Skip Immigration Queues in UAE: Fast Track & Smart Gates Guide
Travelling to or from the UAE can be a breeze if you know how to avoid long immigration lines. Whether you’re arriving in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, you can cut your immigration time to just minutes by using UAE Fast Track or Smart Gates. This guide explains how each system works, who can use them, and how to register.
Fast Track for First-Time Visitors to Abu Dhabi
If you are flying into Zayed International Airport for the first time, the UAE Fast Track app by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) is a game-changer. By pre-registering your passport, arrival details, and biometrics, you can skip queues and use the airport’s smart gates immediately on arrival.
How to Use the ‘UAE Fast Track’ App
- Choose your entry route – Air, land, or sea.
- Select your entry point – Pick the specific port and date of arrival.
- Scan your passport – Use your phone camera to capture the passport’s photo page.
- Take a face photo – Ensure clear lighting and remove accessories.
- Scan fingerprints – Place fingers from both hands in front of your phone camera.
- Add contact details – Email, phone number, UAE address, and profession.
Smart Gates for UAE Residents
Residents can use Smart Gates at Dubai International Airport (DXB) and biometric eGates at major UAE airports, including Abu Dhabi. These automated gates speed up the process to seconds, letting you pass without manual immigration checks.
Smart Gates for Visitors to Dubai
Visitors can also benefit from Smart Gates if they are registered. To check:
- Visit gdrfad.gov.ae.
- Scroll to ‘Inquiry for Smart Gate Registration’.
- Click ‘Start Service’.
- Enter your passport number.
If you’ve travelled through DXB recently, your biometrics may already be in the system.
Who Can Use Smart Gates
- UAE nationals and GCC nationals
- UAE residents
- Visa-on-arrival travellers with biometric passports
- Visitors registered during recent DXB arrivals
Who Should Avoid Smart Gates
- People of Determination and travellers with large strollers
- Families with young children
- Passengers under 15 years old or shorter than 1.2 metres
Tips for Using Smart Gates Smoothly
- If registered, simply face the green light — no passport scan required.
- Remove hats, sunglasses, or masks before approaching.
- Keep your passport and boarding pass handy in case they’re requested.
With a few minutes of preparation before your trip, you can turn immigration from a long wait into a seamless, minutes-long process.
