This Is The Fastest Way To Get Through Customs

Forget ‘Global Entry’, or even your trusty ‘Fast Pass’ (if you’re balling in business), this is the ultimate way to get fast-tracked through customs. And you’ve probably never even heard of it.

The name of the get-home-faster game is Mobile Passport Control (MPC), and if you’re American or Canadian and flying into one of the app’s selected 24 US airports, it has got you covered.

It’s simple: download the (free) Mobile Passport Control app. Once it’s on your phone you just have to complete your profile, which asks for basic information like your name, passport number, gender, country of citizenship and date of birth. Do this before you land so you don’t waste time upon arrival at your destination.

Once you do arrive in the States, all you have to do is open the app on your phone and select ‘new trip.’ You then will fill out a few more details about this particular journey, such as the airline you flew in on, your port of entry, and any items or cash you may have to declare.

Following that, you’re pretty much done. Just stroll up to the mobile passport queue – which will no doubt have way less people waiting in line – present the app along with your passport and bam! You’re home free.

Yes, we know that people will start to figure this out soon, but for now it’s still a semi well-kept secret so go on, strike while the iron is hot and enjoy a quick airport escape while you still can.

About the author

India Irving

Social Media Editor

Born and raised in LA, India studied Drama at the University of Southern California before shifting her focus to the visual arts. After moving to London in 2013, she co-founded the iOS app ArtAttack which focused on connecting emerging artistic talent with galleries and collectors. Following that she worked at Albany Arts Communications, a boutique Art PR firm in Fitzrovia before joining Culture Trip. Aside from art and theatre, India's other passions include travel, food, books and dance.