Smart Gates Explained
Smart Gates are a sophisticated automated passport control system at Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC). These
gates utilize facial recognition and biometric verification, designed to identify travelers quickly and securely. This system streamlines immigration, removing the need for manual passport checks for eligible users. Registered passengers simply approach the gate, look into the camera, and, after verification, proceed in moments. This process makes arrival and departure faster, contactless, and efficient.
Who Can Use?
According to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA-Dubai), several passenger categories are permitted to use Smart Gates, contingent upon registration. Eligible users include UAE citizens, UAE residents, and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) citizens. Additionally, visa-on-arrival guests holding biometric passports are also eligible, provided they've completed registration. Pre-issued visa holders can also benefit from this streamlined process, which facilitates rapid immigration clearance and enhances overall airport efficiency.
Who's Not Eligible?
While Smart Gates offer convenience, certain categories of travelers are not eligible. Guests under 1.2 meters in height cannot use these gates due to height restrictions. Also, guests with large strollers and families with children are typically directed to alternative immigration counters. Furthermore, travelers with Schengen Union visas are not currently eligible to use the Smart Gates. These limitations are in place to ensure the smooth operation of the system and to cater to specific logistical needs during immigration processing.
Checking Eligibility
Information on how to check if you are registered for Smart Gates is not explicitly provided in the source material. However, it is implied that registration is a prerequisite for using the Smart Gates, suggesting that there is a process or system in place to verify and confirm registration status. Travelers are advised to ensure they meet the eligibility criteria mentioned in the previous sections before attempting to use the Smart Gates, which can save time and streamline their travel experience at Dubai airports.
How to Use Smart Gates
The process for using the Smart Gates at DXB and DWC airports is designed to be straightforward. Once a traveler is registered and eligible, the process is streamlined. Users simply approach the gate, which utilizes facial recognition and biometric technology. The system scans the passenger's face and verifies their identity. If the verification is successful, the gate opens, and the traveler can proceed through immigration within seconds. This contactless system significantly speeds up the arrival and departure process, offering a convenient alternative to traditional passport control.
