On Monday, September 7, 2026, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs–Dubai officially launched Click and Travel, a mobile immigration service designed to expedite passenger processing at Dubai International Airport and other terminals. The system enables passport-control officers to use handheld devices to complete entry or departure formalities directly with passengers, reducing transaction times to approximately 12 to 15 seconds. The service is intended to alleviate operational pressure and shorten queues during peak travel periods.
- Mobile service cuts processing time to 12-15 seconds
- India is the largest market with 2.5 million passengers in Q1 2026
- System uses facial recognition and biometrics
India remains the largest market for Dubai International Airport, with
2.5 million passengers traveling between India and the airport between January and March 2026, according to Q1 2026 data. Mumbai is also identified as one of the busiest city routes. The new mobile service is expected to benefit
Indian expatriates, families, children, and People of Determination.
Click and Travel utilizes
facial recognition, biometric verification, electronic passport reading, automated pre-screening, and instant connectivity to secure government databases. It does not replace existing Smart Gates or traditional counters but serves as an additional operational layer. On the departure side, the service is available to all passenger categories, including UAE residents, visitors, and eligible travelers. On the arrival side, the current phase is limited to
UAE citizens and residents; tourists and those on visit visas must continue using standard immigration channels until the service is expanded in future phases. The system underwent successful testing beginning in October 2025 at Terminal 3, with an initial focus on families. Between May 2026 and August 31, 2026, the trial expanded across terminals, completing
31,373 passenger transactions.
GDRFA officials clarified that the 12 to 15 second timeframe applies strictly to the immigration transaction, not the entire airport journey. Travelers are advised to continue following
standard airline reporting times and baggage rules. Furthermore, the service does not eliminate the need for valid passports and visas;
physical passports must be carried, and manual checks may be required if biometric identification fails.
