Quiz: Do You Know Your Travel Clearance ABCs for 2025?

Mobile Passport Control (MPC) is a free app that helps U.S. citizens more quickly clear customs at most major U.S. airports and some cruise ports. TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and Clear Plus are all paid services.

The MPC process involves you downloading the app, entering your information and declarations for any given trip (similar to the paper customs form usually handed to inbound international travelers). You show a QR code to a customs official upon arrival. Some airports have dedicated lines just for Mobile Passport holders. 

As of Jan. 8, 2025, the United Kingdom’s Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is required for all entry into the U.K., even if you just have an airport layover.  Application approval and a fee of 10 pounds (about $12.34, depending on currency exchange rates) must be submitted prior to travel. Approval can take up to 72 hours so be sure to apply in advance. The good news: ETA clearance remains valid for two years (so long as your passport remains valid).

Global Entry is a service ($120) that allows you to skip the long passport control lines once you are pre-certified in an in-person interview. Mobile Passport Control is a free app that gives you a fast track through customs. Clear Plus and TSA PreCheck are paid services to facilitate outbound security clearance.

While TSA PreCheck and Clear Plus are both paid subscription services that help you transit airport security faster, they have one key difference for use: Clear Plus uses biometric data to validate your identity and allow you to bypass the identity checkpoint line. TSA PreCheck still requires an ID check but allows passengers to use a special line with expedited security screening. You can subscribe to both to leverage all the benefits (with a bundle deal currently offered for $199).

Children under the age of 12 for TSA PreCheck and under 18 for Clear Plus can accompany an approved parent or guardian, or adult traveling in the dedicated clearance line. Children under 18 accompanying a Clear Plus member don’t need to be on the same travel reservation.