Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Central have officially launched Click And Travel, a new mobile immigration service introduced by the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs Dubai. Announced on September 9, 2026, the service allows immigration officers to use handheld devices to complete entry or departure formalities directly at a passenger's location. According to the GDRFA, each transaction can be processed in approximately 12 to 15 seconds. This system is designed to alleviate congestion during peak travel periods, operational pressure, and emergency situations. While the 12 to 15 second timeframe refers specifically to the mobile immigration transaction, it remains independent of check-in, security, baggage, and boarding procedures.
- New mobile immigration service named Click And Travel launched by GDRFA Dubai
- Transactions processed in 12 to 15 seconds using handheld devices
- System designed to reduce airport congestion and operational pressure
The service is currently broadly available on the departure side for all passenger categories, including UAE citizens, residents, and visitors, meaning Indian tourists or visit-visa holders departing for India may be eligible for mobile processing. However, on the arrival side, the initial rollout is limited to UAE citizens and residents, with visitors to be included in subsequent phases. India remains the top country market for Dubai Airports. Data from Q1 2026 shows that out of 18.6 million total passengers handled by Dubai International Airport, approximately 2.5 million guests were on India-linked routes, with Mumbai ranking among the busiest city destinations. In 2025, traffic between India and Dubai reached 11.9 million guests.
From May 2026 to August 31, 2026, the system underwent a pilot program involving 31,373 immigration transactions, initially tested at Terminal 3 with family passengers.
The service, which officially launched on September 7, 2026, utilizes secure mobile devices linked to GDRFA databases, enabling biometric checks and facial recognition. The GDRFA emphasized that this is an additional mobile layer and not a replacement for fixed counters or Smart Gates. Passengers must still carry valid travel documents, as mobile processing does not exempt travelers from airline requirements or existing immigration laws. Travelers are advised to follow airport signage and staff instructions, while continuing to adhere to standard check-in and security deadlines.
