Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is the latest airport to add Mobile Passport Control from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to help speed travelers through the U.S. arrival process.
The Mobile Passport app, which is a joint effort by the Airports Council International (ACI) and CBP, is free and will allow U.S. citizens and Canadian visitors to transmit their passport information and answers to inspection-related questions to CBP via their smartphones. Currently, 21 airports and one cruise port are accepting the new app.
“Phoenix Sky Harbor is excited for the launch of this new initiative,” said Director of Aviation Services Jim Bennett. “In keeping with our goal of providing world-class service to our customers, this program will help travelers arrive into the country more quickly and provide them with a more efficient traveling experience.”
The first step is to fill out a profile using the traveler’s passport information. Upon landing, the traveler will submit their information and answers to inspection-related questions to CBP via the app. Once submitted, the traveler will receive a receipt with an encrypted QR code which the CBP officer uses to finalize their entry into the United States. Travelers who successfully use the app will no longer have to complete a paper form or use an Automated Passport Control kiosk.
“CBP is committed to improving the international travel experience by offering new and innovative technology to streamline the arrivals process,” said Port Director Luz Galarza. “Through our partnership with the City of Phoenix, travelers arriving at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport will have another processing option to use that has been proven to reduce wait times without comprising our important border protection mission.”
This is one of several programs Sky Harbor and CBP have enacted to improve service levels and help passengers get through the U.S. arrival process quickly. Other programs include Automated Passport Control Kiosks, which allows travelers to respond to CBP inspection questions and submit biographic information and Global Entry, for pre-approved, low risk travelers arriving in the U.S.
For more information, please visit https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/mobile-passport-control
