Expedite the entry process into the United States for FREE!
Mobile Passport
A free fast way to re-enter the U.S.
Are you familiar with the Mobile Passport App? It is an app that allows the U.S. and Canadian Citizens (on B1 or B2 visas) to speed through United States Customs and Border Protection. In other words, it allows you to bypass the regular line when returning or entering the United States. This app is officially authorized by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol. We had the opportunity to use it for the first time in April 2018.
Returning from Spring Break, (Nikki is a teacher) we re-entered the United States at the Orlando International Airport (MCO) from Montego Bay, Jamaica. We were traveling on JetBlue airlines and had spent 8 days in Negril. Although we had a wonderful time returning to the country always poses some anxiety. You know, there is always a line. You have to fill out forms. You need to declare all the items and you don’t want to make a mistake. Plus usually by the time your vacation ends you are tired.
How does the App work?
Mobile Passport
I downloaded the Mobile Passport App at the end of January. I read about it in a Facebook Group, “Live▪Love▪Travel” Southern Edition. This was the first opportunity I had to use the app. Of course, I was skeptical as to how it was going to work. However, I am happy to report it worked with no problems whatsoever! We avoided the long line that the other 170 plus passengers stood in. We were not given any hassles at all and we completed re-entry in about 8 minutes. Truthfully, we were delayed by the computer needing to be booted up!
Mobile Passport App
I went to the app store and downloaded the app. Next, I followed the simple steps. Step 1 was to scan the passports. That is done with the phone or mobile device. Next step take a face picture. All of the guidelines are given to you by the app and they are easy to follow. If you have more than one person in your family then you repeat the same action. That sets up your app. When you are ready to return to the United States there are a couple more steps. You must select your re-entry point into the U.S. Next you answer a series of questions about your trip. You attest that the information you have given is correct. Then finally you submit your form electronically.
When do you submit the forms?
It is best to submit the form as soon as your plane lands in the United States. Once you submit your forms you will immediately receive an electronic receipt. That receipt will be good for the next 4 hours. Now you can sit back and relax. All you have to do is get off the plane and go to the expedited Global Re-Entry or designated fast Mobile Passport lane.
How is this different from Global Re-Entry?
Mobile Passport Receipt
Some of you may be thinking this sounds like Global Re-Entry. Mobile Passport is different. First of all Mobile Passport is free. Currently, the Mobile Passport is in 24 airports and 1 Cruise port. Mobile Passport is available in Port Everglades in Ft. Lauderdale, FL and in the following airports: Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Fort Lauderdale, Houston (Bush), Houston Hobby, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, New York, Newark, Orlando, Phoenix, Raleigh Durham, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle, Tampa, and Washington Dulles.
Mobile Passport Cities
Now that you are familiar with the Mobile Passport App, try it next time. If nothing else you can pass this information on to an International Traveler. It will save time and possibly some anxiety. It allows you to bypass the regular line when returning or entering the United States. This app is officially authorized by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol. The Mobile Passport App is a free, quick and easy way to re-enter the United States.
Where to get the app:
- Google Play Store: Mobile Passport
- Apple App Store: Mobile Passport
See more on our Social Media “Blacks who Travel”
Follow us on Instagram @ Blacks Who Travel
Blacks Who Travel‘s YouTube Channel
Bill Collins
Latest posts by Bill Collins (see all)
- Snow tubing in Florida? - January 12, 2021
- Traveling during COVID19 - May 14, 2020
- Black Violin: Black on Black Violins! - February 10, 2020