Dulles Now Accepts Mobile Passport App

Washington Dulles International Airport now accepts the Mobile Passport App in all of its Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facilities. The free app allows eligible passengers to save profiles securely on their smartphones, submit them electronically and proceed directly to dedicated lanes upon arrival to Dulles for expedited CBP processing.  Use of the app is authorized for citizens traveling with a U.S. passport or a Canadian passport with B1 or B2 visa status.

The new app was developed for U.S. airports in partnership with U.S. Customs and Border Protection to expand the options beyond filling out paper forms and waiting in a general queue to speak to a CBP official. Thanks to airport investments in new technology and increased cooperation with federal agencies, average wait times at Dulles in 2016 are among the shortest when compared to other major international airports.

“At Dulles International, we never stop looking for ways to make the journey easier and more enjoyable for our travelers,” said Chris Browne, vice president and airport manager. “Together with our partners at Customs and Border Protection, we are proud to introduce the Mobile Passport app as the latest innovation to make international arrivals an even smoother process.”

Using Mobile Passport is simple, as described on flydulles.com. Before their journey begins, travelers should download the app and create a profile using information from their valid passport. For families traveling together, all of the information can be entered on one device. 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. 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 ESTA program.