If you have ever flown out of the country then you know coming back can be a nightmare. Long lines wrapped around so that someone can check your passport and potentially ask you some questions. You could literally be standing there for an hour or more. A free app aimsĀ to help you bypass those long lines, Mobile Passport.
The Mobile Passport app is officially authorized by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. That makes it official and not just some random app. Although you can not use it at every airport in the U.S there are plenty you can use it at. Some of these airports include, New York’s JFK, Atlanta, Miami, and more. You can see the complete list here.
This app will let you submit your passport information and customs declaration via iOS and Android devices. Not only are you able to put information in for yourself, but also for your family as well. Once you land you can submit your information and receive a receipt. The receipt allows you to bypass all the long annoying lines and enter into your own lane. Once you show your passport and receipt to a U.S Customs and Border Protection officer you can be on your merry way.
The airports are starting to include signage to inform and remind people to use the app. I recently flew into JFK and saw huge signs promoting Mobile Passport. I have not yet personally used the app as I have Global Entry, but I have heard from numerous people who have used it and they loved it. Some people have even said it is faster than Global Entry so I plan to give it a go next time and see for myself.
You can also learn more about this app here. So if you don’t already have Global Entry or you just want to give it a whirl, try out Mobile Passport.
Check ourĀ other great apps!
Have you used Mobile Passport before? How was your experience?
53 Comments
kemkem
July 27, 2016 at 4:38 PMThe only sucky part about this is that you need wifi to use it upon arrival. Our Spanish phones won’t let you use data out of the country š so we weren’t able to use it on our last visit. That being said, they have the kiosks now where you can input the info and get your receipt, then use the special line..we were out in like 5 minutes as opposed to the long lines š
Holly Dayz
July 28, 2016 at 11:25 PMOh that does stink. At least you were still able to get by quickly.
MUAKimPorter
July 27, 2016 at 8:02 PMI almost signed up for the app, but I’m a little leary about using apps for things like this. I also have global entry, and if this is better, maybe one day I can muster up the courage to try it.
Holly Dayz
July 28, 2016 at 11:25 PMThat is understandable. I have heard a lot of people saying it is great though so seems like something to give a whirl to.
Minority Report
July 27, 2016 at 8:10 PMWow, this is great info! I don’t have a passport yet, but if Trump wins, I’m going to need it!! I will be applying for my passport soon and this app looks like it will come in handy.
Holly Dayz
July 28, 2016 at 11:26 PMHaha. I am excited for you to get your passport!
Kirstin N. Fuller (@thetravelindiva)
July 27, 2016 at 8:33 PMThanks for sharing! I love any app that makes the lines at airports flow faster lol. Will be sharing this information.
Holly Dayz
July 28, 2016 at 11:27 PMI don’t blame you. Who wants to spend time in the airport when you can be at home or somewhere exploring lol
mimicutelips
July 27, 2016 at 10:15 PMThis is such a smart idea, I didn’t know anything about it. With the lines getting longer and longer I’m all about traveling smarter.
Holly Dayz
July 28, 2016 at 11:29 PMIt is a great idea. Although if everyone got it, I wonder what the lines would look like then lol
Toya
July 28, 2016 at 11:02 AMThis seems like such a great idea. I’m all about ease and speed at the airport.
Holly Dayz
July 28, 2016 at 11:30 PMSeems like the best things at the airport to have…ease and speed.
Jo
July 28, 2016 at 1:51 PMI’ve been meaning to use this. Next time I leave the country, I definitely will.
Holly Dayz
July 28, 2016 at 11:30 PMAwesome, let me know how it works out for you.
Demetria Zinga
July 28, 2016 at 3:30 PMFaster travel is always a plus for us, especially with a military husband who travels frequently. Thanks for sharing this app.
Holly Dayz
July 28, 2016 at 11:31 PMOh great then I hope it works well for y’all then.
Real Wife Coach
July 28, 2016 at 8:36 PMThis is a great idea. I will definitely have hubby look at it. We could have used this in Atlanta airport.
Holly Dayz
July 28, 2016 at 11:32 PMIt is a good one. Something to give a go and see if it works for you.
Real Wife Coach
July 29, 2016 at 8:25 AMš
http://www.socamom.com
July 29, 2016 at 1:54 AMI’ve used the kiosks before and they are really fast. I bet this will make life so much easier…
Holly Dayz
July 31, 2016 at 1:25 PMThe kiosks are fast I love them.
Moms 'N Charge (@MomsNCharge)
July 29, 2016 at 3:24 AMWhoa! This is truly a game changer! I’m always paranoid about losing our passports. They’re not cheap lol. Thanks for the heads up, will definitely look into it.
Holly Dayz
July 31, 2016 at 1:26 PMThat is understandable. You still need your passport, this just makes coming into the US easier.
staciesayzso
July 29, 2016 at 9:15 AMThis app would make using a passport so much easier. I’ll have to keep this in mind for my friends travel internationally.
Holly Dayz
July 31, 2016 at 1:27 PMYes and let me know if it works well for you whenever you do.
Noel Morata
July 30, 2016 at 6:42 PMI definitely will be looking into this real soon, great post.
Holly Dayz
July 31, 2016 at 1:27 PMThank you. I hope it works well for you.
Jess
July 30, 2016 at 7:31 PMI’ve seen the signs in the airport for this app, but hesitate using it. Plus, I wasn’t sure how to know which airports it works in. Maybe it tell you in the app??
Holly Dayz
July 31, 2016 at 1:28 PMI have put a link above that lets you know all the airports you can use it at now and which ones are coming soon.
carla
July 31, 2016 at 8:50 AMWhile this app may sound amazing to have, I don’t think my country is ready for that yet. Though it would be really great to have it available in our immig lines soon!
sara | Belly Rumbles
July 31, 2016 at 9:09 AMWill look into this next visit to the states. Must admit I am rather lucky when coming home in Australia, the Smart Gate makes it very quick breeze.
Holly Dayz
July 31, 2016 at 1:28 PMI use my Global Entry so it is a breeze for me as well, but this is a great alternative.
Natalie Deduck
July 31, 2016 at 9:59 AMAirport queue are tiring, anything that can help people to get through easily is a blessing!! Wish we could have something like this for worldwide travelling, it will make my nomad life way better! Cheers, thanks for sharing!
Holly Dayz
July 31, 2016 at 1:29 PMThey are, so using this to bypass the horrible lines is a plus in my book.
Joanna
July 31, 2016 at 1:34 PMThat’s awesome!! Great advice, no one wants to waste their time on those lines. Checking this out next time I fly
Holly Dayz
August 1, 2016 at 10:44 AMGreat, I hope it works well for you. I know I don’t like standing in the lines.
sophierose233
July 31, 2016 at 2:43 PMOh this sounds amazing. Always good to bypass the super long customs queues! Wish the UK would come up with something similar!
Holly Dayz
August 1, 2016 at 10:45 AMIt is great to pass the lines. I don’t think anyone really wants to stand in some long line.
Jackie Sills-Dellegrazie
July 31, 2016 at 3:54 PMI just flew into JFK a few weeks ago and saw the signs for this app. I wanted to check it out so I’m glad to read your post. The app seems great! I have Global Entry and I wonder how folks who paid for it will feel if this mobile app gets you through the line faster. How could you justify paying for GE or charging for it, you know? Definitely plan to check it out.
Holly Dayz
August 1, 2016 at 10:46 AMI was thinking the same thing…why have people pay for Global Entry when they can use this. Have yet to figure that out…but I am guessing there would be no point to renew it if you have this app.
Karla | karlaroundtheworld
July 31, 2016 at 6:26 PMThis seems to be a good app—easing airport lines. Some airports are terribly busy its just annoying. Hope this really helps.
Holly Dayz
August 1, 2016 at 10:47 AMMany airports are horrible with the lines when coming back into the country.
Meg Jerrard
July 31, 2016 at 10:15 PMReally interesting concept – I love that they’re getting a lot more innovative to try and speed up the lines and immigration process as much as possible. Will give this a go!
Holly Dayz
August 1, 2016 at 10:48 AMI agree, it is great they are trying to get people out of the lines quicker.
Traveling Bytes
August 1, 2016 at 8:47 AMThank you, Holly! I am so glad that I found your post – flying back to the US this Friday and I was already dreading staying in line. Just downloaded the app. Hopefully, it would work š
Holly Dayz
August 1, 2016 at 10:49 AMOh I am so glad this is going to helpful for you and something you will be able to use soon. I hope it works out well for you when you return!
katefrankiebrennan
August 1, 2016 at 3:12 PMUS immigration and custom lines take a very long time to go through as a UK citizen so it must be frustrating when you’re a US citizen and standing in the same long lines! We have the electronic gates now in major airports like Heathrow so you can scan your own passport & only do customs if you have something to declare. Its a lot easier. Good luck using the new app, it sounds like good progress!
Holly Dayz
August 4, 2016 at 8:31 PMYea those lines aren’t fun. I believe I had to stand one them a few times and I just wasn’t for it. That is great that the Heathrow has that.
Dave
August 1, 2016 at 10:04 PMIt will be a convenience if we could just do some clicks in our mobile devices and not line up in long queue. I think I’ll give this app a try. Thanks for sharing.
Holly Dayz
August 4, 2016 at 8:32 PMWelcome, it is such a convenience to get out of the airport faster.
Carly Moore (@girloutofbounds)
August 7, 2016 at 4:55 AMWow! I’m not a US Citizen/Resident so this doesn’t apply to me, but I like the idea behind it. Its not really the same, but I can usually bypass a lot of long lines with the self scanner things in Europe with my passport – although they’re often out of order.
Holly Dayz
August 7, 2016 at 12:13 PMThat sounds great when it actually cooperates and isn’t out of order. Maybe the idea will expand a bit.
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December 9, 2016 at 12:47 AM