Travel experts generally advise travelers to arrive at an airport two to three hours before their scheduled boarding time, so they can navigate the lines and security checkpoints. For those looking for a more streamlined experience, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program Global Entry offers an expedited process for pre-approved, low-risk travelers. Now, avid travelers can download an app to access express immigration lanes.
Called Mobile Passport Control, the pilot program of the iOS and Android app was launched at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in August 2014. The app requires the user to create a profile containing their name, gender, country of citizenship and date of birth. It then allows users to fill out customs forms and submit a selfie through the smartphone and tablet application. The app, sponsored by the Airports Council International-North America, then generates a QR code, which expires four hours after being issued, and can be scanned by a customs officer when they scan the passport.
“Mobile Passport Control provides a more efficient and secure in-person inspection between the CBP officer and the traveler,” reads the app’s website. “Since the administrative tasks are performed by the traveler prior to the passport control inspection, MPC reduces passport control inspection time and overall wait times.”
What separates the Mobile Passport Control app from Global Entry is that it does not require any fees (Global Entry costs travelers $100) and there is no interview entailing fingerprint scans and gathering biometric information.
“Think of it like a tollbooth,” says John Wagner of U.S. Customs & Border Control to Travel and Leisure. “Global Entry is your E-ZPass lane; this is your exact-change lane.”
Currently the Mobile Passport Control app is available in 25 locations and is expected to expand to more airports.
