US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has expanded its mobile passport control (MPC) app to include San Francisco International Airport in California. MPC helps expedite arrival into the US by allowing eligible travelers to submit their passport information and customs declaration forms via their mobile devices prior to arrival.
John L Martin, airport director for San Francisco Airport, said, “As international traffic grows at San Francisco Airport, we continue to seek innovative ways to expedite the arrival process for our international travelers. With the expansion of MPC to the airport, our customers now have an efficient new option that allows them to bypass a traditional queue.”
Todd C Owen, assistant commissioner for CBP’s Office of Field Operations, said, “With the continued expansion of MPC, CBP is following through with our commitment to improving the international arrivals experience for travelers. CBP remains committed to making a traveler’s entry into the USA as secure, paperless and efficient as possible.”
MPC is available for US citizens with a valid US passport and Canadian citizens with both a valid Canadian passport and B1 or B2 visa status. Much like automated passport control (APC), the app does not require pre-approval, is free to use and does not collect any new information from travelers. Passengers opting to use the app will no longer have to complete a paper customs declaration form and will have access to a designated MPC lane to clear customs instead of entering the traditional CBP processing lanes. As a result, travelers will experience shorter wait times, less congestion and faster processing.
Android and iPhone users can download the MPC app for free from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. From there, profiles may be set up for the passenger and other members of the family. Upon submission, an encrypted CBP receipt with a barcode will appear on the device.
