Mobile Passport Control vs. Global Entry

International travelers must pass through immigration and customs upon reentry to the United States. Almost always, this is conducted after landing, but several airports also offer pre-clearance, where you complete these formalities before the flight. This includes airports in Aruba, Canada, Ireland and the Bahamas, among other countries.

No matter where you clear immigration, travelers have several options (depending on where they are). For example, Global Entry is a federal Trusted Traveler program available to pre-approved members that complete a screening process. Another option is Mobile Passport, which allows people to use a mobile app to answer immigration questions after landing before they reach the immigration checkpoint.

Both can be expeditious, often depending on the airport and lines. But you'll find some key differences when comparing Mobile Passport versus Global Entry. This guide will explain what they are, which one may suit you best and why it may make sense to have both for some people.

Global Entry and Mobile Passport are two entirely different programs, although they can make it faster to go through immigration formalities. Here is how they differ:

• Mobile Passport is free to use. Once the Mobile Passport Control app is on your mobile device, users complete customs declaration documents after arriving at the entry point. The MPC app stores the information in a QR code that passengers scan upon arrival. So instead of vetting passengers like Global Entry, it is simply expediting the document formalities. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency runs Mobile Passport.

• Global Entry, also run by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency, requires an extensive background check and an interview appointment before being approved. Not everyone is eligible for this program. It is designed for low-risk travelers and carries a $120 application fee for a five-year membership period. 

Here are some key features and differences between Global Entry and Mobile Passport.

When you apply for Global Entry, you'll have to pass a federal background check that verifies you as a low-risk traveler. This is only after completing a lengthy application form covering personal details and background information. Then, you must visit an enrollment center for fingerprinting, an ID check, and an interview. If approved, the government will issue you a PASSID (the same as a "Known Traveler Number" or KTN), which you'll need to include when making airline reservations.

Your KTN can be added to your frequent flyer account(s), which automatically includes it in future reservations with that airline. You can also add your KTN to individual airline tickets. At the moment, 75 airports are offering Global Entry kiosks.

» Learn more: TSA carry-on restrictions you need to know

Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck access for domestic travel, which can make the airport experience in the U.S. much more effortless. For instance, TSA PreCheck status means you can leave your belt and shoes on at domestic security checkpoints while leaving a laptop and liquids in your carry-on.

Many frequent travelers prefer Mobile Passport when flying into airports that reliably offer dedicated Mobile Passport lanes. It is free. It does not require any lengthy application process. It does not require an in-person interview or renewal. It does not require sharing personal data or undergoing a background check.

Considering the time it takes to apply for and get approved for Global Entry is crucial. If it takes several hours, it may not be worth saving a few minutes at immigration. On the other hand, Mobile Passport lines are often short and just as easy (and free). At the moment, there are 38 airports, land borders and cruise ports that offer Mobile Passport.

Global Entry: $120 (including TSA PreCheck)

It costs $120 to apply for Global Entry. Though, applicants under the age of 18 will be free of charge when a parent or legal guardian is already a member, or concurrently applying, for NEXUS, SENTRI, or Global Entry membership.

Once approved, membership is good for five years. Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck, which provides access to special security lanes at hundreds of U.S. airports as well as expedited processing at land borders in Mexico and Canada, adding tremendous value in exchange for the modest cost.

Remember that you must already have a valid passport to apply for Global Entry, which comes with additional costs depending on how soon you need it.  

A number of popular travel credit cards reimburse you for the application fee for trusted traveler programs like TSA PreCheck and Global Entry. Among them:

» SEE the best credit cards that pay for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry

Mobile Passport: Free

This is a free mobile app that you can download and use when arriving by cruise ship or airplane to select international U.S. gateways.

Global Entry

For frequent travelers, Global Entry is supreme because it packs in TSA PreCheck to the offering. Since costs may be covered by using the right credit card, it can mean expedited immigration formalities and TSA PreCheck domestic airport security benefits without paying a cent. For these travelers, the only cost may be the time and energy it takes to apply. It may not be worth the trouble for the occasional international traveler, but it can be a timesaver for those who fly often enough each year. 

It is not necessary to be a U.S. citizen to get Global Entry. For instance, U.S. lawful permanent residents and Mexican nationals are also eligible to apply. As well, citizens of the following countries are eligible:

In addition, it is not always easy to get an appointment for a Global Entry interview as there are only a limited number of places to apply, mostly at major airports, U.S. Customs and Border Protection offices and other official enrollment centers. 

Mobile Passport

It is undoubtedly easier to use this service since it only requires downloading the app. In addition, there is no need for an application and an in-person interview. 

The downside is that there are fewer Mobile Passport queues than Global Entry, and there is no guarantee they will be open. When available, the lines are often short and can be just as swift as Global Entry. When unavailable, passengers must stand in the regular queue, which can occasionally be long.

Some Global Entry users opt to have the Mobile Passport app, too, just in case there is a long line at Global Entry versus Mobile Passport.

Note, however, that you can only use one program upon entering the country — you cannot use both simultaneously. This means when you arrive, you either need to opt to enter with your Global Entry membership or with the Mobile Passport app, not both.

You cannot, for example, start the Mobile Passport process then see an empty Global Entry line and hop over to it. This can cause major issues with your Global Entry fingerprinting file.

Privacy

Some travelers may not want to give government agencies more personal details, including fingerprints and photos. However, Mobile Passport does not require divulging as much personal information. 

Children and traveling companions

Children must enroll for Global Entry individually and be approved to use these lanes. They cannot join parents who have already been approved.

But here's at least a bit of financial reprieve for parents with kids: there's no application fee for people under the age of 18 if their parent or legal guardian is already a member (or concurrently applying) for NEXUS, SENTRI, or Global Entry membership.

Children can use Mobile Passport, just like adults; it only takes a few minutes to complete the app's questions. Up to 12 people living in the same household can submit one profile using the MPC app.

If traveling with others, you may still have to wait in the baggage claim area for them if they do not have Global Entry, potentially erasing any time saved. However, with Mobile Passport, this is less likely to occur.

» Learn more: How families are navigating costly seat selection fees on flights

Nonrefundable fees

The application fee for Global Entry is nonrefundable. If you're denied, you won't get your money back. If you used a credit card with a credit for the application, it's less of a sting. However, Mobile Passport is free.

» Learn more: What to do if your Global Entry application is denied

For most frequent travelers, Global Entry is a better choice, especially if you travel internationally. If you determine that the time it takes to apply and complete the interview process will save you more time than waiting in line, then it's a no-brainer. Even with the cost, credit cards can help reimburse the expense. Global Entry comes with TSA PreCheck, too. Frequent flyers swear by it for time savings. 

Less-frequent flyers may want to consider Mobile Passport since it is free, requires no application and is easy to use. The only issue is that Mobile Passport lanes are not as common as Global Entry facilities, and sometimes, these lanes can be closed.

Every situation is different, but those willing to make the time investment for Global Entry will find the experience to be worth it.