you travel.
