Dubai International Airport officially launched the Click and Travel mobile immigration service on September 7, 2026. The system enables passport officers carrying handheld devices to complete entry or departure formalities for passengers within approximately 12 to 15 seconds. Click and Travel integrates biometric fingerprint scanning, facial recognition, and electronic passport reading alongside automated pre-screening and immediate access to passenger records over secure networks.
Pilot Phase and Official Announcement
The pilot program for Click and Travel began in October 2025 at Terminal 3 of Dubai International Airport. In May 2026, the trial expanded to cover all passenger categories across all Dubai International Airport terminals. During the
pilot’s duration between October 2025 and August 2026, the service processed over 31,000 passengers. The General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai developed and deployed the technology. The official launch was announced at a press conference led by Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri and Major General Talal Ahmed Al Shanqiti.
Operational Improvements and User Access
The deployment of Click and Travel removes passport officers from fixed booths, allowing mobile processing anywhere within the airport’s arrival and departure halls. This mobility permits officers to manage passenger flows flexibly and address congestion in real time, including during peak travel periods or unexpected surges. The
service is accessible to UAE citizens, residents, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nationals, and visitors, encompassing all passenger categories at Dubai International Airport.
Context Within Dubai Airport’s Growth and Technology Strategy
Dubai International Airport’s adoption of Click and Travel aligns with its objective to accommodate over 100 million annual passengers within the next 18 months. Incorporating smart technology into government and airport operations, this mobile immigration service supports faster passenger processing as part of Dubai’s broader smart city initiatives. The system addresses prior issues with long immigration queues by decreasing waiting times and allowing travelers to spend less time in line.
