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Dubai E-gate card  

Thursday 18 March 2010 (UAE)   
 
   
      
 

egate card for Dubai International Airport

The Dubai e-gate card is not an entry permit or residency visa but a card you present along with your fingerprint at a scanning machine to save queing at immigration and passport control when you depart from and arrive in Dubai. Other cities in the UAE are in the process of implementing the e-gate system, and land borders are expected have an e-gate system also. Eventually. From 2006, the Dubai goverment is requiring all Dubai residents to obtain an e-gate card when they apply for new or renewal of their residence visa. The e-gate system was launched in August 2002. Dubai Airport was the first in the Middle East to implement the e-gate system, and the third airport in the world to do so.

April 2007 update - the e-gate application facility before passport control on arrival at Dubai Airport might only issue e-gate cards for people with a residency visa, at least that's what it sounded like when we asked someone there. If you're a visitor, and there's a long queue at immigration, try and get an e-gate card anyway. Rules in Dubai are often applied inconsistently. There was another story that e-gate cards would no longer be available for visitors from any of their offices but we don't think that's correct. If you've tried, please tell us your experiences in the e-gate topic in the forum. Thanks.

  • Anyone who visits the UAE (with a valid entry permit) is entitled to get one, not just expatriate residents or UAE nationals.
  • You should still carry your passport with you. If you have a problem at entry or exit, there is always a customs official there who will assist and perhaps check your passport manually. They're usually quite friendly and helpful.
  • Cost is 200 dhs (increased from AED 150 from June 2006), valid for 2 years. You must be physically present at one of the issuing offices to get one along with your passport (not expiring within the next 6 months). Bring cash. Sign outside said credit cards are accepted but they only accept cash. In one applicant's experience anyway.
  • Photos are not necessary - they'll take one there.
  • Two locations at Dubai International Airport.
    1. In the arrival terminal near Dubai Bank (or National Bank of Dubai?) just before passport control (tel +971-4-2061598) - after you take the travelator journey and go up the stairs/escalator.
    2. Near the food court upstairs in the departure terminal (tel +971-4-2061597).
  • Opening hours approximately 1000 to 2000 according to the e-gate website, but the e-gate office told us they are open 24 hours. Above tel nos from DNRD website may not work. Try +971-4-2245555 or direct +971-4-2161597.
  • Another office at the DNATA holiday center (tel +971-4-3166966) on Sheikh Zayed Road opening hours 1000-1800 Sat-Thu.
  • If changing from resident to visit visa status, you need a new card for which there is no fee but it's renewed until until original expiry date.
  • If changing from visit visa to resident status, you will need a new card and you have to pay the 200 dh fee. Validity is until original expiry date.
  • If you are on a visit visa status you can use the card repeatedly at Dubai airport but after a land border crossing, you'll have to go to the e-gate office to update your card afterwards since your file number changes. This may change if the e-gate system is implemented at land borders. There is no fee for the update.

Tip 1: if your e-gate card has expired, try the e-gate anyway. It might work, and even if it doesn't, the immigration official at the gate might let you through, saving a long wait in the immigration queues. Be polite, s/he will be perfectly entitled to tell you to go through the cattle gate.

Tip 2: If you're travelling with someone who doesn't have an e-gate card, take them with you anyway. The passport controller at the gate might let them through after checking their passport. This is more likely to work if your companion is husband or wife (or boyfriend/girlfriend - but say husband/wife if asked), and they're from one of the get a visa on arrival countries. It's not going to work if you're travelling with a stag party or football team and you're the only one with an e-gate card - it's more likely to prompt the opening of a box of rubber gloves.

E-gate card in other emirates - Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah
  • According to a Khaleej Times report 12 June 2006, the egate cards can be used at all UAE airports (apparently not correct as of February 2010). Lieutenant Colonel Khalid Lootah, Assistant Director of DNRD for Information Technology and Quality Affairs, was reported as saying: "The UAE gate cards issued by any naturalisation department in any emirate can be utilised by passengers at any of the international airports in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah, Al Ain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah,"
  • The Dubai Government information website, www.dubai.ae, says "The eGate Card, issued by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs - Dubai (DNRD), in association with the Department of Civil Aviation, allows passengers quicker access through the immigration process at Dubai Airport, Abu Dhabi Airport and Al Ain Airport. More UAE airports will be added later." which indicates Fujairah (FUJ), Ras Al Khaimah (RKT), and Sharjah (SHJ) airports are not included in the list of UAE egate airports (last checked February 2010).
  • No egate information found on Sharjah Airport website (www.shj-airport.gov.ae) indicating egate cannot be used or applied for in Sharjah (last checked February 2010).
Last update Sunday 07-Feb-2010
  • Dubai e-gate card discussion - ask questions about the egate, complain, comment, correct, this page...
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