Passengers use biometric tunnel for passport control at Dubai Airport

Passengers process in 15 seconds with facial recognition

Dubai International Airport has started using facial recognition at passport control.

Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) has launched the pilot phase of the Smart Tunnel at Dubai Airports’ Terminal 3 to enable passengers to finish passport control procedures in 15 seconds.

All passengers have to do is simply walk through the biometric recognition system without having to stamp their passports.

Passengers first have to register their facial biometrics at a kiosk.

The tunnel uses facial recognition technology and the passenger can finish entry procedure within 15 seconds without the need for human intervention.

Major-General Mohammad Ahmad Al Merri, Director of GDRFA:

“It is the first of its kind in the world as with simple steps. The traveller can finish his departure procedure without the need to use any travel documents such as passport, ID cards or boarding cards.

“The smart tunnel was made in the UAE. We have worked with the idea for four years. The project is aimed at continuing to offer the best in airports, especially in view of the growth in passenger numbers.”

Al Merri confirmed that the project was tested before being introduced at the airport. He added that more smart projects are ahead to be implemented to enhance fast and smart travelling experience.

For now, only First and Business class passengers can use the system. Roughly 20 passengers used the new tunnel system on the first day.

The GDRFA posted a video showing the new system.

N.B. Image credit: WAM Emirates News Agency

Internet links

General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA)