Dubai Unveils Click and Travel Technology to Create Faster Biometric Airport Immigration for Travellers

Written By: Ankita Sarmah

Ankita Sarmah

A passionate storyteller and aspiring journalist, Ankita Sarmah is currently pursuing a Master’s in English at DU while exploring the evolving landscape of journalism. With two years of practical experience, she has developed a strong ability to transform ideas, observations, and experiences into engaging narratives that connect with readers. Her journey combines academic knowledge with real-world reporting, allowing her to explore diverse fields such as culture, travel, and lifestyle through a creative and insightful perspective. Driven by curiosity and a passion for meaningful storytelling, Ankita strives to create fresh, authentic, and impactful content that informs, inspires, and leaves a lasting impression. For her, every story is more than words — it is an experience crafted to engage, connect, and resonate with audiences.

See Full Bio

September 7, 2026 2:34 PM

Dubai now has a faster airport immigration system called Click and Travel. Click and Travel is likely the first of its kind smart immigration technology that decreases the time to process and enter and exit a country. The Click and Travel system replaces the need for immigration officers to develop muscle memory, as the system relies on high-tech biometric and other immigration related tools. The typical 55 seconds to process each transaction is reduced to 12 to 15 seconds.

The initiative has been launched by the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai as part of Dubai’s continued efforts to develop smart airport services and improve the passenger journey. The technology aims to reduce waiting times, support better crowd management and provide greater flexibility during busy travel periods and emergency situations.

The introduction of Click and Travel marks another step in Dubai’s transformation towards a fully digital and technology-driven travel ecosystem, where passengers can experience faster and more convenient immigration procedures.

Dubai’s New Mobile Immigration System Brings Faster Airport Processing

Unlike traditional immigration procedures that depend mainly on fixed counters, the Click and Travel service allows passport officers to move through airport areas and complete passenger processing directly using mobile devices.

The system combines several advanced technologies, including biometric fingerprint verification, facial recognition, electronic passport reading and automated pre-screening tools. It also provides officers with secure and immediate access to passenger information through a protected communication network.

This combination of technologies enables immigration teams to complete passenger transactions within seconds while maintaining security standards. The faster process helps reduce congestion at immigration areas and improves the overall airport experience for travellers.

The service is especially valuable during peak travel seasons, when airports experience increased passenger volumes. By allowing officers to process passengers away from fixed counters, airport teams gain greater flexibility in managing passenger movement and responding quickly to changing conditions.

More Than Thirty One Thousand Passengers Processed During Pilot Phase

Before its official launch, Click and Travel underwent extensive testing to evaluate its effectiveness and operational performance.

During the pilot phase between May 2026 and the end of August 2026, the service successfully processed immigration procedures for 31,373 passengers. The trial period helped authorities assess the technology’s reliability and prepare for wider implementation across Dubai’s airport facilities.

The pilot programme demonstrated how mobile immigration processing could improve passenger flow by allowing officers to support travellers in different airport locations instead of relying only on traditional immigration counters.

The successful testing phase confirmed the potential of the technology to support Dubai’s high-volume aviation environment, where millions of international travellers pass through its airports every year.

Advanced Biometrics Strengthen Smart Travel Experience

Biometric technology is at the centre of the Click and Travel system. The service uses facial recognition and fingerprint technology to verify passenger identities quickly and securely.

Electronic passport reading capabilities further support the process by allowing immigration officers to access and confirm traveller information efficiently.

These technologies are designed to balance speed and security. While reducing manual procedures, the system continues to support identity verification requirements and immigration controls.

For travellers, this means shorter waiting periods, smoother movement through airport facilities and a more convenient arrival and departure experience.

Dubai has increasingly invested in smart technologies across its aviation and government services, with the aim of creating a seamless digital journey for residents, citizens and international visitors.

Service Available for Citizens, Residents and International Visitors

The Click and Travel service is available for different passenger categories, including UAE citizens, UAE residents, GCC nationals and visitors travelling through Dubai airports.

By expanding access to smart immigration services, Dubai aims to improve efficiency for both frequent travellers and international tourists visiting the emirate.

The initiative supports Dubai’s wider vision of becoming one of the world’s most advanced and connected travel hubs. Faster immigration procedures can also strengthen the city’s position as a major global aviation gateway by improving convenience for passengers arriving from international markets.

For tourists, the introduction of faster immigration processing can contribute to a more positive first impression when entering Dubai, while business travellers can benefit from reduced waiting times and smoother airport transfers.

Dubai Expands Smart Airport Vision With Wider Technology Adoption

The development of Click and Travel follows several stages of innovation and testing. The first pilot phase began in October 2025 at Terminal 3 of Dubai International Airport, allowing authorities to evaluate the system in a live airport environment.

In May 2026, the second pilot phase expanded the service across Dubai airport terminals and made it available for all passenger categories.

Following the completion of these stages, the service officially moved into operation in September 2026.

The launch reflects Dubai’s continued focus on using artificial intelligence, biometrics and digital solutions to improve public services and strengthen airport operations.

As international travel demand continues to grow, technologies like Click and Travel are expected to play an important role in helping airports manage increasing passenger numbers while maintaining fast, secure and efficient immigration procedures.

Dubai has developed Click and Travel, an intelligent service that uses biometric immigration to ease both entry into and exit from the airport. The service processes passengers much faster through their mobile devices, meaning much quicker service and shorter queues.

Dubai’s latest innovation highlights how smart technology is reshaping the future of air travel, creating a faster and more seamless experience for travellers from around the world.