Customs Declaration Apps For Group Travel

Traveling with a group? Customs declaration apps can save you time and stress. These apps let one person handle customs forms for everyone, cutting wait times by up to 40%. Here’s a quick look at the best options:

• Mobile Passport Control (MPC): U.S. app for up to 12 travelers. Free and secure.
• ArriveCAN: Canada’s app for groups of up to 8. Works with Canadian border systems.
• Japan Customs Declaration (eTravel): Digital platform for up to 10 family members. Combines immigration and customs forms.
• Australia Travel Declaration (ATD): Digital alternative to paper forms, but no group features yet.
• Philippines’ eTravel System: Handles family submissions; each traveler needs an individual document.

Quick Comparison:

App	Group Limit	Platform	Cost	Key Features
Mobile Passport Control	Up to 12	iOS, Android	Free	Pre-submit customs info, secure storage
ArriveCAN	Up to 8	iOS, Android, Web	Free	Sync profiles, integrates with CBSA
Japan eTravel	Up to 10 (family)	Web	Free	Combines immigration & customs forms
Australia ATD	None (individual only)	Qantas app	Free	Digital alternative to paper forms
Philippines eTravel	Family only	Web	Free	Mandatory for all travelers

These apps simplify group travel, reduce paperwork, and improve efficiency. Download and set them up before your trip to save time at customs.

How to Install and Use the Mobile Passport Control App by CBP for Your USA Travel Declaration

1. Mobile Passport Control (MPC)

The Mobile Passport Control app is a game-changer for travelers entering the United States, especially for groups. Created by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), this free app makes the often stressful customs declaration process much easier and faster for families, friends, or teams traveling together.

Group Submission Made Simple

With MPC, one person can handle customs declarations for an entire group - whether it’s a family vacation, a business trip, or a group of friends. This eliminates the need to juggle multiple forms and ensures everyone stays together during customs processing.

In 2023, approximately 1.8 million travelers took advantage of Mobile Passport Control.

Seamless Integration with CBP Systems

MPC connects directly with CBP systems, allowing travelers to pre-submit their details before arrival. As Marty C. Raybon, Director of Field Operation for CBP's Detroit Field Office, explained:

"The use of MPC streamlines the traveler's entry process into the United States by reducing passport control inspection time and overall wait time".

The app caters to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, Canadian B1/B2 visitors, and Visa Waiver Program travelers with approved ESTA. It generates an electronic receipt with a QR code for quick scanning, making customs processing even smoother.

Managing and Sharing Profiles with Ease

MPC simplifies managing traveler profiles by securely storing travel document and biographic details on your device for future trips. You can add profiles for eligible group members, allowing a single device to submit information for everyone.

It’s important to set up profiles before your trip: create them before boarding your flight to the U.S., but wait to submit the application until after landing - submitting too early can cause it to expire.

Strong Security Measures

When it comes to data protection, MPC uses secure encryption protocols to safeguard information. The Department of Homeland Security ensures the confidentiality and integrity of the data collected through the app. Users have the option to store their profile information on their device for future use or delete it after a single trip. Importantly, the app does not share data with third parties for marketing or advertising purposes.

CBP has implemented robust security features, including access controls and advanced technologies, to protect stored information. These measures are regularly tested to ensure they remain effective. With these safeguards in place, MPC offers a secure and efficient way to navigate customs, paving the way for a smoother travel experience.

2. ArriveCAN

ArriveCAN is Canada’s official app for border entry, designed to streamline the customs declaration process, especially for group travelers. Whether you’re organizing a family getaway to Niagara Falls or managing a business team’s arrival in Toronto, the app allows one person to submit information for up to eight travelers at once. This group can include spouses, common-law partners, children under 18 (or those under legal guardianship), and other adults for whom the user is a legal guardian.

The app has gained significant traction, with over 20 million downloads and nearly 30 million submissions as of September 30, 2022. By April 2022, it had already surpassed 10 million downloads. Group submissions require all travelers to share the same residential address and provide explicit consent. If travelers have different purposes or vaccination statuses, they should submit separate applications unless minors or dependent adults are traveling with a fully vaccinated guardian.

Integration with Border and Customs Systems

ArriveCAN is designed to work seamlessly with Canada’s border and customs systems. It integrates directly with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), ensuring that the information you submit is available to border officers before your arrival. The app is accessible on Android, iOS, and the web, allowing users to start an application on one device and complete it on another. Once the application is submitted, the receipt can be printed or emailed and must be shown to a border services officer upon entry.

Simplified Profile Management

Managing travel details is straightforward with ArriveCAN. The app includes a "saved traveler profile" feature that securely stores your travel document information on a Government of Canada server. This eliminates the hassle of re-entering details for future trips. Users maintain full control over their profiles and can delete their account and saved information at any time. Cross-platform synchronization ensures you can access your profile from any device.

Strong Security and Data Protection

ArriveCAN places a high priority on protecting user data. All personal information is encrypted and securely transmitted to the CBSA, adhering to Canada’s Privacy Act. The app does not use GPS tracking; it only processes the information you provide. Data is retained by the CBSA for 72 hours to validate declarations at the airport. With robust encryption and compliance with government privacy standards, users can also request the deletion of their data whenever they choose.

3. Japan Customs Declaration (eTravel)

Visit Japan Web has made customs declarations easier for group travelers entering Japan. This online platform allows visitors to complete immigration and customs declarations before they even land, simplifying the process at Japanese airports. Starting January 25, 2024, the system combined the 2D codes for both immigration and customs declarations into one unified process.

Japan requires all passengers to declare both accompanied and unaccompanied items upon entry. Instead of filling out paper forms at the airport, travelers can now handle this digitally, saving time and effort.

For group travelers, Visit Japan Web includes features designed to make the process even smoother.

Group Submission Capacity

Families traveling together can register up to 10 members under a single account, as long as everyone has the same itinerary. However, friends traveling together are not grouped as family and must register individually. Each traveler is assigned their own QR code, which the primary account holder can access by selecting individual names - a convenient tool for parents or group leaders managing multiple travelers.

Integration with Border and Customs Systems

Once the digital declaration is submitted, travelers receive a 2D code that works seamlessly with airport declaration terminals. At the airport, passengers scan their 2D code along with their IC passport, enabling the system to process both immigration and customs requirements at the same time. At Haneda Airport Terminal 2, special kiosks allow for a one-stop process, automatically displaying the appropriate language when the QR code is scanned. For added convenience, some customs inspection desks are equipped with terminals to handle electronic declarations. Of course, traditional paper forms are still an option for those who prefer them.

Ease of Sharing and Managing Profiles

The platform simplifies group travel by letting the primary registrant manage all QR codes from a single account. This feature is particularly helpful for families or group coordinators.

Digital Payment Integration

If customs duties or consumption taxes apply, the platform supports modern payment methods like smartphone apps and credit cards. This reduces the need for cash and provides electronic payment records, making it easier to manage group expenses.

4. Australia's Digital Passenger Declaration

Australia's move toward digital customs declarations has revealed obstacles, particularly for group travelers.

The Digital Passenger Declaration (DPD), introduced to streamline entry processes, was discontinued due to usability challenges and is no longer in use.

Integration with Border and Customs Systems

The DPD has been replaced by the Australia Travel Declaration (ATD), which serves as a digital alternative to the traditional paper-based Incoming Passenger Card (IPC). In October 2024, Qantas tested the ATD on flights between Auckland and Brisbane. Passengers on these flights could complete the digital form via the Qantas app, generating a QR code for clearance. The Department of Home Affairs partnered with Qantas to integrate the ATD into the Qantas Frequent Flyer app, allowing traveler information to be transmitted almost instantly to government systems.

The ATD gathers critical details required for immigration and customs, such as contact information, vaccination records, and declarations about quarantine or testing requirements. Participation in the ATD remains optional.

These updates hint at future improvements, though current functionality for groups remains limited.

Group Submission Capacity

Despite its advanced integration, the ATD has restrictions when it comes to group submissions. At present, it only supports individual forms for single adult travelers. Families and groups must file separate declarations, with expanded functionality expected by mid-2025.

Security and Data Protection Standards

Australia’s digital declaration systems are designed with stringent data protection measures. The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry collects personal information under the Biosecurity Act 2015 and the Privacy Act 1988 to manage biosecurity risks.

The country’s privacy regulations are undergoing significant changes. The Privacy and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024 introduced new measures, including a statutory tort for serious privacy breaches, a framework for a Children's Online Privacy Code, and criminal penalties for doxing. Additional reforms anticipated in 2025 may impose stricter requirements on organizations handling personal data. These rules apply to private entities with an annual turnover exceeding AU$3 million, as well as all Commonwealth and Australian Capital Territory Government agencies, under the Privacy Act 1988 and Australian Privacy Principles.

5. Philippines' eTravel System

The Philippines has introduced an eTravel system requiring travelers to submit digital entry and exit forms - known as e-CBDF and e-CDF - at least 72 hours before their trip. This system replaces the traditional paper arrival and departure cards, streamlining the process for both travelers and authorities. Below, we’ll explore its group submission capabilities, system integration, and data protection measures.

Group Submission Capacity

For those traveling as a group, only immediate family members can be registered under a single account. Friends or colleagues traveling together must file their forms separately. Importantly, every individual, regardless of age, is required to have their own eTravel document. However, guardians can complete the forms on behalf of dependents, ensuring a smoother process for families.

Integration with Border and Customs Systems

The eTravel system simplifies the travel experience by merging the CBDF and CDF into one digital submission. This integration reduces redundancy and speeds up border processing, making the system more efficient for both travelers and customs officials.

Security and Data Protection Standards

The eTravel system operates under the guidelines of the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (Republic Act No. 10173), ensuring that personal data - such as email addresses, passport numbers, birth dates, nationalities, mobile numbers, vaccination records, and travel details - is securely handled. Access to this information is restricted to authorized personnel from the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT). Measures are in place to prevent unauthorized changes to the data, and any information collected is shared with government agencies strictly for lawful and noncommercial purposes.

"The personal information collected in eTravel is controlled and processed pursuant to Republic Act No. 11332 (the 'Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act') and in accordance with Republic Act No. 10173 (the 'Data Privacy Act')" - Philippine Travel Information System

Collected data is retained only for as long as necessary to meet government or regulatory requirements. Once these purposes are fulfilled, the information is securely deleted or anonymized. Travelers are strongly encouraged to verify website URLs through official Philippine government channels to avoid falling victim to fraudulent sites.

App Comparison Chart

Here's a quick look at how Mobile Passport Control (MPC) caters to group travelers, focusing on its submission capacity, platform compatibility, group management tools, and security measures.

App	Group Submission Limit	Platform Availability	Key Group Features	Data Security
Mobile Passport Control (MPC)	Up to 12 people per submission	iOS, Android	Secure family information storage	Encryption and secure data transmission

With U.S. border security trends showing a sharp rise in electronic media searches - from 4,764 in 2015 to 23,877 in 2016 - the emphasis on data security has never been more critical.

For group travelers, MPC simplifies the customs process by enabling easy and secure submissions for multiple people in one go, making it a valuable tool for streamlining group travel.

Conclusion

Customs declaration apps have the potential to completely change how group travel feels by cutting out tedious paperwork and speeding up border crossings. Despite these benefits, only 8% of eligible travelers used Mobile Passport Control in 2024. These apps offer more than just convenience - they save time and reduce stress.

The time savings alone are impressive. Jessie Beck, AFAR's senior SEO manager, shared her experience:

"This app generally reduces my customs clearance time to under five minutes - sometimes faster than my friends with Global Entry."

For group coordinators, these tools can be a game changer, helping keep everyone on track during customs processing. This is especially useful for families with kids, elderly relatives, or larger travel groups.

To make the most of these apps, download and set them up before your trip. Enter all travelers' details accurately while connected to a stable internet connection. Double-check that your destination supports the app - Mobile Passport Control, for instance, works at 53 airports and ports. And don’t forget to keep your phone charged to show the necessary QR codes. Of course, you'll still need your physical passport for inspection.

Advancements in technology continue to simplify international travel. Marty C. Raybon, director of field operations for Detroit CBP, highlights the impact of Mobile Passport Control:

"Mobile Passport Control is an important step in enhancing the international travel experience and offers travelers additional options to expedite their entry into the U.S... The use of MPC streamlines the traveler's entry process into the United States by reducing passport control inspection time and overall wait time."

Give one of these apps a try on your next group trip. A few minutes spent setting it up can save you hours at customs and make managing multiple travelers much easier. It’s a small step that can lead to a smoother, less stressful journey.

FAQs

How do customs declaration apps protect my personal information when submitting as a group?

How Customs Declaration Apps Protect Your Information

Customs declaration apps take your privacy seriously by using advanced encryption methods and secure data storage practices. Any personal information you share is safely stored on your device and encrypted at all times - both when saved and during transmission. This ensures that your data remains protected and inaccessible to unauthorized parties.

These apps also adhere to U.S. laws and regulations, guaranteeing that your information is used strictly for its intended purpose, like simplifying your entry into the United States. To enhance security and accuracy, the data you provide is cross-checked with official Customs and Border Protection (CBP) systems, offering an extra layer of protection, especially for group submissions.

Can customs declaration apps handle group travel when members have different plans or vaccination statuses?

Customs declaration apps can make group travel much easier, even when members have varying plans or vaccination statuses. For instance, apps like Mobile Passport Control allow a single person to submit customs details for up to 12 travelers. This streamlines the process of group entry into the U.S., saving time and reducing hassle.

Many of these apps also let users enter individual vaccination records, helping ensure compliance with health requirements. This flexibility makes them a handy option for groups with diverse travel needs.

How do group submission features compare across popular customs declaration apps like Mobile Passport Control, ArriveCAN, and Japan eTravel?

Mobile Passport Control (MPC) lets users add family members to their profiles, making group submissions a breeze. By submitting travel documents and customs declarations together, families or groups can save time and simplify the process.

ArriveCAN takes it a step further, allowing group submissions for up to 8 travelers, including the primary user. This feature makes entering Canada much easier by enabling families or groups to submit all their details in one go.

Japan eTravel, also called Visit Japan Web, takes a different approach. Each traveler must register their information individually, but a single login can manage multiple travelers. While this adds a bit of convenience, it still requires separate entries for each person.

In short, MPC and ArriveCAN are more group-friendly, while Japan eTravel leans toward individual submissions with shared login functionality.

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