ROMULUS, Mich. – International travelers will soon be able to use an app that could speed up wait times with U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport.
The app, Mobile Passport Control, is not a replacement for a physical passport, but it instead is a way for eligible travelers to submit their documents ahead of time on their smartphone. Getting that information to CBP before going through customs can mean shorter wait times.
Travelers can use the app to submit travel documents, a photo, and customs declaration information on their phone without having to fill out paperwork. CBP will begin accepting information from the Mobile Passport Control app for travelers arriving to DTW beginning Tuesday, July 9, 2024.
What is the point of Mobile Passport Control?
Officials say that using MPC makes the inspection between the CBP officer and the traveler more efficient. That is because administrative tasks are performed by the traveler before they arrive for passport control inspection, which reduces inspection time and overall wait times.
Who can use Mobile Passport Control?
Here is the list of eligible travelers:
- U.S. Citizens
- Lawful Permanent Residents
- Canadian B1/B2
- Returning Visa Waiver Program Applicants
How does Mobile Passport Control work?
The MPC mobile app can be downloaded for free from the Google Play store or the Apple App store.
Eligible travelers will need to create a profile with their passport or LPR card information. When they arrive at the preclearance location, they must select their mode of entry in the application as “preclearance” before selecting their departing preclearance port of entry. If the traveler is not using a preclearance location, they will select “U.S. airport” as their mode of entry and then select their arrival airport or seaport and terminal.
Travelers will need to take a photo of themselves and answer the CBP inspection questions. After filling everything out in the app, they’ll submit the information and bring their physical passport to a CBP officer to finalize the inspection.
The phone will need access to the internet to send the information, but the profile can be completed without a connection.
Does Mobile Passport Control replace my passport?
No. Travelers will still need to show an officer a valid U.S. Passport, U.S. lawful permanent resident card, Canadian passport or a Visa Waiver Program passport
More information about Mobile Passport Control is available at cbp.gov.