Imagine arriving in New York after a long transatlantic flight. You’re tired, perhaps a little disorientated by jet lag, and now you’re faced with endless queues at immigration. That’s where the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) application comes in, like a digital magic wand for savvy travellers.
What is the Mobile Passport Control app?
Launched in 2022 by theUS Customs and Border Protection Administration, the MPC app is a genuine accelerator for US immigration. Its principle is refreshingly simple: travellers who use it can use a dedicated queue, which is considerably faster than standard queues. It’s like having a VIP pass in the sometimes complex world of US immigration.
This technological innovation is not just a gadget for travelling geeks. It represents a genuine revolution in the way the United States manages the flow of visitors at its borders. By allowing travellers to pre-fill in their details and answer customs questions even before landing, the MPC app considerably streamlines the process of entering the US.
For visitors to New York, whether arriving at JFK or Newark, the MPC app is like a New York friend waiting for you at the airport to get you through customs in the blink of an eye. It perfectly embodies the spirit of the city that never sleeps: efficient, innovative and always on the move.
Who can use the MPC app?
Good news for globetrotters: the MPC app is not just for an elite group of travellers. It is accessible to a wide range of visitors, making it a democratic tool for facilitating entry to the United States.
First of all, of course, US citizens can use it. Whether you’re a New Yorker returning from a trip abroad or an American from another state visiting the Big Apple, the MPC app is there for you.
Canadian visitors are also welcome. After all, New York is just a hop, skip and a jump from the Canadian border, and many Canadians come to enjoy the shopping on 5th Avenue or the Broadway shows.
Permanent residents of the United States can use the app, which is particularly handy for all those expats who have made New York their home away from home. But the real revolution came in 2024, when the app was opened up to beneficiaries of the Visa Waiver Programme. This includes most European travellers to the USA with an ESTA. If you’re a Parisian dreaming of a coffee in Central Park, a Berliner eager to climb to the top of theEmpire State Building, or a Londoner eager to stroll the streets of SoHo, the MPC app is now your best friend for entering the US.
And the icing on the cake? The app is completely free. In a city where everything seems to have a price, from the view from the Top of the Rock to the hot dog you buy from a street vendor, this is a bargain not to be missed.
Where can you use the MPC app?
The MPC app is not limited to New York, although this is often the preferred gateway for many international visitors. In fact, it can be used at 46 points of entry in the United States, including 33 international airports. It’s like having a master key to enter Uncle Sam’s country.
Of course, for New York lovers, the city’s two main airports are covered. At JFK, you can use the MPC app to avoid the endless queues and start your New York adventure more quickly. The same goes for Newark, for those who prefer to land in neighbouring New Jersey.
But the app doesn’t stop there. If your American trip takes you to Miami to enjoy the beaches of South Beach, to Los Angeles to try and catch a glimpse of the stars in Hollywood, or to San Francisco to admire the Golden Gate Bridge, you can use the MPC app in each of these cities.
A quick reminder: although the MPC app makes it much easier to enter the United States, it does not replace the usual entry formalities. If you are European, you must always obtain your ESTA before travelling. Think of the MPC app as a bonus, not as a replacement for your legal obligations to enter the United States.
How do I use the Mobile Passport Control app?
Using the MPC app is a bit like planning your trip to New York: it requires a bit of organisation, but it makes the experience so much more enjoyable! Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the app as easily as you’ll soon be navigating the streets of Manhattan.
Step 1: download the application
It all starts with downloading the app. If you’re anApple fan, head for theApp Store. ForAndroid fans, the Google Play Store is the place to go. The app is free, so don’t hesitate to download it as soon as you’ve planned your trip to the United States.
Step 2: Create your profile
Once you’ve downloaded the app, it’s time to create your profile. It’s a bit like filling in your hotel details, but digitally and before you’ve even left your sofa.
Start by clicking on “New quote”. The app will then ask you to select your means of transport. Whether you’re flying into JFK or taking a cruise ship into Manhattan harbour, the app has you covered.
Next, choose your “Port CBP”, i.e. your place of arrival. If you’re landing at JFK, select it and don’t forget to specify the terminal. It’s like giving a New York friend a specific meeting point to pick you up.
The app will then ask you how many people are travelling with you. This is handy if you’re bringing the family to visit the Statue of Liberty, or if you’re taking a trip with friends to discover the secrets of Brooklyn. You can register up to 12 people, which is perfect for a large family trip or a group of friends.
For each traveller, you will need to create a profile by clicking on “Add a person”. If you are a European with a biometric passport, then you can scan your passport to create your profile.
Don’t forget to choose a 4-digit PIN code for each profile. It’s a bit like the code for your hotel room in New York: keep it safe!
Step 3: Answering customs questions
Now get ready to answer 6 customs-related questions. It’s a bit like a quiz before your big trip to New York!
- Are you travelling with commercial goods? Unless you’re planning to open a boutique on 5th Avenue, the answer is probably no.
- Do you have more than $10,000 on you or the equivalent in foreign currency? Even if you plan to shop in SoHo, it’s unlikely.
- Do you have any declarable items that you want to import into the US?
- Do you import fruit, vegetables or plants? Unless you’re planning to grow your own vegetable garden in Central Park, the answer is probably no.
- Have you been in contact with livestock or visited a farm before your stay? Unlikely if you’re from a major European city, but be honest if you have.
- Do you travel with biological material? Unless you’re a scientist on a mission, the answer is probably no.
Step 4: Finalising before the trip
The last step is to indicate the reason for your trip to the USA. If you’re coming for a week’s holiday in New York, choose “Pleasure reasons”. If you’re coming for business, perhaps to close a big deal in Wall Street, choose “Business Reasons”.
Finally, read over all your answers carefully. It’s a bit like checking that you haven’t forgotten anything in your suitcase before leaving for New York. Once everything is correct, tick the box certifying that your answers are correct and click on “Save CBP form”.
And that’s it! You’re ready for your big New York adventure. The MPC app is now configured and ready to save you precious time when you arrive. The sooner you get through immigration, the sooner you can start exploring the wonders of New York!
Procedure on arrival in the United States
You’re finally there! Your plane has just landed at JFK, and you can’t wait to set foot on New York soil. Now is the time for the MPC app to really work its magic. Here’s how it works, step by step:
Updating the information in the app
As soon as the plane touches down on the tarmac, take out your phone (in aeroplane mode, of course) and open the MPC app. This is the moment to confirm that you have arrived at the planned point of entry. If you’ve landed at JFK as planned, that’s fine. If for some reason your flight has been diverted to Newark, now is the time to report it in the app.
Take a photo and obtain the QR Code
Now get ready for your first photo session in New York! The app will ask you to take a selfie. Don’t worry, it’s not for your Instagram, but for the immigration authorities. If you’re travelling with your family, you’ll need to take photos of every member of the group, adults and children alike. It’s like taking a digital family portrait when you arrive in the US.
Once the photos have been taken and the form validated, the app will provide you with a QR Code. This is your key to fast-track entry into the USA, so keep it safe. The code is valid for 4 hours, giving you plenty of time to collect your luggage and head for immigration, even if your suitcase decides to take an extra trip on the conveyor belt.
Using the MPC dedicated queue
This is where the magic really happens. Instead of heading for the endless queues you see in front of you (pictured at the top of this article), look for the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) queue (on the right at the bottom of the stairs at JFK, the yellow arrow points to the MPC queue). It’s a bit like having a line-breaking pass at Disneyland, but for immigration!
If an agent asks you where you’re going, just say that you’ve filled in the MPC. A little linguistic advice: MPC is pronounced “ème-pi-ci” in English. Now’s the time to practise your American accent!
Interaction with the immigration officer
Once you’re in front of the immigration officer, the moment of truth arrives. Present your passport and the QR Code generated by the app. The officer will review your file and will probably ask you a few standard questions.
Don’t worry, these questions are standard. You might be asked the reason for your visit (“I’m here to visit New York and see the Statue of Liberty!”), how long you plan to stay (“I’ll be here for two weeks exploring the city”), or where you’re staying (“I’m staying at a hotel in Manhattan”).
Be honest, smile, and don’t hesitate to show your enthusiasm for your stay in New York. Immigration officers are used to meeting travellers excited about discovering the United States, and your enthusiasm could well be contagious!
Once the officer is satisfied with your answers, he or she will stamp your passport. This is the moment you’ve been waiting for: you’re officially admitted to the United States! Welcome to New York, the city of all possibilities!
Frequently asked questions about the MPC app
Even though the MPC app is designed to be easy to use, it’s normal to have a few questions. Here are the answers to the most common questions, so that you can use the app with complete peace of mind on your next trip to New York.
Good news for first-time visitors to the USA: there’s nothing in the official instructions to prevent you from using the MPC app on your first trip. Many travellers have reported using the app successfully on their first visit to New York or other US cities.
There is some ambiguity, as a section of the US government’s website refers to “returning travellers”, which might suggest that the app is reserved for visitors returning to the United States. In practice, however, this restriction does not seem to be applied.
Whether you’re travelling with small children eager to see the animals at the Bronx Zoo, or with teenagers dreaming of shopping on 5th Avenue, there’s no age limit for using the MPC app.
The app allows you to create a profile for all passengers, whatever their age. If you are travelling with your family, you can create a profile for each member, from parents to children. Simply add the first and last names of each person.
This is particularly useful for large families. Just imagine: you can register up to 12 people in the application. That’s more than enough for a large family to discover the wonders of New York, from the Statue of Liberty to theEmpire State Building.
If you need a visa to enter the United States, for example if you are planning a long stay to study at New York University or work for a Wall Street firm, you will unfortunately not be able to use the Mobile Passport Control app.
The MPC app is reserved for travellers who do not need a visa to enter the USA, such as European tourists travelling with an ESTA. If you do have a visa, you will have to follow the usual queue for US immigration clearance. But don’t be discouraged! Even if you can’t use the MPC app, your visa will open the doors to the US for a longer, more in-depth experience. You’ll have plenty of time to discover every corner of New York, from the trendy cafés of Williamsburg to the museums of theUpper East Side.
Practical advice for optimum use
To make the most of the MPC app and get your New York adventure off on the right foot, here’s some practical advice from a friend who knows the Big Apple inside out.
Prepare your profile in advance
Don’t leave the creation of your MPC profile to the last minute. Do it quietly at home, well before you leave. It’s like packing a suitcase: it’s better to do it in advance so you don’t forget anything.
Take the opportunity to check that all the information is correct. A mistake in your name or passport number could mean you lose all the benefit of the app when you arrive at JFK or Newark.
Familiarise yourself with customs issues
The six customs questions can seem daunting, especially if it’s your first trip to the United States. Take the time to read them carefully and think about your answers before you leave.
If you’re planning to bring back souvenirs from New York, such as a miniature replica of the Statue of Liberty or an I ♥ NY t-shirt, make sure you know the limits of what you can bring back without having to declare it.
Don’t forget: the ESTA is still compulsory
The MPC app is an excellent tool for speeding up your passage through immigration, but it does not replace the ESTA. If you are European, don’t forget to apply for your ESTA at least 72 hours before you leave for New York.
It’s like your ticket to the great American party. Without it, even the MPC app won’t be able to help you get into the United States.
Bear in mind: the QR Code is only valid for 4 hours
Once you have validated your details in the app on arrival, the QR Code generated is only valid for 4 hours. That’s more than enough time in most cases, but if you have a long journey from your arrival gate to immigration, or if you have to wait a long time for your luggage, keep an eye on the clock.
If your QR Code expires, don’t panic. You can always generate a new one in the app. It’s like having a joker up your sleeve!
Prepare your phone for the finish
Make sure your phone is charged before you land in New York. A flat battery would mean you couldn’t use the MPC app, and would end up in the standard queue.
If possible, activate mobile data on arrival. Although many airports offer free Wi-Fi, having your own data ensures that you can access the MPC app without any problems.
Be ready to show your enthusiasm
Immigration officers appreciate enthusiastic and honest travellers. Don’t hesitate to tell them how excited you are about visiting New York. Tell them about your plans, whether it’s to see a Broadway show, visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art, or simply take a walk in Central Park.
