Dubai has taken another step towards fully digital air travel with the launch of “Click & Travel”, a mobile immigrationy service that allows passport-control officers to process passengers directly inside airport terminals.
Launched by the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA Dubai) on September 7, the system brings passport-control services directly to passengers instead of requiring them to move to a fixed immigration counter.
The new system uses portable devices connected to GDRFA Dubai’s databases and secure digital infrastructure. Officers can verify passengers using biometric technology, facial recognition and electronic passport reading, allowing immigration procedures to be completed in approximately 12 to 15 seconds.
The technology is designed to be particularly useful during peak travel periods, long queues and operational emergencies, giving airport authorities greater flexibility to deploy immigration officers where they are needed most.
More than 31,000 transactions completed during trial
GDRFA Dubai said 31,373 transactions were completed during the pilot period from May through August 31, 2026.
The initial trial began at Dubai International Airport’s Terminal 3 in October 2025 before being expanded to all Dubai airport terminals during the second phase in May 2026.
Not a replacement for smart gates
Despite comparisons with automated e-gates, Click & Travel is designed to complement Dubai’s existing smart-gate and biometric systems rather than replace them.
Authorities can deploy the mobile service when passenger volumes rise or additional immigration capacity is required. The system can also help prioritise families, children and People of Determination.
For departures, the service is available to UAE citizens, residents and visitors. For arrivals, the initial phase covers UAE citizens and residents, with authorities planning to expand eligibility according to operational requirements.
Dubai’s latest initiative reflects its wider push towards biometric technology and digital services aimed at reducing queues and improving the passenger experience.
With Click & Travel, Dubai is effectively turning the traditional immigration counter into a mobile service — allowing border-control officers to move to passengers rather than requiring passengers to move to fixed checkpoints.
Stay ahead of the Stories shaping our world. Subscribe to Impact Newswire and join our
WhatsApp Channel for updates on global tech, business, and innovation—all in one place.
Dive deeper into the future with the Cause Effect 4.0 Podcast, where we explore the ideas, trends, and technologies driving the global AI conversation.
Got a story to share? Contact Us to reach a global audience with Impact Newswire.
Mohd Hassan has extensive experience in news gathering, editing, and writing for the newswire industry, Contact – Info@impactnews-wire.com
Discover more from Impact Newswire
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
