The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai has officially launched the “Click and Travel” service, designed to streamline the passport control process at Dubai airports. This innovative service allows immigration officers to handle passenger entry and exit transactions using mobile devices, significantly enhancing the efficiency and speed of the airport experience through advanced technologies such as facial recognition and automated passport scanning.
Revolutionising Passenger Processing
As stated by Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, during a press conference yesterday, the implementation of “Click and Travel” represents a significant transformation in how passport services are delivered, leveraging modern technologies and biometric data. This initiative ensures passengers enjoy a faster, smoother, and safer journey through the airport.
The innovative service allows for the completion of passenger processing in just 12 to 15 seconds. In a pilot phase, over 31,373 travellers benefited from the service, which has now been expanded across Dubai airports to accommodate all passengers.
A User-Centric Approach
Al Marri emphasised that enhancing passenger services goes beyond merely increasing the number of service points. The focus is on redesigning the entire travel experience, gradually eliminating traditional procedures and evolving passport services into a smart system that assists travellers in the right place and at the right time.
Brigadier General Talal Ahmed Al Shanqeeti, Assistant Director General for Air Ports Affairs at the General Directorate, described “Click and Travel” as a groundbreaking initiative that enables immigration officers to process passenger arrivals and departures with hand-held devices rather than being tethered to traditional counters. This mobile solution leverages biometric data recognition, electronic passport reading, and real-time access to information linked to official databases, enabling transactions to be completed within a matter of seconds.
Enhancing Flexibility and Efficiency
More than 31,300 passengers benefitted from the pilot phase, which began in October 2025. This service is especially advantageous during busy periods or for individuals requiring greater mobility, such as persons of determination, families with children, or larger groups. The mobility of the immigration officer allows them to assist passengers directly where they are located within the airport.
Al Shanqeeti explained that this service does not replace traditional counters or gates but serves to enhance operational fluidity, particularly during peak hours or when additional officer intervention is deemed necessary. The service operates around the clock, with staff available across various shifts for immediate deployment when required.
Creating a Seamless Experience
The core concept behind “Click and Travel” is to transfer the full counter experience to a portable device, allowing staff to execute procedures previously conducted behind a desk whilst engaging directly with passengers. This approach not only addresses congestion more effectively but also eliminates the need for travellers to wait in line, thus fulfilling their needs in a more timely fashion.
Furthermore, Al Marri highlighted that the Dubai Residency is committed to “redesigning and engineering” its services to align with global trends, thereby enhancing its ability to provide the best travel experience for UAE citizens, residents, and visitors alike.
A Model for Future Innovations
Colonel Khaled Bin Mudejah Al Falasi, Assistant Director General for Digital Services at Dubai Residency, remarked on the service as a prime example of integrating digital solutions with field operations. He stated that the true value of “Click and Travel” lies not only in the mobile device itself but also in the comprehensive digital ecosystem that enables immigration officers to access and verify passenger data with efficiency and speed. This service is designed for ongoing development, allowing for future expansion of services available via portable devices, reinforcing Dubai Residency’s commitment to more agile and proactive digital solutions.