If you’re looking to make your entry into the United States from Aruba quicker and easier, Mobile Passport Control (MPC) might be just what you need. Designed to streamline the customs process, MPC allows eligible travelers to bypass the longer lines, reducing the hassle of getting through passport control.

In this post, we’ll cover what MPC is, how it works, who can use it, and, more specifically, how you can use it when flying out of Aruba.

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What is Mobile Passport Control (MPC)?

Mobile Passport Control (MPC) is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that helps expedite the entry process into the United States for eligible travelers. By using the MPC app on your smartphone or tablet, you can submit your passport information, customs declarations, and a photo—all before you even reach the airport.

The best part? MPC is free and doesn’t require pre-approval or membership, unlike Global Entry. This means any eligible U.S. citizen or Canadian visitor with the app can benefit from this faster customs process without the need for interviews or additional fees.

In essence, the US Mobile Passport Control app modernizes the passport control process, helping travelers avoid the paperwork and long waits traditionally associated with entering the U.S.

How Does Mobile Passport Control Work?

The process to use Mobile Passport Control is simple and straightforward.

1. Download the App: The MPC app is available for free in the App Store or Google Play. Download it ahead of your trip when you’re connected to Wi-Fi.

2. Create Your Profile: Once you’ve installed the app, create your profile by entering your personal information, including your passport details, citizenship, and photo. You can add up to 12 profiles for family members traveling together, which allows an entire household to submit customs declarations under a single submission.

3. Submit Your Information: Before departing or upon arrival at the airport, open the app and select the airport you’ll be going through customs at. You’ll need to answer a few customs declaration questions.

4. Receive a QR Code: Once your submission is accepted, you’ll receive a QR code, which serves as your digital entry document. Note that this QR code is only valid for four hours, so time your submission accordingly.

5. Present Your QR Code at Passport Control: When you arrive at U.S. passport control, look for the MPC designated line and present your QR code to the customs agent. This allows you to skip the traditional paper-based customs process saving you time.

Who Can Use Mobile Passport Control?

Mobile Passport Control is available to U.S. citizens and Canadian visitors entering the United States. The app is designed to accommodate families, allowing up to 12 profiles to be submitted together under one household.

Unlike Global Entry, there are no pre-approval or membership requirements, making MPC free and accessible to most travelers. However, you must have a valid U.S. or Canadian passport to use the app.

Using Mobile Passport Control in Aruba

If you’re traveling from Aruba, MPC can be a huge time-saver, particularly because Aruba offers U.S. pre-clearance at the airport. This means you’ll clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection before you even board your flight back to the States.

That’s also why you should arrive at the airport 3 – 4 hours before your flight to the United States! See the full Aruba departure process here.

Here’s how to use MPC when departing from Aruba:

1. Download and Prepare: Download the MPC app ahead of time while connected to Wi-Fi, and add your personal and passport information. If you’re traveling with family, you can also add their profiles.

2. Get Ready for Departure: When you’re leaving your accommodations in Aruba or at the airport while still on Wi-Fi, open the MPC app. Select PRE-CLEARANCE and choose AUA (Aruba’s airport). Then, answer the six required customs declaration questions.

3. Get Your QR Code: Once you submit the required information, you’ll receive a QR code. Remember, this QR code is only valid for four hours, so it’s important to submit right before heading to the airport or once you’ve arrived.

4. At U.S. Customs in Aruba: After checking your luggage and going through security at Aruba’s airport, you’ll head to the U.S. pre-clearance area. Here, instead of filling out a paper customs form or using a self-service kiosk, simply show your QR code to a customs agent. If Global Entry travelers are also using the same line, they have priority, but you’ll still be directed to a quicker line than the regular customs processing.

By using the MPC app in Aruba, you can save significant time, avoid long lines, and enjoy a smoother journey home.

Why Use Mobile Passport Control?

MPC offers numerous benefits:

• No Pre-Approval Needed: Unlike Global Entry, you don’t need to apply in advance or go through a background check to use MPC.

• Free: The app is completely free to use.

• Faster Processing: By submitting your passport and customs information via the app, you can bypass the traditional customs lines, reducing wait times.

• Convenience: You no longer need to fill out paper forms or use kiosks at the airport.

So, should you use MPC in Aruba?

Absolutely. If you’re a frequent traveler or just someone who wants to avoid the hassle of long customs lines in Aruba, Mobile Passport Control is a game-changer. With no pre-approval necessary, MPC offers a simple and free solution for U.S. citizens and Canadian visitors to fast-track their way through customs.

When flying from a pre-clearance airport like Aruba’s, the process becomes even more convenient. Download the app before your next trip and enjoy a smoother, faster travel experience.