Travellers passing through Dubai’s airports can now complete passport-control procedures without visiting a traditional immigration counter following the official launch of a new mobile service.
The “Click and Travel” service allows passport officers to process passengers using handheld devices equipped with biometric verification, facial recognition and electronic passport-reading technology. The system also carries out automated checks and connects securely to official databases.
Each transaction takes about 12 to 15 seconds, according to Dubai Airports, with the technology designed to reduce waiting times and improve the movement of passengers through terminals.
The service is available to UAE nationals, residents, GCC nationals and international visitors. It can be used for both arrival and departure procedures.
Saeed Ahmed Saeed, Deputy Assistant Director of Air Ports Services at Dubai Airports, said the initiative changes passport control from a fixed service to a mobile one that can be brought directly to passengers.
He said passengers would no longer need to approach a fixed counter in every situation, as officers can use the handheld devices wherever the procedure is required.
The devices can verify a passenger through biometric information or read an electronic passport before officers complete the necessary arrival or departure formalities. Officers can also access passenger information instantly through a secure network.
The mobile system could give Dubai’s airports greater flexibility in how passenger-processing areas are designed, reducing the need for fixed immigration counters in certain locations.
The service can also support children and People of Determination who may have difficulty approaching conventional passport-control facilities. Officers can take the device directly to the passenger and complete the required checks.
After passport control has been completed, departing passengers can continue to security screening, while arriving travellers can proceed towards customs.
More than 31,000 passengers processed
During its trial period, Click and Travel processed 31,373 passengers. Each transaction took between 12 and 15 seconds, according to the authorities.
The system combines facial recognition, electronic passport reading, automated pre-checks and secure access to passenger information. The technology allows officers to remain mobile while completing passport procedures across airport terminals.
The first trial began in October 2025 at Terminal 3 of Dubai International Airport, initially focusing on families.
In May 2026, the second phase expanded the trial across all Dubai airport terminals and included a wider range of passenger categories.
Following the successful trial, the service was officially launched on September 7, 2026.
The initiative is part of Dubai’s broader effort to modernise government services and simplify procedures for travellers. It was developed with Dubai Airports, Emirates and other organisations involved in passenger processing.
Officials said moving passport control from fixed counters to handheld devices is expected to create a faster and more flexible experience for passengers travelling through Dubai’s airports.
