Miami International Airport has become the second U.S. airport to offer Mobile Passport Control MPC is the first authorized app to expedite a traveler’s entry process into the United States.
Eligible passengers submit their passport information and customs declaration form via the smartphone and tablet app prior to CBP inspection. Android and iPhone users can download Mobile Passport for free from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Mobile Passport is the result of a partnership between CBP, Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA) and app developer Airside Mobile.
Mobile Passport currently offers U.S. citizens and Canadian visitors a more efficient and secure in-person inspection between the CBP officer and the passenger upon arrival in the United States. Much like Automated Passport Control, the app does not require pre-approval, is free to use and does not collect any new information on passengers. As a result, they will experience shorter wait times, less congestion and faster processing.
Eligible passengers arriving at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport have been using the app to expedite their entry since the pilot began in August 2014. MPC is expected to expand to more airports later this spring and CBP has committed to expand the program to the 20 airports with the highest volumes of international passengers by the end of 2016.
How it works
To use the App passengers follow these simple steps:
- Download the Mobile Passport Control App from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store prior to arriving
- Create a profile with passport information
- Complete the “New Trip” section upon arrival in the United States
- Submit the customs declaration form through the app to receive an electronic receipt with an Encrypted Quick Response (QR) code. This receipt will expire four hours after being issued
- Bring the passport and smartphone or tablet with the digital bar-coded receipt to a CBP officer
Mobile Passport is just one part of CBP’s resource optimization strategy which is transforming the way CBP does business in land, air and sea environments. As part of its commitment to innovation, CBP last year rolled out Automated Passport Control, which is now available in 32 locations, and automated the I-94 form. CBP has also enrolled more than three million travelers in trusted traveler programs such as Global Entry, NEXUS and SENTRI. These programs allow CBP officers to process travelers safely and efficiently while enhancing security and reducing operational costs.
Mobile Passsport is latest tech-based amenity MIA has launched to improve the passenger experience
In 2013, MIA was among the first three U.S. airports to introduce Automated Passport Control kiosks as a means of speeding up the immigration process. The airport currently has 36 kiosks and will add an additional 44 of the self-service devices this year.
In 2014, MIA launched its own comprehensive mobile app, MIA Airport Official, which offers real-time flight information, shopping and dining options, way-finding tools and much more.
Just last week, the airport introduced its new e-magazine, MIA Connections – a one-stop guide in English and Spanish to the best of MIA and Miami for tablets and mobile devices.
MIA is also the first airport in the world to deploy beacon technology across the entire terminal, and plans to integrate the beacon network into later versions of its mobile app.
