Dubai Airports Introduce 'Click and Travel' Biometric Service to Speed Up Passport Checks

Dubai authorities are leveraging advanced technology to significantly reduce queues and streamline the travel experience at the emirate's airports. The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai announced on Monday the official launch of 'Click and Travel', a new service designed to ensure seamless passport checks for passengers at Dubai airports.

The innovative service utilizes a portable device equipped with cutting-edge facial and iris biometric recognition technology. This allows immigration officers to verify a traveller's identity within seconds. Connected directly to GDRFA’s smart platform and official database, the device facilitates efficient spot checks, removing the need for passengers to stand in traditional counter queues.

Functioning as a valuable backup for existing smart gates and the Red Carpet tunnel at Dubai International Airport (DXB), the 'Click and Travel' system can be rapidly deployed during peak passenger volumes. Major General Talal Al Shanqiti, assistant director general for airport at GDRFA Dubai, highlighted that the priority during busy periods will be given to families, children, and people of determination.

While outbound passengers can use the service universally, inbound usage is currently restricted to Emiratis and UAE residents, though plans are underway to extend access to visitor visa holders in the future. Following a successful pilot phase launched in October last year—which saw over 31,000 passengers utilize the system—'Click and Travel' officially commenced operations at DXB on Monday.