Mobile Passport vs Global Entry

[cubigbird]

I see that DHS and CBP are now piloting "Mobile Passport." Through an app, you can enter your passport and flight information and obtain a digital QR code to scan at customs in efforts to speed up the customs line. How does this differ from Global Entry and could this replace Global Entry? One thing I have seen is that with "mobile passport" you STILL have to visit a CBP agent, it's just the waiting time is less, whereas with Global Entry once you fingerprint and process you are done because you have completed the background check. Does anyone else know about this?

 

[Jimster]

MP vs GE

On December 23, 2014 thepointsguy.com explained how MP works. Although in that article it says it is only available in ATL, now it is available in other airports but not ALL. The first thing you need to do is find out if it is even available in your point of entry. I have read reports that it is even faster than GE. Although like anything else like this, as more people use it, it may take longer. MP also requires further action on WiFi or on the plane for each trip and GE does not.

I have GE and it is very quick, but it does require an interview and a $100 fee to get it. The fee is often covered by several CC's. I believe GE is available in more airports than MP.

Having said all that, if you check your bags, you stil have to stand in line and wait for them to come off the conveyor.

 

[cubigbird]

On December 23, 2014 thepointsguy.com explained how MP works. Although in that article it says it is only available in ATL, now it is available in other airports but not ALL. The first thing you need to do is find out if it is even available in your point of entry. I have read reports that it is even faster than GE. Although like anything else like this, as more people use it, it may take longer. MP also requires further action on WiFi or on the plane for each trip and GE does not.

I have GE and it is very quick, but it does require an interview and a $100 fee to get it. The fee is often covered by several CC's. I believe GE is available in more airports than MP.

Having said all that, if you check your bags, you stil have to stand in line and wait for them to come off the conveyor.

It's my understanding that with MP you still have to visit a CPB agent but with GE you do not.

 

[Jimster]

GE

I have only used my GE once but i did have to stop to see a customs official but my wife did not.

 

[x3 skier]

No clue on mobile passport but in the four years and ten overseas trips since I have had GE, I have not had to do anything after the kiosk except to hand the receipt from the kiosk to the Customs Officer. YMMV

Cheers

 

[cubigbird]

No clue on mobile passport but in the four years and ten overseas trips since I have had GE, I have not had to do anything after the kiosk except to hand the receipt from the kiosk to the Customs Officer. YMMV

Cheers

GE is designed so that you generally don't have to visit a CBP agent because you have done a background check. Everything is done via that cute little kiosk.

Mobile Passport you still do visit a CBP agent, it's just that all of your customs information is now processed done electronically. The downside is that you must connect to wi-fi either on the plane or in the airport to submit your information prior to arrival.

I just see MP as a way to shorten the line for non-GE holders.

 

[dsmrp]

DH and I are going to apply for the Nexus program. It has side benefits of using Global Entry kiosks and TSA Pre-check, and is half the cost of Global Entry. The downside is you need to be in certain northern border states with Canada or in Canada to do your enrollment interview.

 

[x3 skier]

Looking through the Mobile Passport FAQ,

http://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citize...e-passport-control-frequently-asked-questions

I notice you have to be connected to WiFi or cellular data for it to work. As I have been told repeatedly not to use my phone until clearing the arrival hall, I wonder how it's supposed to work?

Cheers