Emirates ID airport tips every UAE traveller should know

Dubai: Efficiency is vital at airports – it keeps processes organised and running smoothly so travellers can board their flights on time, or exit the airport as quickly as possible, after they arrive. If you’re a frequent flyer who often travels through Dubai’s airports, you should know there’s a card in your wallet that can help you breeze past long queues and complete immigration procedures swiftly – your Emirates ID. How do I use my Emirates ID for travel? The Emirates ID is perhaps the most versatile card you own right now – it functions as an identity card and health insurance card , opens doors to discounts around the UAE , and gives you access to banking, legal processes, and more. When it comes to travel, the Emirates ID acts as a powerful key that unlocks seamless access through e-gates and smart gates at airports around the UAE. The card is equipped with advanced safety features, including an embedded chip and your biometric data, which allows for smooth and secure identity verification. Whether you’re travelling for business of leisure, make the most of your Emirates ID at the airport, to reduce stress and delays. We list two ways both UAE citizens and residents can take advantage of their Emirates ID, while travelling: 1. Use the Emirates ID as a travel document According to the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), UAE citizens can travel to any Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nation – Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Bahrain – using only their Emirates ID. For these destinations, they are not required to carry their physical passport. This convenient option reduces the need to carry multiple documents, and speeds up travel procedures. Moreover, according to Dubai’s Amer Centre, when a UAE citizen’s passport is under renewal or processing, their Emirates ID can still serve as proof of residency, making quick trips to other GCC countries possible. 2. Enjoy fast-tracked immigration queues Long immigration queues can be frustrating, especially for frequent travellers. The Emirates ID allows you to bypass long lines by using e-gates or smart gates at UAE airports, and completing the immigration procedures digitally, within seconds. Since April 2022, your resident visa status has been incorporated into your Emirates ID. This means both UAE citizens and residents can take advantage of e-gates, and you do not need to wait for a manual stamp from an immigration officer. No prior registration or fees are required. However, you must ensure your Emirates ID is valid and updated, before using the facility. Follow these steps, outlined by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA), to use your Emirates ID at an e-gate or smart gate at the airport: Prepare yourself for the scan : Step up to the scanner, and remove any items that obstruct your face, like glasses, caps or face masks. Keep your Emirates ID and boarding pass ready. Scan your ID : Approach the e-gate or smart gate and insert your physical Emirates ID into the card reader. Verify your biometrics : Look directly into the camera or screen in front of you. The system will scan your face or iris and match it to existing immigration records. Proceed : Once the green light switches on, you’re cleared to walk through to baggage claim or your departure gate. The immigration check is complete.