By Christopher Paolino, Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA)
New, innovative technology is decreasing wait times at Washington Dulles International Airport. With the addition of the Mobile Passport App, eligible passengers are able to use the app to securely save profiles on their smartphones, submit them electronically to Customs and Border Protection, and continue through dedicated lanes after arriving to Dulles.
New, innovative technology is decreasing wait times at Washington Dulles International Airport. With the addition of the Mobile Passport App, eligible passengers are able to use the app to securely save profiles on their smartphones, submit them electronically to Customs and Border Protection, and continue through dedicated lanes after arriving to Dulles.
Canadian passport holders with a B1 or B2 visa status and U.S. passport holders are also authorized to use the app.
Dulles is the most recent airport to accept the app, which was developed as an alternative to filling out paper forms and waiting in a general queue to speak to a CBP official. Travelers are encouraged to download the app and enter their passport information before departing. Upon arrival, passengers must open the app again and answer a few questions about the trip, then submit the responses electronically once an internet signal is established on the ground. Passengers at Dulles should follow “Mobile Passport Control” signs to a dedicated lane where a CBP-generated code will be scanned from the phone. That code will need to be shown one last time after baggage claim to exit the CBP facility. It is important to remember that everyone must still travel with their passport in addition to using the app.
With the addition of Mobile Passport, there are now three ways travelers can use technology to ease their processing through Customs at Dulles International:
Dulles is the most recent airport to accept the app, which was developed as an alternative to filling out paper forms and waiting in a general queue to speak to a CBP official. Travelers are encouraged to download the app and enter their passport information before departing. Upon arrival, passengers must open the app again and answer a few questions about the trip, then submit the responses electronically once an internet signal is established on the ground. Passengers at Dulles should follow “Mobile Passport Control” signs to a dedicated lane where a CBP-generated code will be scanned from the phone. That code will need to be shown one last time after baggage claim to exit the CBP facility. It is important to remember that everyone must still travel with their passport in addition to using the app.
With the addition of Mobile Passport, there are now three ways travelers can use technology to ease their processing through Customs at Dulles International:
- Global Entry – Requires an enrollment fee with an application submitted to CBP. Approved members can scan their passport and fingerprint at dedicated kiosks for expedited Customs processing. For U.S. citizens, permanent residents and citizens of a few foreign nations (see website). Global Entry members are also eligible to participate in TSA Pre-check for no additional fee.
- Mobile Passport – No fee/download free app in advance of travel. Users of the app can proceed to a dedicated lane for expedited Customs processing after answering basic questions via the app. For U.S. citizens and Canadian citizens traveling with B1 or B2 visa status.
- Dulles Passport Express – No fee / no enrollment required. Instead of filling out paper forms, travelers use kiosks in airport arrival hall and answer basic on-screen questions for expedited Customs processing. For U.S. citizens, permanent residents and returning visitors from countries participating in the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) program.
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