DUBAI, September 7, 2026: Dubai has launched a new biometric immigration system that can process passengers in as little as 12 seconds, marking a major step toward automated border controls and faster travel at Dubai International Airport.
The new “Click and Travel” service uses facial recognition, electronic passport reading and automated security checks to verify travellers and complete immigration procedures with minimal human intervention.
More than 31,000 passengers were processed during the system’s pilot phase before its official launch on September 7.
The biometric system was tested between May and August, processing 31,373 passengers during the pilot programme.
Under the new system, travellers can have their identities verified using facial recognition technology while their electronic passports are read automatically.
The process reduces the need for passengers to complete traditional immigration procedures at a counter, potentially helping reduce queues and congestion at the airport.
Who can use Click and Travel?
According to Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), the service is being introduced across different terminals at Dubai International Airport.
The system is available to:
- UAE citizens
- UAE residents
- Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nationals
- International visitors
The technology combines biometric identification, facial recognition and automated checks to verify passengers before completing the immigration process.
Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, director general of GDRFA Dubai, announced the launch during a press briefing at Dubai International Airport.
The introduction of “Click and Travel” reflects Dubai’s wider push to use advanced technology to improve airport operations and passenger experience.
By automating identity verification and passport checks, authorities aim to make immigration procedures faster while maintaining border security.
The system could also help manage passenger flows at one of the world’s busiest international aviation hubs, particularly during peak travel periods.
The ability to complete the process in as little as 12 seconds represents a significant reduction compared with conventional immigration procedures that require passengers to stop at a staffed counter.
The pilot programme’s processing of more than 31,000 passengers provided authorities with an opportunity to test the technology before its official rollout.
Dubai’s latest biometric initiative highlights the growing use of facial recognition and automated border technology at major international airports as governments seek to improve efficiency, reduce congestion and provide a smoother travel experience.
