U.S. Customs and Border Protection expands Mobile Passport Control to general aviation airports

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has expanded Mobile Passport Control (MPC) to almost 40 general aviation facilities at select U.S. airports, according to Flying Magazine. The free app offers international travelers returning to the U.S. an alternative to Global Entry, which requires a $120 five-year membership.

MPC shortens customs wait times but does not guarantee faster screening than Global Entry. The app is free to download and use, making it suitable for travellers awaiting Global Entry approval or who do not travel frequently enough to justify the membership cost.

Expansion and availability

Flying Magazine reports that Mobile Passport Control was previously available at 37 U.S. international airports, 15 preclearance locations, three departure locations, and a handful of land border ports and seaports of entry. The latest expansion adds GA facilities at locations including Austin-Bergstrom, Dulles International, Harry Reid International, Los Angeles International, and Miami International airports.

The full list of newly eligible GA airports includes Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport, King County International Airport, L.G. Hanscom Field-Bedford, Naples Municipal Airport, Opa-Locka Airport, and Orlando International Airport, among others. The list also includes airports outside the continental U.S., such as Fernando Luis Ribas Dominicci Airport in Puerto Rico.

MPC is available to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, Canadian B1/B2 citizen visitors, and travellers returning from about 40 Visa Waiver Program countries with approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization. According to Flying Magazine, more than 1.8 million travellers used the app in fiscal year 2023.

Unlike Global Entry, MPC requires no enrollment application, background check, or fingerprinting to use. Global Entry users are not always required to speak to a CBP officer or take a confirmation photo, and TSA PreCheck is included with Global Entry membership.

Industry response

Laura Everington, director of international operations and regulations for the National Business Aviation Association, told Flying Magazine that "this is a very positive move for CBP and the industry." However, she cautioned that "it is not yet clear how much real time will be saved upon entry and clearance, since this is a new process for CBP at GA airports."

The reporting does not say when the expansion came into effect.