How to Zip Through the Long Lines at U.S. Customs
How to Zip Through the Long Lines at U.S. Customs
Let us teach you how to zip through the long lines at U.S. Customs in the airport.
What could be worse than an exhausting overseas flight only to find a massive line at the U.S. Customs counter?
We’ve been there and done that. It’s no fun.
As you’re likely aware, our nation’s airlines and airports are experiencing an unprecedented number of travelers these days.
Therefore, let us share your options to prevent this most unpleasant surprise.
How to Breeze Through U.S. Customs at the Airport
- Ignore Our Advice. You’ve just suffered through a 15-hour flight, you’re exhausted, and you get off the plane to find a line of hundreds and hundreds of people at the U.S. Customs desk. Please don’t say I didn’t warn you.
- Get the Mobile Passport Control App. Mobile Passport Control (MPC) allows eligible travelers to submit their travel documents, photo, and customs declaration information through a free, secure app on their smartphone or other mobile device. The use of MPC streamlines the traveler’s entry process into the United States by reducing passport control inspection time and overall wait time. Use of MPC does not require pre-approval. Travelers who successfully use the MPC app will no longer have to complete a paper form and may be provided a designated queue. As a result, travelers may experience shorter wait times, less congestion and efficient processing. To learn more, please CLICK HERE.
- Best Option. Get Global Entry. While this requires an in-person interview, a background check, and some money, you can skip the lines altogether and zip through with a simple biometric scan. We were through in less than a minute on our last visit to U.S. customs. A simple facial scan, and you’re done! To learn more, please CLICK HERE.
I hope you find this advice helpful, and even more, I hope it brings you peace of mind in your travels.
Lastly, don’t forget to check the expiration dates on your passports. Most countries require at least six months of validity. Without that, you will get turned away at the airport overseas. Please don’t let that happen to you!
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Do I need the Mobile Passport app if I have Global Entry? Thanks.
No. Mobile Passport is for those who do not have Global Entry but want to get through customs faster. However, we highly recommend that folks undergo the interview process to obtain the Global Entry. If not, then this is the next best option.