jvr20

anyone ever used it? any good?

I'm thinking of booking the standard service for my old man when he comes through next week. Not that he has a problem with walking or anything, but just for the time saving at the passport queue.

Only I can't remember how long the queues generally are at 7-9 a.m. on a Friday...

also what actually is the 'standard' service? They don't meet you at the gate, I know, but I can't picture where they would meet you... is it downstairs just before you come up the stairs to passports?

W10

They meet you before the escalators to go to passport control, other than that. I've no idea.

But you're only saving yourself 15 mins. Is it worth it? Especially as you have to wait for your bags too.

jvr20

true. that's why I'm dithering... on balance I probably won't bother.

W10

I have e-gate card and when I've been on a long trip (as in I have luggage) I make it out of the airport at the same time as people who have been waiting in the queue.

ScotsExpat

I have heard a few people mention e-card. What is it and how do you go about getting one??

Eeyore

It's a smart-card-and-thumbprint system that's linked to you passport and residence permit and allows you to go through a special electronic barrier rather than queue up at an immigration desk when entering or leaving the country.

You can get one at the DNATA building on SZR, at the airport itself, and probably other places.

lionheart

We got the marhaba treatment on our first arrival and wizzed through immigration. We were well impressed. Since then I have always used an e-card and found the procedure even better. My advice is go for the marhaba this once.

ScotsExpat

Thanks Eeyore.... The DNATA building is just down the road from me so Ill probably drop in next time I am heading into town..

Madam Medusa

yeah, i agree...we always organise marhaba for first time visitors and they think it's great...

MM, xx

arbroath_abroad

same here, isnt it annoying

ScotsExpat

Is it the case that you just spend the time you have saved using the e-card waiting on luggage??

arbroath_abroad

yea totally...Its great if you have hand luggage only...

ScotsExpat

Well, either way, I won't get the chance before I head home this time, at work all day Sunday and then BA outta DXB 2am. Will see if I can come back with hand luggage only and, if so, might get one arranged...

arbroath_abroad

it is better to have one.. When exiting you can use it at passport control and also, if you get through immigration quicker, whilst you are waiting for your luggage you could spend the time getting booze from the D/F..


Sometimes the luggage does come though quickly

Vimto

E-Card saves your passport too, if you travel every week or more the immigration stamps soon fill up your pages and new British passports are not cheap.
On the subject of Marhaba service, especially for the first time visitor Dubai airport can be a little daunting especially if like your dad they have flown thru the night, the girls are friendly and helpful wizz their passengers thru immigration, help them with luggage and make sure they are collected by their family outside, we all remember how seeing those hundreds of people standing outside the doors at the airport was a little off putting to say the least. For the little it costs its peace of mind knowing your loved ones first impression of Dubai will be a decent one.