U.S. Customs and Border Protection will implement Mobile Passport Control (MPC) in Puerto Rico.
That means that U.S. citizens and Canadian visitors will have the option to use MPC processing, which expedites the entry process to the United States by using a mobile app to submit users’ passport and travel information to CBP.
“The world we live in is changing fast. CBP recognizes this and continues to transform the traveler’s experience by offering innovative ways to expedite entry into the United States while maintaining the highest standards of security,” Roberto Vaquero, assistant director of field operations for border security at CBP, said.
Travelers can use the app upon their arrival to select locations, including Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport (SJU) starting Aug. 27. It can also be used at San Juan Pan-American Dock and San Juan Seaport Pier 4 starting Aug. 28. The app is available for download from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Travelers who use the app will have shorter wait times as they do not have to complete a paper form or use an APC kiosk.
Downloading the app is free and can be completed in just seconds. Once users download the application, they create a profile with their passport information. Upon landing in the United States, travelers will complete the “New Trip” section by selecting their arrival airport and airline, taking a self-photo, and answering a series of CBP inspection-related questions. Then they get an electronic receipt with QR code and bring their passport and mobile device with their receipt to a CBP officer to finalize their inspection for entry into the country.
MPC is currently accepted in 30 locations and it has over 7 million members.