Can I use Mobile Passport Control on my first trip to the USA with ESTA?

No. According to CBP, MPC is available to Visa Waiver Program travellers only if they are returning travellers with an approved ESTA. On your first visit, join the regular queue for a CBP officer.

How much does Mobile Passport Control cost?

MPC is free. There is no membership application and no background check. Global Entry, by contrast, costs US$120 for a five-year membership.

Does MPC replace my passport or ESTA?

No. MPC does not replace your passport or any required travel documents such as your ESTA. You must also still speak to a CBP officer when using MPC.

Can Australian, Irish, New Zealand or Singapore citizens apply for Global Entry?

Australia and Singapore are on CBP's list of eligible countries, so their citizens can apply. Ireland and New Zealand are not currently on the list. Membership costs US$120, lasts five years and requires a background check; applicants must be 18 or over (minors need a parent's or legal guardian's consent).

ESTA INFORMATION

Mobile Passport Control (MPC): a Faster Way Through US Arrivals?

The key point first: ESTA travellers can only use CBP's free MPC app if they have already visited the USA on an ESTA— on your first visit you go to a CBP officer in the regular way. Even with MPC, you still have to speak to an officer. This page explains how the app works and when Global Entry may be worth considering.

Who can use Mobile Passport Control?

CBP lists the eligible users as US citizens, US lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders), Canadian visitors and “returning Visa Waiver Program travelers with approved ESTA”— in other words, returning Visa Waiver Program travellers with an approved ESTA.

First trip on ESTA: MPC is not available to you — join the regular queue
From your second trip on ESTA: you can use the app, provided your arrival airport offers MPC
Free of charge: no membership application and no background check

Important: MPC replaces neither your passport nor your ESTA. You need both as usual — the app simply shortens the process at the checkpoint.

How MPC works when you arrive by air

You answer CBP's questions electronically in the app — no paper declaration form is needed
You can submit up to 4 hours before landing
For air travel, your submission stays active for 4 hours
You then go to a CBP officer — CBP states for MPC: “Must talk to a CBP Officer”

The airports offering MPC change frequently. CBP keeps the current list on its official MPC page. For how the interview itself works, see US border control.

Global Entry: eligibility for Australian, Irish, New Zealand and Singapore citizens

Frequent visitors to the USA may want to consider Global Entry. Eligibility depends on your citizenship. According to CBP's list of eligible countries:

Australia and Singapore: on the list — citizens can apply
Ireland and New Zealand: not currently on the list — citizens cannot apply for Global Entry on the basis of that citizenship

For eligible applicants:

Cost: US$120 for a five-year membership
Background check: required for all applicants
Minimum age: 18 — minors need the consent of a parent or legal guardian
CBP notes that additional requirements may apply depending on your country of citizenship

The difference from MPC: with Global Entry, CBP says speaking to an officer is “not always required”. The list of eligible countries can change, so check the CBP eligibility page before applying.

Kiosks and facial recognition: what does not apply to ESTA travellers

Automated Passport Control (APC): CBP no longer has a dedicated APC page — the address now redirects to Global Entry. Do not count on self-service kiosks.
Enhanced Passenger Processing (facial comparison by camera): according to CBP, available to US citizens only, not to ESTA travellers

In short:on your first trip with ESTA, plan for the regular queue. From your second trip, MPC can speed things up — but you will still speak to a CBP officer.

Related information

USA travel guide

Every topic for travelling with ESTA

US border control

The CBP interview and secondary inspection

US customs

Cash, food and declarations

Sources and currency

Last checked: 12 October 2026. This website is an independent information service and is not an official website of the US Government or of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).