The new 'Click and Travel' service at Dubai Airport allows immigration officers to conduct passenger arrival and departure procedures by approaching the traveler directly with a mobile device, instead of requiring them to go to a fixed control point.
This system was officially launched by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA Dubai) on September 7th. The mobile platform utilizes biometric verification, facial recognition, e-passport scanning, and automated checks, enabling officers to complete immigration procedures using portable devices.
'Click and Travel' is a mobile passport control service that enables immigration staff to perform passenger arrival and departure procedures via mobile gadgets. Instead of passengers always approaching a set immigration desk, an officer can take the device directly to the traveler. The system securely integrates with official databases, providing officers with the necessary information to complete the immigration process.
Following a trial period at Dubai International Airport, the service was officially put into operation on September 7th. The process combines several technologies: depending on the passenger and the required procedure, the mobile device may apply biometric verification or scan an e-passport. Facial recognition and automated preliminary checks are also included in the system. Once the officer confirms the passenger's data, they can complete the relevant arrival or departure procedure through the device.
According to GDRFA Dubai data, one transaction takes approximately 12 to 15 seconds. During the trial period, the service processed 31,373 passengers, allowing officials to test the technology and its performance characteristics before the official launch.
The service is available to UAE citizens, UAE residents, citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, and visitors. The service applies to both arrival and departure procedures at Dubai airports.
It is important to note that the new system does not replace existing automated turnstiles; it only supplements the passport control infrastructure with a mobile option. The main difference is that officers can now conduct passport control directly at the passengers when necessary. This provides airport teams with greater flexibility in determining the location and method of processing passengers.
'Click and Travel' is another tool within Dubai's broader system of technologically equipped immigration services. Dubai International Airport already uses automated turnstiles and passport control systems. The new service adds a mobile function, allowing officers to work outside the traditional fixed control point when required.
The goal of implementation is to speed up passenger processing and increase flexibility, especially when airports face high passenger volumes or need to change passenger flow routes within the terminal. Moving the passport control function from a fixed location to a mobile device allows officers to respond more adaptively to passenger flows. Furthermore, the system can reduce the need for fixed points if mobile processing proves more suitable.
One advantage of the mobile system is the ability to bring the device to passengers who may require additional assistance. This includes children and people with special needs who might prefer not to approach a traditional immigration booth. An officer can bring the mobile device to the passenger and complete the necessary procedure on site. After completing passport control, the passenger can immediately proceed to the next stage of their journey: security screening for departing passengers, or customs for arriving passengers.
The service rollout was phased. The first trial began in October 2025 at Terminal 3 of Dubai International Airport, initially targeting families. The second phase started in May 2026, when trials were expanded to all terminals of Dubai Airport and various traveler categories. After completing this testing period, GDRFA Dubai officially launched the service on September 7, 2026.
For passengers themselves, the main change is not the need to learn a new procedure or download a new application. Instead, 'Click & Travel' transforms how immigration officers provide the service. Instead of requiring every passenger to approach a fixed post, an officer can use a secure mobile device to complete the procedure where the passenger is located. The broader goal is to reduce waiting times, improve passenger movement throughout the airport, and create a more flexible travel experience. 'Click & Travel' is part of Dubai's efforts to reimagine public services based on technology and ensure seamless procedural passage. The service was developed in collaboration with Dubai Airports, Emirates, and other stakeholders involved in passenger handling.