The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced today that mobile passport control (MPC) is now available at MSP.
MPC – a first-of-its-kind app – was developed by Airports Council International-North America in partnership with CBP to expedite travelers arrivals into the United States. Eligible travelers can use the app to submit their passport information and customs declaration form to CBP via a smartphone or tablet app prior to arrival. Travelers opting to use the app do not have to complete a paper customs declaration.
"The goal is to use technology to make the process of entering the country through MSP International Airport as simple and efficient as possible," said Brian Ryks, executive director and CEO for the MAC. "For travelers without mobile devices, we have also installed 34 automated passport control kiosks in our International Arrivals areas. They work much the same way as mobile passport control but provide a printed rather than electronic receipt to expedite the entry process."
Through the app, travelers are prompted to create a profile that includes their passport information. Upon landing in the United States, they can complete the "New Trip" section by selecting their arrival airport and airline, taking a self-photo using their mobile device, and answering a series of customs declaration questions. Once travelers click "submit," they receive an electronic receipt with an encrypted code. From there, they'll bring the receipt, along with their passport and mobile device to a CBP officer to finalize the inspection process.
"CBP is pleased to offer mobile passport control as an option to expedite travelers' entry into the United States at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport," said Jennifer De La O, area port director for CBP. "CBP remains committed to making the international arrivals experience as traveler-friendly as possible through innovation and collaboration with stakeholders while maintaining the highest security standards."
MSP is the 13th U.S. airport to offer MPC. The service is also available at airports in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, New York, New Jersey, Orlando, San Francisco, San Jose and Seattle.
Additional information about MPC is available on CBP.gov. Android and iPhone users can download the Mobile Passport app for free from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
