We’re increasingly seeing airports and immigration officials use technology to simplify the travel process. This can of course greatly simplify everything from boarding to passport control (though I know some people take issue with the privacy implications).
Along those lines, Dubai International Airport (DXB) is rolling out a system that might just set the global standard for making passport control seamless.
Clear passport control in Dubai without stopping
The General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) has recently rolled out new technology to simplify passport control, and the plan is now to introduce this on a more widespread basis. Dubai has passport control on both arrival and departure, and while this has initially been rolled out for departures, it’s also expected to be implemented for arrivals.
This is called the “Red Carpet” smart corridor, and it’s initially available at Terminal 3, though it should be rolled out to Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 by mid-2026. The idea is that travelers can clear passport control (either on arrival or departure) without stopping, and without presenting any travel documents.
The smart corridor can process up to 10 passengers at a time, and processing times are a matter of seconds. As you’d expect, the system uses artificial intelligence to recognize passenger data, and verifies identities on the spot, comparing them to pre-registered passenger profiles.
The system also flags suspicious cases for manual review, in which case travelers may be stopped. The system doubles processing capacity, while maintaining strict security standards (at least according to authorities).
This seems like the future of passport control!
There’s simply no denying that this is a very cool technological innovation. Here in the United States we don’t have departure passport control, but I guess it’s almost the equivalent of Global Entry in the United States. You just have your picture taken, and you’re sent on your way.
I am curious about some of the logistical realities of this:
- It seems like in theory you’d be able to enter the UAE if you accidentally left your passport behind (like on the plane), since it’s not actually checked on arrival, when using these lanes?
- Presumably if you were to be stopped, it would be by the person sitting behind the desk in the above pictures, so is the data consistently processed that quickly, or are you asked to wait for a moment, while that processes?
- I wonder if this is only available for select nationalities, or does it even work for those from countries where the UAE requires a visa?
Personally I welcome these kinds of changes. I know some people express privacy concerns here, but at this point, we have no privacy. You already have biometric data in your passport, and it’s standard to be photographed or fingerprinted when entering many countries, so it’s not like the alternative offers any level of privacy.
Admittedly this wouldn’t work for all countries, including those that like to question travelers on arrival (to verify their claims about how long they plan to stay, in terms of accommodation, how much money they have access to, etc.).
Bottom line
Dubai Airport is rolling out a new “Red Carpet” passport control concept. This is initially available for Terminal 3 arrivals, but will soon be expanded to departures, and then to Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. With this, you can basically just clear passport control without stopping, as cameras verify your details, and then you can continue on your way.
What do you make of Dubai’s new AI-powered passport control?
Membership is free and takes no more information than commenting as a guest. Earn status points for good contributions, and see fewer ads as your status grows.