After your long international flight back to the U.S., the very next thing you see is another long line as you wait to be processed. Sometimes you can get lucky and if you run fast enough, you can beat the rush and you are out within minutes. The introduction of the Automated Passport Control (APC) has also sped up the process by reducing the wait times by half. And now, we have Global Entry which is another expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States for a small price.
But one of the newest travel hacks is the new app: Mobile Passport, which gets your through immigration within minutes!
Mobile Passport Control enables travelers to submit their passport and customs declaration information via their smartphone instead of the traditional paper form. The “Mobile Passport” app is free to download and free to use. The app is sponsored by the Airports Council International-North America and Boeing and authorized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Wi-Fi or a cellular network are required to submit information and receive a receipt. U.S. citizens with a valid U.S. passport and Canadian citizens with both a valid Canadian passport and B1 or B2 visa status may use the Mobile Passport App.
Once the traveler downloads the app from the app store, it only takes 4 simple steps and you’re done.
STEP 1: Set up Your Profile
Enter your profile information as it appears on your valid, official passport. You can set up profiles for your entire family. Your information will be encrypted and shared only with CBP.
STEP 2: Answer a Few Questions
Answer CBP’s five brief questions about your trip. Then carefully review ALL of your information for the trip.
STEP 3: Submit to CBP
Once you are at your port of entry (airport or sea port), connect to wireless or wi-fi and submit your data to CBP. Remember: when you submit, you are confirming under penalty of law that your information is correct. Within a few seconds, you will receive a CBP receipt with an encrypted barcode. Your receipt will be valid for 4 hours.
STEP 4: Breeze Through Custom and Save Time!
Follow the Mobile Passport Control signs to the designated Mobile Passport Control line. Show your passport to the CBP officer and scan the barcode on the CBP receipt. And that’s it!
Mobile Passport is available in 24 international airports and on cruise port across the U.S including – Washington, D.C. -Dulles, Baltimore, Boston, New York, Newark, San Francisco and Los Angeles.
For more information, visit their website https://mobilepassport.us
