Detroit Metro Airport to begin using mobile app to check passports, complete custom forms
As international travel mounts, U.S. Customs and Border Protection are increasingly turning to a digital, mobile app to help speed up entry into the country and cut the time required to check passports and go through customs inspections.
The agency announced that by next Tuesday, travelers arriving at Detroit Metro Airport can use the Mobile Passport Control app, which can be downloaded onto your phone at no charge and does not require approval to use.
"Mobile Passport Control is an important step in enhancing the international travel experience," Director of Field Operations Marty Raybon said Wednesday, adding it is expected to streamline and hasten "the traveler’s entry process into the United States."
Travelers soon can submit their travel document, photo, and customs declaration information through a secure app on their phone or other mobile device. After downloading the app, users will be prompted to create a profile with your passport information.
Up to 12 profiles can be created for family members and a single household.
Travelers also can take a selfie for every member of the traveling group and submit their information to border protection through the app without completing a printed form, which also can help reduce paper waste.
So far, the app, which launched a decade ago, is available at 51 locations, the federal agency said. In 2023, the app was used by more than 1.8 million travelers. More information on the app, including user eligibility, is available at the agency’s MPC website.
Contact Frank Witsil: 313-222-5022 or fwitsil@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Metro Airport gets mobile app for international travelers
