Dubai Airports now lets travellers check if they are eligible to use Smart Gates before arriving at DXB through the Pocket Flights platform.
- Open Pocket Flights by DXB on your smartphone.
- Select Smart Gates PreCheck.
- Scan the photo page of your passport using your phone's camera.
- Get your eligibility result within seconds.
Travellers already at DXB can also scan the QR codes displayed in the Arrivals and Departures passport control areas to access the same service, with no need to manually enter passport details.
If you're eligible, using the Smart Gates is quick and easy:
- Stand on the marked footprints.
- Remove face coverings, hats and sunglasses.
- Look at the camera and focus on the green light.
- Wait for facial recognition to verify your identity.
- Once verified, the gate opens automatically, allowing you to pass through immigration.
Travellers can also check their Smart Gate registration on the GDRFA Dubai website using their Emirates ID or passport details, though Smart Gates PreCheck is faster as it only requires a passport scan. No advance registration is needed, and many returning travellers may already be enrolled.
Smart Gates use facial recognition to clear eligible passengers through immigration in as little as 7 to 13 seconds, without needing to present a passport or boarding pass at the gate.
Eligible travellers include:
- UAE nationals
- GCC nationals
- UAE residents
- Visa-on-arrival visitors
- Schengen-area visitors
- Holders of pre-issued UAE visas
- Returning tourists with biometric passports
Dubai's Travel Without Borders – Red Carpet service lets eligible passengers clear immigration by simply walking through a dedicated lane. The AI-powered system cuts processing time to 3.4 seconds and can handle up to 10 travellers at once, with no documents or officer interaction required.
