Dubai airport's new 'Click & Travel' service completes immigration in 15 seconds: Who can use it?

Dubai has introduced a new mobile immigration service that allows passport control officers to reach passengers inside the airport terminal instead of requiring them to visit a fixed immigration counter.

Called 'Click & Travel', the service has been launched by the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs, Dubai, or GDRFA Dubai, to speed up immigration procedures during periods of heavy passenger movement, operational pressure and emergencies.

How 'Click & Travel' works

Under the new system, immigration officers carry mobile devices linked to GDRFA Dubai's systems and databases. They can access the necessary passenger information and carry out immigration procedures at the passenger's location within the terminal.

The process also includes biometric verification to confirm the passenger's identity. GDRFA Dubai said the identity check and completion of the transaction can take around 12 to 15 seconds.

The service is intended to give airport teams greater flexibility, particularly when passenger traffic rises sharply or a quick response is required.

Who can use the service?

Access to 'Click & Travel' currently differs for arriving and departing passengers.

For departures, the mobile immigration service is available to all passengers, including UAE citizens, UAE residents and visitors.

For arrivals, the first phase covers UAE citizens and UAE residents. GDRFA Dubai said the service will be expanded according to approved plans and as and when operational requirements arise.

Service already handles thousands of transactions

'Click & Travel' started its pilot operations in May 2026. By August 31, around 31,373 transactions had been completed using the service.

The figures indicate that the system is already being used within Dubai's airport environment as GDRFA Dubai works towards developing the service further.

Explaining the idea behind the initiative, Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of Identity and Foreigners Affairs, Dubai, said: "Usually, the passenger goes to the immigration service. With "Click & Travel," the immigration service can go to the passenger."

He said the initiative represents a shift from simply improving procedures to redesigning the passenger experience.

GDRFA Dubai is also examining how the service could be developed further, including the possibility of handling more types of procedures through mobile devices.