When did Click and Travel launch at Dubai airport?
The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai (GDRFA Dubai) officially launched its “Click and Travel” service on 7 September 2026 at a press conference at Dubai International Airport. Passport officers use mobile devices that combine biometric fingerprinting, facial recognition and electronic passport reading with secure pre-screening, so they can process entry and departure in 12 to 15 seconds without a fixed counter.
How was it rolled out?
| When | Stage |
|---|---|
| October 2025 | Pilot starts at Terminal 3, first for family groups |
| May 2026 | Expanded to all passenger categories |
| May to August 2026 | Pilot phase processes more than 31,000 passengers |
| September 2026 | Official launch |
Who can use it?
GDRFA describes the service as available to UAE citizens, residents, GCC nationals and visitors. Some travel guides report that on arrival it currently covers citizens and residents, with tourist visa holders to be added, and that departures are open to all three groups. There is no application and no fee. Officers approach passengers during peak periods, so you cannot book it. For how it compares with Smart Gates and the Red Carpet corridor, see who can use each option, and for what you will notice on the floor, see what to expect as a passenger.
