Mobile Passport at Atlanta Airport: What Travelers Need to Know

If you’re flying internationally through Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), you might be wondering whether you can use Mobile Passport (now often called Mobile Passport Control or MPC) to speed through U.S. Customs.

Here’s how it works specifically at Atlanta’s airport, what to expect when you land, and how to decide if it’s worth using.

Does Atlanta Airport Have Mobile Passport?

Yes. Atlanta Airport does support Mobile Passport Control (MPC) for eligible international arrivals in the international terminal (Concourse F).

That means:

• If you are arriving from an international destination into ATL,
• And you are eligible to use Mobile Passport Control,
• You can use the MPC app on your phone and follow the signs to the Mobile Passport / MPC lanes at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

However:

• Mobile Passport is not used for departures from Atlanta, only for arrivals back into the United States.
• You’ll still need to see a CBP officer. The app speeds up form completion and line processing; it does not replace inspection.

Where Mobile Passport Works in Atlanta Airport

International flights into Atlanta typically arrive at either:

• Concourse E (International Concourse), or
• Concourse F (Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal)

Mobile Passport Control is available at the international arrivals processing area managed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

You’ll see overhead signs after you get off an international flight that point toward:

• Global Entry
• Mobile Passport / Mobile Passport Control (MPC)
• All Passports / U.S. Citizens / Visitors

Follow the Mobile Passport / MPC signs if:

• You’ve submitted your information in the mobile app, and
• You’ve received your QR code or digital receipt for your arriving flight and travel party.

If signs are confusing or you’re not sure which lane is active, ask a CBP officer or an airport agent in the arrivals hall. Staffing and lane availability can vary by time of day.

Who Can Use Mobile Passport Control at ATL?

Mobile Passport Control at Atlanta is typically available to:

• U.S. citizens
• U.S. lawful permanent residents (green card holders)
• And, in some cases, certain eligible visitors (depending on current CBP rules in the app)

Each adult traveler generally needs to:

• Download the official Mobile Passport Control app before landing
• Create a profile with passport details
• Submit a “new trip” when you arrive, including flight info and customs declarations

Family members from the same household can usually be submitted together in one declaration within the app, which can make it especially helpful for Atlanta families returning from international vacations or visiting relatives abroad.

Mobile Passport vs. Global Entry in Atlanta

Many Atlanta-based travelers compare Mobile Passport with Global Entry when deciding how to speed up re-entry into the U.S.

Here’s a simple side-by-side summary for use at ATL:

Both are supported at Atlanta’s international arrivals facilities. If you fly internationally a few times a year from Atlanta and don’t want to pay for Global Entry, Mobile Passport can be a solid, no-cost upgrade to the regular line.

How to Use Mobile Passport at Atlanta Airport Step by Step

If you live in Atlanta or fly back into ATL frequently, it helps to know the process in advance.

1. Before You Fly Back to Atlanta

• Download the official Mobile Passport Control app from your phone’s app store.
• Create your traveler profile:
  • Full name
  • Date of birth
  • Passport number and expiration
  • Citizenship
• If you’re traveling with family living in the same household, add their profiles as well.

You can do this well before your trip so you’re ready when you land.

2. On Your International Flight to ATL

Shortly before landing (or after landing while taxiing, if allowed by airline policy):

• Open the MPC app
• Start a new entry trip
• Enter:
  • Your arrival airport (Atlanta – Hartsfield–Jackson)
  • Airline and flight number
  • Customs declaration answers (items you’re bringing into the U.S., agriculture items, etc.)
• Submit the information through the app.

You should receive a digital confirmation / receipt with a QR code or similar screen, valid for a short period of time after your arrival.

3. After Landing in Atlanta

Once you exit the aircraft:

1. Follow signs for Arrivals / Baggage Claim / Immigration.
2. When you reach the immigration hall:
   • Look for signs: Mobile Passport, MPC, or Mobile Passport Control.
3. Show your:
   • Passport
   • App receipt or QR code
4. A CBP officer will:
   • Scan your code
   • Verify your identity and declarations
   • Ask any required questions

You may then be directed to baggage claim and customs exit, or to a secondary screening area if more inspection is needed (this can happen with any traveler, regardless of the program).

When Mobile Passport Is Most Useful at ATL

Mobile Passport can be especially helpful for travelers:

• Arriving in peak periods at Atlanta (late afternoon/evening waves from Europe or Latin America)
• Traveling as a family or group, where filling one digital declaration is easier than multiple paper forms
• Based in metro Atlanta who don’t fly internationally enough to justify paying for Global Entry
• Visiting Atlanta from abroad and returning through ATL, if they’re eligible and want a no-cost time-saver

In lighter traffic periods, the time difference between MPC, Global Entry, and regular lines may be smaller. Lane usage can change as CBP manages crowds, so it’s good to stay flexible.

Things to Keep in Mind at Atlanta Airport

Here are a few practical tips specific to Hartsfield–Jackson:

• Mobile Passport does not replace your passport.
  You must still bring and present your physical passport.

• Wi‑Fi and data:
  ATL generally has free airport Wi‑Fi, but if the connection is slow or patchy, ensure your app and profile are set up before landing. The final submission usually requires a bit of connectivity.

• Follow the latest signs and instructions:
  Mobile Passport lanes can occasionally be merged or adjusted depending on passenger volume. If you don’t see a dedicated MPC lane, ask an officer where MPC users should go.

• Check app availability before each trip:
  CBP can update participating airports, app features, and eligibility over time. It’s smart to open the app before your flight home to confirm that Atlanta (ATL) is listed and that you’re still eligible.

Helpful Airport & Agency Contacts in Atlanta

If you have questions about international arrivals procedures at Atlanta, you can contact:

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport – Customer Service
6000 N Terminal Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30320
Main Airport Information: (800) 897-1910 (widely used public info line)

For questions about immigration, customs, or entry procedures generally, contact:

U.S. Customs and Border Protection – Port of Atlanta (ATL Airport)
International Terminal / Concourse F
6000 N Terminal Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30320

Phone numbers and office hours can change, so it’s best to verify contact details through official government directories or the airport’s information resources before calling.

In summary: Yes, Atlanta Airport does support Mobile Passport Control for eligible international arrivals, primarily in the international terminal (Concourse F). If you’re an Atlanta traveler looking for a free way to speed up U.S. customs, setting up the MPC app before your next international trip can make your return through Hartsfield–Jackson faster and less stressful.