By Dwayne Ferreira.
Dubai’s new mobile passport control lets officers process travellers anywhere in airport terminals using biometrics in just 12 to 15 seconds.
DUBAI – Dubai mobile passport control has entered a new era with the launch of what authorities describe as the world’s first mobile passport control service.
The technology allows immigration officers to complete passenger entry and departure procedures anywhere inside airport terminals in just 12 to 15 seconds.
Called “Click & Travel,” the service was officially launched by the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs Dubai, or GDRFA Dubai.
Officials say the system will make airport immigration faster and more flexible. It also reduces dependence on traditional fixed passport-control counters.
Instead of requiring passengers to approach an immigration desk, officers carry secure mobile devices directly to travellers. They can then complete the required checks at the passenger’s location inside the terminal.
The system connects directly to GDRFA Dubai databases. It also uses biometric verification technology to confirm passenger identities and process immigration transactions.
Authorities say the entire procedure takes approximately 12 to 15 seconds.
Dubai mobile passport control comes directly to travellers
Click & Travel represents a significant change to the traditional airport immigration process.
During busy travel periods, emergencies or other operational pressure, officers can move around airport terminals and process passengers without relying entirely on fixed counters.
GDRFA Dubai says the system gives airport teams greater flexibility. Officers can manage queues more efficiently and deploy staff where passenger demand is highest.
They can also respond more quickly when traveller volumes suddenly increase.
The mobile devices provide secure access to official passenger information and immigration databases. At the same time, biometric technology helps officers verify travellers’ identities.
Separate reports on the launch said the technology includes facial recognition and electronic passport-reading capabilities.
After completing immigration formalities, departing travellers can continue towards security screening. Arriving passengers can move to the next stage of their arrival process.
More than 31,000 transactions completed during trials
Although officials formally launched Click & Travel on September 7, the technology had already undergone extensive testing.
GDRFA Dubai said the system processed 31,373 transactions during pilot operations between May and August 31, 2026.
Officials said those results showed that the Dubai mobile passport control service could operate effectively within the emirate’s high-volume airport environment.
Trials reportedly began earlier at Dubai International Airport’s Terminal 3. Authorities later expanded testing to different terminals and traveller categories during 2026.
Who can use Click & Travel?
For passengers departing Dubai, the service is available to UAE citizens, residents and visitors.
For arriving passengers, the initial phase currently covers UAE citizens and residents. Authorities plan further expansion according to operational requirements.
The service could also help families, children and People of Determination. Officers can bring immigration processing directly to passengers who may need additional assistance.
Dubai advances its seamless airport strategy
Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director-General of Identity and Foreigners Affairs Dubai, said the initiative goes beyond improving existing procedures.
Instead, he said Dubai aims to redesign the passenger experience through advanced technology while creating a faster and more efficient journey.
Major General Talal Ahmed Al Shanqiti, Assistant Director-General for Air Ports at GDRFA Dubai, said taking passport services directly to travellers could reduce waiting points.
He said the approach would also improve passenger movement while maintaining security.
Meanwhile, GDRFA Dubai is studying whether it can eventually provide additional airport and immigration-related services through mobile devices.
The Dubai mobile passport control initiative therefore forms part of the emirate’s wider move towards smart airport operations and increasingly seamless passenger processing.
