The UAE's extended summer holiday is coming to a close, and airports throughout the nation are getting ready to receive numerous residents returning from their vacations. As a result, airports are anticipated to experience higher activity levels than usual. Specifically, Dubai International (DXB), recognized as the world's largest airport, is prepared to greet an impressive 3.3 million passengers within the upcoming 13-day period.
In a guidance notice released on Wednesday, the entity managing the airport conveyed that individuals journeying with their families have the option for passengers aged 12 and above to utilize smart gates, which will expedite the passport control procedure. For travelers falling within the age bracket of 4 to 12 years, specialized passport control counters are available, allowing them to autonomously stamp their own passports.
Travelers who opt to utilize smart gates can swiftly complete immigration procedures within a matter of seconds. As of June, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) reported that a noteworthy 9 million passengers chose the efficient route by employing these gates during the initial half of the current year. This impressive figure accounts for approximately 36 percent of the total 26 million passengers who transited through DXB during the same period.
Dubai International Airport boasts a substantial fleet of 120 smart gates. For those who have completed the registration process, these gates offer a seamless passage where travelers can simply gaze at the green light, eliminating the requirement to physically scan any documents. This green light is strategically positioned atop the cameras responsible for scanning the smart gates. This innovative approach streamlines the immigration process for passengers.
Who can use them?
The GDRFA website states that UAE and GCC citizens, residents, those eligible for visa on arrival, and travelers with pre-issued visas can use the smart gates. However, registration and a height above 1.2 meters are necessary.
How to check eligibility
As stated by Dubai Airports, all recent DXB arrivals are likely to have been automatically registered upon entering the immigration touchpoint.
A new feature on the GDRFA website allows passengers to verify their eligibility for using the smart gates. Here's how to do it:
- Visit the GDRFA website.
- Enter your Emirates ID or passport number.
- Input your date of birth and gender.
- You will receive one of two messages: "Record is registered. You can use smart gates" in green, or "Record is not registered. You need to be registered to use smart gates while traveling" in red.
News Source: Khaleej Times
