Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) has become the third U.S. airport to introduce the Mobile Passport Control app, which is aimed at expediting international travelers’ arrivals into the United States.
After downloading the app, eligible travelers create a profile with their passport information and then submit their customs declaration form to U.S. Customs and Border Protection via their smartphone or tablet prior to arrival. They will receive an electronic receipt with an encrypted quick response code. They then bring their passport and smartphone or tablet with the digital, bar-coded receipt to a CBP officer.
“The Port of Seattle is excited to launch this new opportunity for expedited travel processing in partnership with the CBP,” says Charles Goedken, manager of international operations at SEA. “With the ever-increasing number of international passengers coming to our region, we need these types of innovations to keep travelers happy and moving through our facility.”
Long-haul traffic at SEA has increased nearly 80 percent since 2009, and all international passenger traffic is up more than 45 percent. The Port of Seattle also is in the conceptual design phase of an expanded International Arrivals Facility to replace the existing one, which was built in the 1970s.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL) and Miami International (MIA) are the other airports participating so far. The app was designed by Airports Council International-North America and its vendor, in partnership with the CBP.
