Travel Journal

Ian and Peter have both travelled to the US recently and they recommend using the US’s Mobile Passport Control (MPC) program which allows returning Visa Waiver passengers the chance to bypass the main immigration queues at a growing number of US entry points. The free MPC app allows eligible travellers to securely submit their travel documents, photos, and customs declarations directly from your smartphone, significantly streamlining the entry process.

The process is straightforward. Returning Visa Waiver Program passengers (along with US citizens and permanent US residents) may use MPC at a growing list of US airports and sea ports. Internet connectivity is required to submit the details, but profiles can be created off-line. MPC is available at all gateway airports for eligible New Zealand passport holders with ESTA and a digitally readable passport.

Travellers need to download the MPC app and create a profile using their passport details. Upon arrival at eligible pre-clearance locations, you must select pre-clearance as their entry mode, or US airport if landing directly in the US. After selecting your arrival airport (or sea port) you take a self-photo and answer inspection-related questions. This replaces the need to complete the traditional declaration form. Arriving passengers will still need to be processed by a border (CBP) officer, using your e-passport, but via a specific processing lane allowing for a streamlined entry process. Ian reckoned it saved at least 20 mins of queuing at Chicago’s O’Hare airport. More details here.