Dubai Airport’s Red Carpet Smart Tunnel: How to pass immigration without a passport

Dubai: Imagine walking through the airport without having to reach for your passport even once. It’s possible if you walk through the Red Carpet Smart Tunnel at Dubai International Airport – and you don’t have to be a celebrity to use it. Here’s everything you need to know about how this smart service is making travel experiences easier in Dubai. What is the Red Carpet Smart Tunnel? Developed by the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA) in partnership with Dubai Airports, the Red Carpet Smart Tunnel was introduced in 2025 at Dubai International Airport’s business class departures section. It is a first-of-its-kind smart service that allows for fast, seamless and automated border processing. All you have to do is walk on the carpet. The Red Carpet enables travellers to complete entry and exit procedures and clear immigration processes without stopping, standing still, or presenting or scanning any documents. In its first year, nearly 800,000 people have used the service, according to GDRFA. On the first anniversary of its launch, the initiative won the Distinguished Innovation by Public Sector – Global Distinguished Innovator (GDI) Awards 2025, presented by the US-based Global Innovation Institute (GInI). The project supports the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, reinforcing Dubai’s vision to become the world’s best city to live in, work and visit, through excellence in digital infrastructure and AI-driven government services. Key features of the Red Carpet corridor Here’s how the Red Carpet works, and some of its cutting-edge features: The Red Carpet corridor is powered by an integrated digital ecosystem, based on artificial intelligence (AI) and biometric technology. The service eliminates all contact points, and reduces required travel documents from two to zero, creating a fully digital travel ecosystem. According to the Dubai Media Office, the Red Carpet service is one of the world’s fastest travel experiences, with a crossing time of just 3.4 seconds. It enables groups of 8 to 10 people to pass through the smart corridor simultaneously, using real-time biometric data processing. The processing time for up to 10 travellers is just 6 to 14 seconds, according to GDRFA. Where is the Red Carpet corridor, and who can use it? The Red Carpet Smart Tunnel is located in Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport, and can be used by both UAE citizens and residents. The service is open to passengers of all nationalities and ticket classes. Since its launch, the project has undergone several upgrades, including redesigned service cameras in the First and Business Class lounges at Terminal 3. The service was also introduced in the Arrivals section for UAE nationals in October 2025, and was extended to UAE residents in March 2026. The GDRFA is now studying a second phase of expansion, and plans to include these corridors within ongoing Terminal 3 development plans, in an effort to improve passenger movement and airport capacity. How the Red Carpet works Although it might seem like magic, the Red Carpet works with carefully calibrated AI technology and biometric verification systems. In order to use the Red Carpet, travellers must register once, by linking their passport information to a biometric face scan at standard airport counters or at passport control. Passengers aged 18 and above, who are flying via Emirates, can alternatively register for biometrics using the Emirates app or at a check-in desk. Once this step is completed, you can use both Smart Gates and the Red Carpet Smart Tunnel for all future journeys.