Skip to main content

The free Global Entry alternative that’s almost as good (but no one knows about)

Enjoy faster lines without the price tag

Person scanning QR code at airport
Komuso and Colorsandia / Shutterstock

Travelers often look for ways to streamline their airport experience, especially when it comes to navigating the time-consuming customs and immigration checkpoints. While Global Entry is a popular solution for those willing to pay for expedited processing, there’s a lesser-known, free alternative that offers similar convenience: Mobile Passport Control (MPC).

This app, available to both U.S. and Canadian citizens, simplifies the process by allowing passengers to bypass traditional paper customs declaration forms and avoid long lines in airports and cruise terminals. Originally launched as the Mobile Passport app by Airside Mobile, this service has been rebranded and is now managed by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. 

Recommended Videos

Despite its benefits and ease of use, MPC remains under the radar for many travelers. Let’s dive into how Mobile Passport Control works, who can use the app, and why it may just be the travel tool you’ve been missing.

How to use Mobile Passport Control

Travelers in airport terminal
Tomek Baginski / Unsplash

The Mobile Passport Control app is quite easy to use. Before your flight or cruise, just download the app and make sure you can connect to a WiFi or data signal. Once you arrive at your destination, complete the online form, entering information such as your passport number, birthdate, name, gender, and citizenship status.

Using encryption and your mobile device’s security features like a PIN or touch/face ID, the app requires you to take a photo and answer any necessary customs questions. This data is then transmitted to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. 

When entering the immigration area, you will often be allowed to join a shorter line designated for MPC users. When you scan your passport at the immigration counter, your information is automatically retrieved, saving you valuable time and allowing you to get on your way.

Who can use the Mobile Passport Control app?

Person holding passport and luggage at the airport.
Maskot / Adobe Stock

Mobile Passport Control is currently available for:

  • U.S. citizens
  • Lawful permanent residents
  • Canadian B1/B2 
  • Returning Visa Waiver Program applicants

If you already have TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, then you are not provided entry via the Mobile Passport Control app. However, you can use the MPC app as an alternative if you prefer to do so.

Where can you use the Mobile Passport Control app?

inside of airport
Belinda Fewings / Unsplash

Mobile Passport Control is currently available at 51 sites. This includes 33 U.S. airports, 14 Preclearance locations, and 4 seaports of entry. A few of the biggest airports offering this service include Chicago (ORD), Dallas/Ft Worth (DFW), Los Angeles (LAX), New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), and Washington Dulles (IAD). The seaports accepting MPC include Fort Lauderdale (PEV), Miami (MSE), San Juan (PUE), and West Palm Beach (WPB).

The bottom line

passport on book outside
Rocio Ramirez / Unsplash

For international travelers returning to the United States, the Mobile Passport Control app offers a compelling alternative to Global Entry. While Global Entry comes with an extra cost and a lengthy application process, MPC is free and quick to set up. By handling administrative tasks before reaching the Customs and Border Protection officer, MPC enhances the efficiency of the inspection process, reducing passport control inspection time and cutting down on overall wait times.

Amanda Teague
Amanda, an accomplished freelance writer featured in several online publications, is a dedicated explorer of both the world…
Travel tips: How to keep from getting sick on a crowded airplane
Staying healthy starts before your flight, too
A flight attendant checking on the inside of a cabin on an airplane

Flying is a convenient and efficient way to reach your destination quickly any time of the year, but the confined space and recycled air inside the plane can heighten your risk of getting sick during or just after your flight. Take it from me; catching a cold or the flu during a trip can dampen your plans and keep you from spending time enjoying your trip.

You can significantly reduce the likelihood of falling ill while flying with a few proactive measures. To help you out, I've come up with some travel tips that will help you avoid getting sick on a plane, allowing you to enjoy your journey without worrying about any airborne illnesses.
Pre-flight considerations

Read more
How to stay warm outside: Essential tips for winter adventures
Don't freeze another day out there with these winter warming hacks
Skiers on Mountain Quail at Telluride Colorado

When wintertime comes around, most people put away their camping gear and spend their time bundled up indoors. But if you're one of the adventurous few, you'll know that winter time is the best time to experience the magic of our treasured outdoor locales. Snowcapped mountains, powdered trees, and the wildlife rival anything you might see in summer, but in order to enjoy it, you need to know how to stay warm outside. In my experience, staying warm is the key to your wintertime enjoyment. Those who follow these tips are sure to stay out longer than ever.
Look at your layering system

Let's start at square one: your layering system. The layering system includes three layers. First, your base layer the closest to your skin. These will be your under shirts and thermalwear. To avoid chills, avoid cotton at all costs, and choose merino wool or moisture-wicking synthetic fibers to draw any moisture away from the skin. These should be close-fitting but comfortable.

Read more
How to get over jet lag quickly — try these effective tips
Forget about jet lag and enjoy your trip
A flight attendant checking on the inside of a cabin on an airplane

I love to travel, but I really hate jet lag, the dreaded consequence of crossing multiple time zones, which can wreak havoc on your body and shake up your travel plans. From headaches to fatigue and insomnia, jet lag can leave you feeling drained, making it difficult to enjoy your vacation.

However, I don't let jet lag stop me from traveling across time zones, and over the years, I've found that with a few simple adjustments, you can minimize the effects of jet lag and start enjoying your travels in no time. This is how to get over jet lag.
How long can jet lag last?

Read more