Traveling is more than just an act of moving from one place to another; it’s an adventure that begins right from the moment you plan your journey.

Two Travel Gurus recommends Mobile Passport Control for travelers due to its ease of acquisition and the incomplete development of Global Entry “International Services” at most international airports. Currently, both Mobile Passport Control and Global Entry are widely implemented across domestic airports.

Read further to see why we recommend Mobile Passport over Global Entry for passengers going on trips with us.

The excitement of international travel can often be dampened by long lines at immigration and customs upon re-entering the United States. Fortunately, advancements in technology and border control policies have introduced more efficient ways to navigate this process, allowing travelers to spend less time at the airport and more time enjoying their journey.

Two notable systems designed to expedite this process are Mobile Passport and Global Entry. While both services aim to streamline the border entry process into the U.S., they cater to different needs and come with distinct requirements and benefits. Mobile Passport, an app-based system, offers a quicker way through customs and immigration for U.S. citizens and Canadian visitors without pre-approval. On the other hand, Global Entry, a program by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, requires pre-clearance but provides a more comprehensive solution including benefits like TSA PreCheck for frequent international travelers.

What is Mobile Passport?

In today’s digital age, the convenience of smartphone applications extends even to the realm of international travel. One such innovation is Mobile Passport Control, an app designed to expedite the U.S. customs and immigration process for American and Canadian travelers. Officially authorized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), this app allows eligible travelers to submit their passport information and customs declaration form digitally, bypassing the traditional paper forms and often lengthy queues.

How It Works:
Using Mobile Passport is straightforward. Before landing in the United States, travelers complete their profile on the app, including passport details and a self-taken photograph. Upon arrival, they fill out the digital customs declaration form through the app. Once submitted, the traveler receives a QR code receipt, which they present to a CBP officer. This process significantly speeds up the entry procedure, as Mobile Passport users often have access to specific, typically shorter lines at immigration.

Eligibility Requirements:
Mobile Passport is available to all U.S. citizens with a valid U.S. passport and to Canadian citizens with both a valid Canadian passport and B1 or B2 visa status. There are no pre-approval processes or background checks required, making it an accessible option for eligible travelers.

Airports Where Accepted:
Not all airports support the Mobile Passport app. Currently, it is accepted at over 30 major U.S. airports and cruise ports. Some of the major airports include Houston (IAH), Atlanta (ATL), Chicago O’Hare (ORD), Los Angeles (LAX), and New York-JFK. Its acceptance is continually expanding, offering more travelers the opportunity to utilize this expedited service each year.

What is Global Entry?

Global Entry is a program developed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Unlike Mobile Passport, which is app-based and available for use on a per-trip basis, Global Entry requires an application process that includes background checks and an interview before approval. Once accepted, it offers a faster and more seamless entry process, typically reducing wait times significantly.

How It Works: Members of Global Entry utilize automated kiosks at participating airports upon arrival in the U.S. At these kiosks, travelers present their machine-readable passport or U.S. permanent resident card, place their fingertips on the scanner for fingerprint verification, and complete a customs declaration. The kiosk issues the traveler a transaction receipt and directs them to baggage claim and the exit, bypassing the traditional lines at customs and immigration checkpoints.

Application Process and Eligibility: To apply for Global Entry, applicants must submit an online application through the Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) website and pay a non-refundable fee of $120. This fee covers a five-year membership if approved. Applicants then undergo a rigorous background check and, if preliminarily approved, are invited to schedule an interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center. During the interview, they must provide identification and proof of citizenship, and undergo fingerprinting.

Benefits of Having Global Entry: The primary benefit of Global Entry is its expedited processing through U.S. airports. Members often experience minimal wait times and can bypass long lines. Additionally, Global Entry membership includes TSA PreCheck, which provides expedited screening at domestic airports across the United States. This added benefit is particularly valuable for frequent flyers and business travelers.

Comparing Mobile Passport and Global Entry

Choosing between Mobile Passport and Global Entry depends on your travel frequency, destinations, and preferences for convenience.

Speed and Convenience:

• Mobile Passport facilitates faster U.S. entry and is usable immediately upon arrival at over 30 locations, including major airports like Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta (ATL), Los Angeles International (LAX), and George Bush Intercontinental in Houston (IAH). It’s designed for U.S. and Canadian citizens to expedite the U.S. customs process.
• Global Entry offers a consistent time-saving advantage at over 75 locations worldwide, including major U.S. airports such as John F. Kennedy International (JFK), San Francisco International (SFO), and George Bush Intercontinental in Houston (IAH), as well as international airports like Toronto Pearson (YYZ) and Dublin Airport (DUB). The program speeds up both customs and immigration processes for U.S. entries.

Scope for International Travel:

• Mobile Passport is only applicable for expedited U.S. customs entry at selected U.S. airports and cruise ports, including Miami (MIA) and Seattle-Tacoma (SEA), upon returning to the U.S.
• Global Entry provides expedited U.S. customs and immigration clearance at numerous U.S. airports and select international locations such as Calgary International (YYC) and Nassau Lynden Pindling International (NAS), facilitating smoother international travel.

Additional Benefits:

• Mobile Passport streamlines the customs declaration process without additional travel benefits.
• Global Entry members benefit from TSA PreCheck, reducing wait times at security checks for domestic and some international flights within the U.S.

Cost:

• Mobile Passport is free with optional premium services for added convenience.
• Global Entry costs $120 for a five-year membership, which includes both Global Entry and TSA PreCheck.

Ease of Application:

• Mobile Passport can be quickly set up via an app download and simple profile completion, no background checks or interviews needed.
• Global Entry requires a detailed application process, including background checks and an interview at an enrollment center, which might take several weeks to complete.

Ideal User Profile:

• Mobile Passport is ideal for infrequent travelers who need a faster way through U.S. customs without long-term commitments.
• Global Entry is best for frequent international travelers, providing extensive benefits both in the U.S. and at certain international departure points such as Nassau in the Bahamas (NAS), Shannon Airport (Ireland) (SNN) and Vancouver International (YVR).

Conclusion

Two Travel Gurus recommends Mobile Passport Control for travelers due to its ease of acquisition and the incomplete development of Global Entry “International Services” at most international airports. Currently, both Mobile Passport Control and Global Entry are widely implemented across domestic airports.

Choosing the right travel facilitation service—whether Mobile Passport or Global Entry—can significantly streamline your re-entry process into the United States. Mobile Passport offers a quick, registration-free solution ideal for infrequent travelers or those looking for a convenient way to bypass long lines at major U.S. airports. On the other hand, Global Entry is an invaluable tool for frequent international travelers, not only expediting entry at numerous airports worldwide but also providing added benefits like TSA PreCheck.

Ready to streamline your travel experience? Choose the right program for your needs today and travel smarter! For more information and other travel tips, visit our Two Travel Gurus homepage or check out our detailed blog on travel tips to further enhance your journeys.