USA Entry - CBP Mobile Passport control app [MPC]

[OzzRod]

Just updating this thread that a recent requirement to use the MPC is that the ESTA/Visa Waiver being used had to have already been used to Enter the USA. That is, if you've not yet used a *new* ESTA, you cannot use the MPC app for the first visit under that ESTA.

Can you clarify please? I can’t find any reference to this. My last ESTA expired late last year after two trouble free MPC entries to HNL. I already have a new ESTA whose first use will be for entry to HNL this coming April and apart from now adding a selfie to my MPC application on arrival, my understanding is that I will still comply with entry requirements. Even if it doesn’t, a computer check at the border will instantly show that I’ve previously entered at the same place, with the same Australian passport, with an ESTA, for the same purpose and duration. I’d like to think I’d still be waved through as before, but of course best to be sure beforehand.

 

[SYD]

Just updating this thread that a recent requirement to use the MPC is that the ESTA/Visa Waiver being used had to have already been used to Enter the USA. That is, if you've not yet used a *new* ESTA, you cannot use the MPC app for the first visit under that ESTA.

That wording has always been there and as far as I’m aware, it means you had to have visited the US at least once before under an ESTA (or visa waiver using the old I-94/I-95 eg green form). Doesn’t even need to be the same PP.

If you have a previous record here, I suspect you’re ok to use MPC.

I94 - Official Website

i94.cbp.dhs.gov

 

[SeatBackForward]

That wording has always been there and as far as I’m aware, it means you had to have visited the US at least once before under an ESTA (or visa waiver using the old I-95 green form). Doesn’t even need to be the same PP.

I think the wording was just asking if you've used it before (can't recall it exactly), but it seems to have tightened up now. This is a screenshot taken from the MPC App:

Can you clarify please? I can’t find any reference to this. My last ESTA expired late last year after two trouble free MPC entries to HNL. I already have a new ESTA whose first use will be for entry to HNL this coming April and apart from now adding a selfie to my MPC application on arrival, my understanding is that I will still comply with entry requirements. Even if it doesn’t, a computer check at the border will instantly show that I’ve previously entered at the same place, with the same Australian passport, with an ESTA, for the same purpose and duration. I’d like to think I’d still be waved through as before, but of course best to be sure beforehand.

See my post with the screenshot from the App

 

[SYD]

I think the wording was just asking if you've used it before (can't recall it exactly), but it seems to have tightened up now. This is a screenshot taken from the MPC App:

View attachment 495816


See my post with the screenshot from the App

Same badly worded text as before.

 

[SeatBackForward]

Same badly worded text as before.

Are you sure? I had a new ESTA last year and entered the USA for the first time (using that specific ESTA) in June and could use the MPC app. The wording above, including the Asterix part would've excluded using it back then.

 

[OzzRod]

I think the wording was just asking if you've used it before (can't recall it exactly), but it seems to have tightened up now. This is a screenshot taken from the MPC App:

View attachment 495816


See my post with the screenshot from the App

Well, that seems pretty clear doesn't it, thank you. I would have expected a renewed ESTA to link back to the previous one, but that last asterisked sentence seems to rule that out. Rather defeats the purpose of MPC - in my case alone I and two other family members (travelling separately) will be added to the traditional queue. I think I might just join the MPC line anyway and see what happens ...

 

[SYD]

Well, that seems pretty clear doesn't it, thank you. I would have expected a renewed ESTA to link back to the previous one, but that last asterisked sentence seems to rule that out. Rather defeats the purpose of MPC - in my case alone I and two other family members (travelling separately) will be added to the traditional queue. I think I might just join the MPC line anyway and see what happens ...

They are linked. View your history at the website I posted above.

Are you sure? I had a new ESTA last year and entered the USA for the first time (using that specific ESTA) in June and could use the MPC app. The wording above, including the Asterix part would've excluded using it back then.

Others here have reported being able to use MPC on their first ever visit. That possibly was a failing of the app.

But at the end of the day, if it lets you use it to create an entry application then go do it.

Worse case, you join the non MPC line.

 

[OzzRod]

They are linked. View your history at the website I posted above.

Others here have reported being able to use MPC on their first ever visit. That possibly was a failing of the app.

But at the end of the day, if it lets you use it to create an entry application then go do it.

Worse case, you join the non MPC line.

Thanks. I just checked the I94 website link you provided and yep, my entry/departure records are there (and correct!). And as you say, worst case ...

 

[SYD]

Thanks. I just checked the I94 website link you provided and yep, my entry/departure records are there (and correct!). And as you say, worst case ...

I suspect you’ll be ok.

My next trip in May will be same PP and ESTA as previous, so can’t test any exclusion.

Hopefully others will report back whether they’re denied MPC on a new (unused ESTA).

 

[stm1sydney]

In late Jan, was through HNL in about 15 seconds using the MPC app on a new ESTA issued in early Jan (never used before, although I have previously entered the US under previous ESTAs).