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Regarding travel documents, nothing is more sacred than your passport. Just request or renew yours can inspire your next international trip. But for as much pleasure as to collect stamps, new technologies such as mobile passport control (MPC) modify the way travelers are treated. Eligible travelers can use the new program to save precious time when you arrive at international airports. But what is the control of mobile passports and is right for you? Read the rest to see what experts have to say, including how it accumulates at the world entrance.

In relation: 5 tips for getting your passport quickly, say the experts .

What is the control of mobile passport control?

Anyone who has traveled abroad knows how long the United States reintegration process can once have been helping out and reaching passport control. But as its name suggests, MPC works as a way to use your mobile device for a rationalized input in your arrival airport.

"With digital innovations that take control of the world of travel, for many, a mobile passport is nothing new," said Alonso Marly , travel expert at Skylux trip . "However, for others, this always seems to be a well -maintained secret among international travelers. In fact, MPC is only a simple mobile application introduced by customs and the protection of American borders (CBP) which can be Used for faster and more practical arrival at American airports. "

He adds that control of mobile passports is currently available for American and Canadian citizens, legal permanent residents and candidates for the visa renunciation program. It allows American travelers and Canadian visitors to submit their passport and customs declaration information via a tablet or a smartphone and receive an electronic receipt even before reaching border protection. And although it does not completely replace your physical passport, it deletes certain documents.

"International travelers simply download the MPC application, enter personal information and passports and take a selfie," explains Erica Forrest , CEO and founder at Triph Forpord . "Then they are able to manage their customs experience with just their mobile device, instead of filling out a paper declaration.

During the publication, travelers can use mobile passport control on more than 50 sites. "This includes all precluding airports in other countries, such as Vancouver and Dublin," adds Forrest.

It is also as easy to access as other applications on your phone. "The Passport mobile application is very easy to use, and is available for free on the Apple and Google Play Store App Store," explains Marly. "You can even answer questions related to CBP inspection, such as declarations on limited foods or significant purchases - often without having to speak to a CBP officer."

How much does it cost?

Airports are now filled with premium services that accelerate the security process for a price. However, this is not the case with MPC.

"There is no cost to use it", " Kristin Espinar , travel blogger at Must see Spain . "Travelers simply need to download the free mobile application and submit their passport and customs information via the application."

How do you know if it's secure?

Data violations have become too common so as not to take into account the implications for the delivery of your most sensitive personal information via a mobile application. Fortunately, experts say that there are many guarantees in place that facilitate MPC's confidence.

"I have personally used the application several times with our members and I had no security problems," said Jesse Neugarten , founder and CEO of Dollar flight club . "The mobile passport control application follows strict safety measures to protect user data by customs and border protection."

He explains that the Passeport mobile application transmits your information safely to CBP systems when inspection of passport control using encrypted communication channels.

"And even then, the application did not store personal information on your device once your input process is finished," he adds.

Why don't more people use it?

Even if it is free and relatively easy to install, many travelers still do not know MPC. But the fact that so few people have downloaded, that has nothing to do with its efficiency or safety.

"Many people may not use it simply because they don't know that it exists," said Espinar. "It is also limited to certain airports and cruise entry points, which does not always make it practical. In addition, many people prefer the world entrance which has more advantages and includes the TSA Precheck."

In relation: 7 surprising TSA items can tell you about airport safety .

Mobile passport vs global input

Many frequent international travelers are counting on World entrance However, to quickly reintegrate the United States, there are striking differences between it and MPCs.

"The overall entry will likely allow you to pass customs even faster than the MPC application," explains Forrest. "It also includes TSA Precheck, accelerating through the lines at the two ends of your trip."

But it's not free. "It costs $ 100 and is valid for five years," she explains. "Although many high -end travel reward credit cards will reimburse you, so check your small print if you are a trip."

There is also a significant difference when it comes to installing them. "The process of demanding global seizure is much more complicated than MPC because it includes an audit verification and an interview in person," explains Forrest Better life . "Although the arrears of application induced by the pandemic has improved considerably, there are always months of most candidates - and more than a year - before finally receiving their card."

Advantages of using mobile passport control

You still don't know if you are ready to download the MPC application? Experts have several reasons why you should consider doing so. AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

It's free.

Whether you are traveling on a budget or not, it is good to know that there are accelerated services that do not force you to pay anything more. And since MPC does not cost a hundred, experts say that there is no trouble registering.

"The mobile application is completely free and there is no costs or associated costs throughout the process," said Espinar.

It's easy for families.

MPC is not only ideal for Solo travelers You are looking to cross the airport: this can also be a huge advantage for those who travel in large groups.

"Even if you have a world entrance, but family members do not do so, you can download the MPC application and add up to 12 traveler profiles to a single account," explains Forrest. "This can help parents busy passing their tired children through the customs line quickly and easily."

It's easy to install.

The process of obtaining your passport is complicated enough without having to worry about the additional steps. But unlike the world entrance, you will not have to book an appointment to register for MPC.

"There is no history or interview checking, which makes MPC much more accessible to a larger number of travelers," explains Epinar.

At the very least, it can be a reserved space. "Travelers who are still waiting for their global entry maintenance can use MPC in the meantime," suggests Forrest.

In relation: 7 Best ways to avoid jet lag, according to experts .

It saves time.

At its base, experts say that MPC achieves its objective of passing travelers at airport much faster than using a physical passport.

"The main advantage for mobile passport users is the fact that the accelerated line of the mobile passport at the immigration control point is generally much shorter, which allows you to save time," explains Marly. "And as he is not as well known to travelers, fewer people use this line."

What happens if my flight is released to another airport?

The unexpected changes in travel plans are never fun to manage. However, Espinar explains that even if your flight is redirected to landing elsewhere than your planned destination, you can probably use MPC in most situations.

"However, if you are redirected to an airport that does not support the Passport mobile application, you will need to use traditional paper forms," ​​she explains.

In relation: 10 clothes that you shouldn't wear on an airplane .

Conclusion

Mobile Passport Control offers a free way and easy to reduce the time spent waiting at your arrival airport when you return to the United States from abroad. It is secure and easy to configure using only a mobile device. However, if you have to choose to request a global entry instead of counting on the MPC application alone depends on your habits.

"For frequent international travelers, world entry is often the best choice because of its wider acceptance and its additional advantages like TSA Precheck," said Neugarten. "But for infrequent travelers or those looking for a free option, the mobile passport is a good choice because it costs nothing and simplifies the customs declaration process without requiring prior registration."

Do not forget to bring your physical passport with you the next time you leave the United States, whatever your decision. And for more travel advice, visit Better life again soon.