Mobile Passport Control app lets travellers bypass lines and submit info digitally
ANN RUPPENSTEIN
US-bound travellers who don’t have NEXUS can now save time at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL).
US Customs and Border Protection has introduced Mobile Passport Control, an app that allows travellers to digitally submit their information for an expedited customs experience at US pre-clearance (as well as for connecting flights via many US gateways).
“It’s blowing up on TikTok!” a security officer told Travel Courier as we passed through the area on Sept. 8, when the line was much shorter than the NEXUS area.
The CBP MPC app can be downloaded for free from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. After downloading the app, it will prompt travellers to create a profile with their passport information, name, gender, date of birth and country of citizenship.
Upon arriving at Pearson:
- Select the airport and terminal from a list
- Take a self-photo and answer a series of CBP inspection-related questions
- Once you submit your transaction through the app, you will receive an electronic receipt with an encrypted QR code
- Rather than following the line for Canadian passport after security, head towards the MPC sign
- Bring your physical passport and mobile device with your digital QR-coded receipt to a CBP officer to help speed inspection prior to departure
As wait times continue to rise due to increased international travel, the app can be especially useful for those travelling with family, as it allows for a single household to submit one transaction, including answers to CBP inspection-related questions. It also eliminates the need for a declaration form because travellers can answer the CBP inspection-related questions electronically via their smartphone or tablet prior to arriving at Customs.
MPC is also expected to roll out at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) at the end of September.
To learn more, visit https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/mobile-passport-control.
