What is the CBP Mobile Passport Control System and how is it implemented in the United States?

The United States began implementing a Digital system Which works to modernize the way travelers enter the country.

The goal is clear: reduce wait times at airports and provide a more efficient experience for both US citizens and international visitors.

Unlike other programs, this does not replace an in-person examination, but rather replaces an in-person examination Simplifies identity verification and registration of personal data.

According to the federal agency US Customs and Border Protection (CBP)The system is already operational at several major airports, representing a steady step towards the complete digitization of immigration control.

The procedure begins before landing. Passengers must download the application Mobile passport control (MPC)available for free for iOS and Android.

Once the app is installed, personal information, nationality, flight and arrival habits are completed. The user can then take a selfie and scan the home page of their passport.

Upon arrival at the airport, only the QR code generated by the app is visible, which a CBP officer scans to verify the information.

This process replaces paper forms and speeds up service at checkpoints. According to CBP, this tool It does not store information in the cloud and does not require creating an accountThis ensures greater privacy for travelers.

Advantages and scope of the new system

One of the main advantages of this system is the guarantee of mobile control Reduces waiting times in immigration lines It reduces physical contact, which has been essential since the pandemic. Moreover, it allows the authorities Process data more efficientlyAnd avoid manual errors.

The app can be used by both US citizens and visitors with a visa or ESTA permit. but, It does not replace a personal interview or biometric verification processes.

Currently the program is Available in more than 50 airports in the countryincluding Miami, Los Angeles, Dallas, Chicago and New York, and it is planned to gradually expand to include all entry points.

Aspects to consider before using the application

Although use of MPC is voluntary, CBP recommends checking whether the destination airport is part of the program before traveling.

As they advise Update the application frequentlyBecause the system includes security improvements and compatibility with new devices.

for now It is not necessary to have an internet connection to view the QR codewhich is created and saved locally on the phone.

A step towards the digital future to enter the United States.

With this innovation, CBP Committed to a smoother and safer travel experience. Although its use is optional, the adoption of the mobile passport represents an important change in the way entry into the country is managed.

According to an article by Public Broadcasting Service (PBS)The trend indicates that in the coming years, Much of the migration process is performed from the phoneTransforming border control into an increasingly digital and less bureaucratic procedure.

The fact is that mobile passport control is already part of a broader strategy to digitize immigration controls in the United States.

in canada, NEXUS Pre-Approved Traveler Programhe manages it Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)It met service standards with more than 98% of crossings processed in less than ten minutes and within certain time intervals.

In the United Kingdom, news sites reported in 2024 that a major malfunction in British Border Force electronic gates left thousands of travelers in queues up to two hours long, as automatic passport scanning systems malfunctioned at multiple airports.