Last November, Mr. TT wrote a piece on a new app from the U.S. Government called Mobile Passport. This is one of the best apps we have seen in travel in the last few years as it allows you to skip the line at the airport when entering the US from foreign travels. The app is available for free on both Apple and Google (Android) phones/tablets and allows users to enter their passport and travel information, submit it electronically on arrival, and generate a receipt to show at customs and immigration checkpoints. This app replaces the traditional blue-and-white paper declaration cards that are required for all travelers entering the United States by air. The government made an app that actually works!
On Monday of this week, Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport (MSP) became the 13th airport in the country to offer Mobile Passport Control service. This should help speed up the entry process into the United States through MSP for travelers who do not have their Global Entry clearance. US and Canadian citizens (on B1 or B2 visas) are eligible to use Mobile Passport. Similar to the old blue-and-white paper declaration, household members who are traveling together may be included in a single submission.
What Locations Currently Offer Use of the Mobile Passport App?
As of writing this article, Mobile Passport service is currently available for international travelers entering the U.S. at the following airports:
– Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL)
– Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
– Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
– Denver International Airport (DEN)
– Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
– Miami International Airport (MIA)
– Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP)
– Newark International Airport (EWR)
– New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
– Orlando International Airport (MCO)
– San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
– San Jose International Airport (SJC)
– Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Bottom Line
This app is a no brainer for international travelers who do not have their Global Entry clearance (which we highly recommend and there are several credit cards that reimburse the cost). It is great to see MSP moving in the right direction with all the negative press related to airport waiting times. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency have committed to having this service rolled out to 20 international airports around the country before the end of the year. This app is a game changer, and it's free, so there is no excuse not to download the app.
Have you used the Mobile Passport app upon arrival back in the United States? Tell us about your experience in the comments below!
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