How to speed up US immigration: the MPC fast lane

Use the MPC Line

• Since 2022, U.S. authorities have introduced a new system for immigration procedures. It’s called MPC: Mobile Passport Control.
• What is it? MPC is an app you download to your phone before traveling to the United States. You complete a registration process in the app and answer a series of questions.
• For detailed information on how MPC works, visit our page on the MPC procedure for U.S. immigration.
• Simply downloading the app and answering the questions in advance lets you use a dedicated MPC line when you arrive in the U.S. This line moves significantly faster than the standard line. Some members of our New York forum and Destination New York Facebook group have reported clearing U.S. immigration in just 5 minutes.

How to Successfully Use the MPC Fast Line

• Keep in mind: to use the MPC line, you must answer all questions correctly. To save time on arrival, follow the procedure exactly as instructed.
• Be careful not to make mistakes when entering your information or checking boxes. Any error could send you to the standard line and you’d lose the benefit of the fast track.
• The questions are straightforward, though—it’s simply a quick verification process.

Who Can Use the MPC Line?

• As of 2024, the MPC procedure is available to all citizens of countries in the Visa Waiver Program. This includes France, Belgium, Switzerland, and all European countries.
• Second requirement: the MPC line must be open. Some travelers have reported that at certain airports, the MPC line may not be available. However, this is becoming increasingly rare, especially at major airports in New York and along the U.S. East Coast.
• In any case, it’s worth using this procedure—you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.