Does Atlanta Have Mobile Passport Control at the Airport?

If you travel internationally through Atlanta, you may be wondering: does Atlanta have Mobile Passport (now called Mobile Passport Control) and how does it actually work at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)?

Yes. Atlanta does support Mobile Passport Control (MPC) for eligible travelers arriving from abroad, and ATL is one of the major U.S. airports where you can use it to speed up the U.S. customs and immigration process.

Below is a clear breakdown of how it works specifically in Atlanta, who can use it, and what to expect when you land at ATL.

What Is Mobile Passport Control and How Does It Work in Atlanta?

Mobile Passport Control (MPC) is an official U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that lets eligible travelers:

• Submit passport and customs information through a mobile app
• Receive a digital receipt/QR code
• Use designated MPC lanes at passport control when re-entering the United States

In Atlanta, you use MPC when you arrive on an international flight at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). It doesn’t replace your passport; instead, it helps you move through the inspection process more quickly.

Where You Use It at ATL

At ATL, Mobile Passport Control is used in the International Arrivals area, primarily:

• Concourse F – International Terminal
• Concourse E – International Arrivals (connected to the main terminal)

When you land, follow the signs for:

• “Passport Control”
• “U.S. Citizens / Permanent Residents”
• Look for signs mentioning “Mobile Passport Control” or “MPC”

You’ll still join a physical line, but you’ll head to a special MPC lane where officers scan your QR code and review your documents.

Who Can Use Mobile Passport in Atlanta?

MPC is available to certain travelers entering the United States through ATL. In general, you can use Mobile Passport Control at Atlanta if you are:

• A U.S. citizen, and/or
• A U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder)
• Some Canadian citizen travelers may also be eligible, depending on current CBP rules and app instructions

Not all visa types and nationalities qualify, so it’s important to check eligibility details within the official MPC app before you travel.

You Cannot Use MPC in Atlanta If:

• You are not eligible under CBP’s MPC rules (for example, certain non‑immigrant visa holders)
• You are arriving on a flight that does not enter through ATL’s international arrivals facilities
• You don’t have your passport physically with you (MPC supplements, but does not replace, your passport)
• You are referred to secondary inspection for any reason — in that case, standard procedures apply

Step-by-Step: Using Mobile Passport at ATL

Here’s what the process typically looks like when you land in Atlanta on an international flight.

1. Before Your Trip: Install and Set Up the App

Before you fly into ATL, you’ll need to:

1. Download the official Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app from your mobile app store.
2. Create a profile with:
   • Full name
   • Date of birth
   • Citizenship
   • Passport details (number, issuing country, expiration date)
3. Add your family members (if eligible) to one profile so you can submit one combined entry for your group.

Many Atlanta travelers set this up at home in the metro area before heading to Hartsfield–Jackson, so it’s ready to go when they land.

2. On Arrival in Atlanta: Open the App

Once your international flight arrives at ATL:

1. Turn off airplane mode when allowed.
2. Open the MPC app.
3. Select Atlanta (ATL) as your port of entry (if the app requires you to confirm).
4. Answer the standard customs declaration questions in the app (items you’re bringing, agriculture, currency, etc.).
5. Submit your information through the app.

You will then receive a digital receipt/QR code in the app, usually valid for a short period.

3. Follow Signs for Mobile Passport in the Terminal

From the gate, follow signs for:

• “Arrivals”
• “Passport Control” / “Immigration”
• “U.S. Citizens / Residents”

Then watch specifically for signage such as:

• “Mobile Passport Control”
• “MPC”

Helpful tip for ATL:
If you arrive at Concourse F (International Terminal), you’ll typically clear passport control there. If you arrive at Concourse E, you may be routed through the connected international arrivals area. In both cases, look carefully for the MPC lane signs; they can be easy to miss if the area is crowded.

4. Present Your QR Code and Passport

When you reach the MPC lane:

• Open your app to the QR code / receipt screen
• Present your physical passport and any required documents
• A CBP officer will scan your code, verify your information, and may ask routine questions

If everything is in order, you’ll be directed toward:

• Baggage claim for arriving international passengers
• Then through customs and out to the public arrivals area or domestic connections

How Mobile Passport Compares to Global Entry at ATL

Many Atlanta-based travelers also ask whether Mobile Passport Control is “as good as” Global Entry. They are different programs that both operate at ATL.

Here is a simple side-by-side look, focusing on what matters in Atlanta:

Key takeaway for Atlanta travelers:
If you don’t have Global Entry, Mobile Passport Control is a very useful, no-cost way to often reduce wait times when arriving from abroad at Hartsfield–Jackson.

When Mobile Passport in Atlanta Is Most Helpful

MPC can be especially helpful at ATL in these common situations:

• Peak international arrival times: Early afternoon and evening when many flights from Europe, Latin America, and Africa arrive.
• Traveling with family: Submitting one MPC entry for the whole group can simplify processing.
• Frequent international flyers based in Atlanta who don’t want to pay for or wait for a Global Entry interview.
• Occasional international visitors to Atlanta who want to avoid long passport control lines without enrolling in a paid program.

However, Mobile Passport is not guaranteed to be faster every single time. Wait times at ATL can vary based on:

• How many lanes are open
• How many other travelers are using MPC vs. regular lines
• Staffing levels and flight arrival patterns

Practical Tips for Using Mobile Passport at ATL

To make Mobile Passport work smoothly for your Atlanta arrival:

• 📱 Set it up before you fly
  Don’t wait until you’re in the immigration hall with limited signal. Enter your passport details while you’re still in Atlanta, at home or at your hotel.

• ⚠️ Keep your passport handy
  MPC does not replace your physical passport. Keep it accessible from the time you land to the time you clear immigration.

• 👨‍👩‍👧 Add family members correctly
  Make sure all eligible family members are added under one profile if you plan to submit one group entry.

• 📶 Expect variable connectivity
  Wi‑Fi and cellular connections in ATL’s international arrivals area are generally available but can be inconsistent. Many travelers submit their MPC data right after landing at the gate while still on the concourse.

• 👀 Follow signage carefully
  The MPC lanes at ATL are usually clearly marked, but in a crowded arrival hall it’s easy to stay in the regular line by accident. Look specifically for “Mobile Passport Control” signs.

Does Mobile Passport Work for Departures or Domestic Flights in Atlanta?

No. Mobile Passport Control in Atlanta is only used for international arrivals.

You cannot use MPC for:

• Departing flights from ATL
• Domestic flights within the United States
• Security screening (TSA) at Hartsfield–Jackson

For faster security screening on departures from Atlanta, people typically use programs like TSA PreCheck or trusted traveler programs that include it. Those are separate from Mobile Passport Control.

Key Atlanta-Specific Points to Remember

• Yes, Atlanta does have Mobile Passport Control, and it’s supported at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) for eligible international arrivals.
• You must still have your physical passport and follow CBP instructions.
• You’ll use MPC in the international arrivals area, usually at Concourse F or E, depending on where your flight arrives.
• It can significantly reduce your time in the passport control line, though exact time savings vary.
• If you fly internationally into Atlanta often but don’t have Global Entry, MPC is a practical, low-effort way to streamline your re-entry process.

Using Mobile Passport Control at ATL is straightforward once you’ve set up the app, and for many Atlanta-based and visiting travelers, it has become part of their regular international travel routine.