For years, Nick has always used the free Mobile Passport Control app for speedy re-entry into the country instead of Global Entry. In today’s episode, we’ll talk about this free alternative to Global Entry.
Speed up US entry with Mobile Passport Control
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(00:06) – Mobile passport control is super easy and free
(05:25) – Where can it be used
(06:18) – Global Entry has advantages, though
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Music Credit – Beach Walk by Unicorn Heads
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I’m surprised it wasn’t mentioned that GE has an app too which is very similar to the MPC app. You get a photo of everyone so you can walk through the mobile GE line. Not sure if all airports accept it but you can go to the front of the GE line at ORD or SFO without a need to use kiosk or show passport. You just show your approved GE code on your phone. But also requires taking photos of everyone with your phone. I usually do it as plane is taxiing to the gate if we’re all sitting together. It approves you ahead of time like the GE kiosk but through an app and gives you a time limited code. Works great under normal circumstances. Even at OHare which is a mess we are through security and out to the taxi in just minutes after walking off long haul flight. No better feeling.
Regarding selfies – I haven’t tried MPC yet but we have global entry for our baby who is now 11 months. At the kiosk you need to get a picture of your baby’s face without you which is easier said than done sometimes, especially when he was 3 months old and couldn’t hold up his head well and now when he’s very squirmy and mom and dad are trying to hide their faces from being in the frame.
About 50% of the time we need to see an agent anyway but it’s a much shorter line right next to GE. I suspect this will get easier over time but the camera is pretty high up and will require a lift and waking up a sleeping kid from a stroller. Better than waiting in a long immigration line though!
MPC is fine, but GE is better and it’s returning Wednesday, supposedly. It seems the Republicans failed to get their way by collectively punishing us. Bah! (237 days until the midterms, friends. Vote for better leaders.)
With the refunding issue with DHS, at least in Philly recently, no mobile passport.
The irony is DHS has ample funds from the Big Beautiful Bill, including to pay its workers (like TSA, CPB), so this is just about not wanting to be accountable, not about literal lack of funding. Besides, our government is wasting $1 billion a day in Iran, while healthcare subsidies evaporated, so, clearly there’s money, it’s just choices about what to do with all the money, and so far, I’d say, those in-power today are making horrible choices with our money.