Hey Fellow Parents + Travel Enthusiasts ~
You know that UH OH moment when you’ve just flown 12+ hours with kids under 8 – who haven’t slept, haven’t eaten and are on the verge of a MAJOR meltdown, only to hit the customs line and see that it goes on for DAYS? It looks something like this:
Well it’s your lucky day because I’m about to change your life. What if I told you there’s a free app that can help you skip that customs line entirely? Yes, this free app is a game-changer for travelers.
Enter: Mobile Passport Control (MPC)
MPC is an official U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) app that lets eligible travelers submit their passport info and customs declaration digitally — before they ever get to the agent. It works at over 30 major U.S. airports and cruise ports, and best of all? It’s totally FREE!! No interviews. No pre-approval. No waiting months to get started. This handy free app simplifies your entry process significantly.
Here’s Why We Love It
On our last international trip, we arrived at LAX with two overtired kids ( 1 hangry parent) and zero patience left. The regular customs line looked like a Disneyland ride on a holiday weekend.
If we’d had to wait in that line to get back into the country, ONE or ALL of us would’ve totally lost it.
But thanks to Mobile Passport, we breezed through a separate line in under 10 minutes. Using this free app, we gained valuable time and avoided stress.
We had them fed and loaded up into the car before we would’ve even been through the original line. TOTAL WIN.
Here’s How It Works:
- Download the MPC app (look for the official one by U.S. Customs and Border Protection).
- Create a profile by scanning your passport and entering your details (you can add the whole family!).
- Submit your info as soon as you land — then follow the “Mobile Passport” signs at immigration.
No paper forms. No digging for pens. No kid melting down while you try to remember where you put everyone’s passports. This free app takes care of everything with ease.
Sounds great, right?
Who Can Use It?
Mobile Passport is available to U.S. citizens and Canadian visitors with a valid passport.
It’s accepted at most major international U.S. airports (like LAX, JFK, ATL, DFW, MIA) and several cruise ports too.
But Is It Better Than Global Entry?
In short – that depends on your specific circumstances. Not to mention what the lines look like at the airport you happen to be traveling through on that particular day of travel.
If you already have Global Entry, you’ve already got a great option for skipping that incredibly long line. BUT… If YOU have Global Entry but your kids don’t and you’re traveling with the entire family, MPC is a great option for you.
For families who don’t want to spend $100+ per person or wait months for an appointment — MPC is the perfect alternative.
Save Time, Sanity, and Maybe Your Marriage
When everyone’s tired, hungry, and one tantrum away from a meltdown, skipping the customs line can feel like a luxury upgrade.
Mobile Passport Control is one of those tools every traveling family should have — even if you think you won’t need it.
It’s free. It’s official. And it just might be your secret weapon for a smoother re-entry into the U.S.
Want more mom-friendly travel tools that actually work? Check out my favorite travel carseat, tips, and tools here → Family Travel Cheat Sheet!
Curious about how we travel for nearly free? Check out this blog post.
Pin this post or share it with a travel buddy who always gets stuck in the long line!
Happy Travels~
