If you are traveling to and from the UAE by car, you can now expedite your immigration process through the newly introduced ‘Smart Land Borders Crossing’ by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP).
The ICP unveiled its innovative smart gate system for UAE borders at Gitex 2023, a technology fair taking place at Dubai World Trade Centre from Monday, October 16 to Friday, October 20.
This groundbreaking project has been successfully implemented at Al Ghuwaifat Port in Abu Dhabi. If your details are registered in the immigration system, you will have the convenience of passing through without the need to exit your vehicle.
This cutting-edge initiative aims to enhance the efficiency and convenience of border crossings for travelers in the UAE. By utilizing advanced technology, the ‘Smart Land Borders Crossing’ streamlines the immigration process, saving valuable time and effort for both residents and visitors.
With this new system in place, travelers can experience a seamless and hassle-free journey, eliminating the need for manual document checks and physical interaction with immigration officers. By simply having your information registered in the immigration system, you can enjoy a swift and efficient passage through the border.
The introduction of the ‘Smart Land Borders Crossing’ at Al Ghuwaifat Port marks a significant milestone in the UAE’s commitment to embracing technological advancements to enhance its services and infrastructure. This initiative showcases the country’s dedication to providing a world-class travel experience for all those entering or leaving the UAE by car.
As the ICP continues to innovate and implement cutting-edge solutions, travelers can look forward to further improvements in the immigration process, ensuring a seamless and efficient journey for all.
What is the ‘Smart Land Border Crossing’?
If your vehicle is registered under your name and the Integrated Customs System (ICP) has your Emirates ID and passport on record, you are eligible to utilize the fast-track lane for immigration at the Al Ghuwaifat border.
Upon arrival at the border, you will be directed to the ‘smart passport’ lane for immigration clearance. Here, your license plate will be scanned and forwarded to the operating room for verification.
Next, a cutting-edge machine will scan either your face or iris. If your biometric data is already registered in the system, you will then be prompted to scan your Emirates ID or passport on the machine reader, which will conveniently adjust to your eye level.
If the biometric information matches the details on your travel documents, you will be recognized as a ‘verified driver’ and granted permission to proceed through the border crossing point, indicated by a green light.
This streamlined process ensures a swift and efficient experience for individuals whose vehicles are registered under their name and have their Emirates ID and passport information stored in the ICP system.
What happens if one is not registered?
Alternatively, if you are operating a vehicle registered under a different individual if the license plate is not recognized by the control room, or if you are a first-time visitor entering the border, an error may occur during the matching process.
As a result, the gates will not open for you. In such cases, you will need to make a U-turn and proceed to the standard lane where you can register your details in the system.
Once you have successfully registered, you will gain access to the convenient ‘smart passport’ lane for all future border crossings. This streamlined process will allow you to breeze through without any hassle.