U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) announced today the expansion of Mobile Passport Control (MPC) to PHX.
With the addition of PHX, Mobile Passport Control is now available to U.S. citizens and Canadian visitors arriving at 22 major international airports.
The Mobile Passport app has been downloaded 1 million times over the last two years.
Mobile Passport is the first authorized app to expedite a traveler’s arrival into the United States. Eligible travelers may voluntarily submit their passport information and answers to inspection-related questions to CBP via a smartphone or tablet app prior to arrival.
(Learn More, courtesy of the Wall Street Journal and YouTube)
Android and iPhone users can download the Mobile Passport app for free from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
“CBP is committed to improving the international travel experience by offering new and innovative technology to streamline the arrival process,” said Port Director Luz Galarza.
“Through our partnership with the City of Phoenix, travelers arriving at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport will have another processing option to use that has been proven to reduce wait times without compromising our important border security mission.”
MPC currently offers U.S. citizens and Canadian visitors a more efficient in-person inspection between the CBP officer and the traveler upon arrival in the United States.
Much like Automated Passport Control (APC) the app does not require pre-approval and is free to use. Travelers who successfully use the app will no longer have to complete a paper form or use an APC kiosk.
As a result, travelers will experience shorter wait times, less congestion and faster processing.
“Phoenix Sky Harbor is excited for the launch of this new initiative,” said Director of Aviation Services Jim Bennett.
“In keeping with our goal of providing world-class service to our customers, this program will help travelers arrive into the country more quickly and provide them with a more efficient traveling experience.”
There are five easy steps to MPC:
- Download the Mobile Passport Control App from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store prior to arriving
- Create a profile with your passport information
- Complete the “New Trip” section upon arrival in the United States
- Submit your CBP Declaration form through the app to receive an electronic receipt with an Encrypted Quick Response (QR) code
- Bring your passport and smartphone or tablet with your digital bar-coded receipt to a CBP officer
The MPC pilot launched in August 2014 for eligible travelers arriving at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and has since expanded to 22 airports.
In addition to PHX and Atlanta, MPC is available to travelers arriving at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport; Boston Logan International Airport, Chicago O’Hare International Airport; Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport; Denver International Airport; Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport; Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Houston William P. Hobby International Airport, John F. Kennedy Airport; Miami International Airport; Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport; Newark International Airport; Orlando International Airport; Raleigh-Durham International Airport; Sacramento International Airport, San Francisco International Airport; San Jose International Airport; Seattle-Tacoma International Airport; Tampa International Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport.
This first-of-its-kind app was developed in partnership with CBP by Airports Council International- North America (ACI-NA) and their technical partners.
Information about Mobile Passport Control, including how to download the app, user eligibility and other frequently asked questions, is available on CBP.gov.
CBP’s website offers rules and tips for clearing CBP inspection during travel to and from the United States.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation’s borders at and between the official ports of entry.
CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.
