AVIATIONClick and Travel: What to Expect When an Officer Clears You With a Handheld Device

What happens if an officer approaches you with a handheld device?

During busy periods, GDRFA Dubai officers at Dubai airports may walk the queue with mobile handheld devices and clear passengers where they stand. The check uses biometrics, facial recognition and electronic passport reading, and each transaction takes about 12 to 15 seconds, so you do not need to reach a fixed desk. See the launch and rollout details for the dates.

How do you use it?

1. Keep your passport in hand and your boarding pass or entry details ready.
2. Let the officer scan your passport and face. Remove sunglasses or anything covering your face if asked.
3. Move on once cleared. There is nothing to apply for, register or pay.

Who is prioritised?

GDRFA has not named formal priority groups. Children and people of determination can benefit in particular, because an officer can bring the device to them instead of making them walk to a counter, and the system was first piloted with family groups at Terminal 3 in October 2025. The service runs only during peak periods, so you cannot request it. If you would rather use an automated lane, see Smart Gates, Red Carpet and Click and Travel compared.