What To Know
- An e-passport combines a traditional passport booklet with an embedded RFID chip and antenna placed in the back cover.
- The rollout by the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate in Dubai began in October 2025, introducing third-generation e-passports equipped with embedded RFID chips that securely store biometric data, including fingerprints and facial images.
- For Indian expats in the UAE, the new chip-enabled e-passport represents a practical upgrade rather than just a design change.
Indian expats in the UAE are increasingly upgrading to India’s new chip-enabled e-passports, marking a significant shift in travel documentation. The rollout by the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate in Dubai began in October 2025, introducing third-generation e-passports equipped with embedded RFID chips that securely store biometric data, including fingerprints and facial images.
The move aligns with India’s broader push toward secure, digital and globally compatible travel documents. For UAE-based travellers, the upgrade promises faster immigration clearance, stronger identity protection and smoother international journeys.
What Is an E-Passport?
An e-passport combines a traditional passport booklet with an embedded RFID chip and antenna placed in the back cover. The chip securely stores digital copies of personal particulars and biometric information, protected through Public Key Infrastructure (PKI). Immigration authorities worldwide can verify this data through authorised systems.
The rollout in the UAE began under Passport Seva Programme (PSP) 2.0 in April 2024, reinforcing India’s shift toward secure, digital travel documentation.
To identify an e-passport, look for a small gold-coloured symbol on the front cover, indicating the presence of the embedded chip.
Why UAE-Based Indians Are Switching
Enhanced Security
The embedded chip uses advanced encryption protocols to prevent tampering, forgery and identity theft. Biometric verification ensures the passport belongs to the rightful holder, providing additional peace of mind.
Faster Immigration Clearance
Indian e-passports are compatible with SmartGate and automated e-gates at major airports. This reduces average waiting times from around 25 minutes to under five.
Frequent travellers — including professionals on regional rotations, business executives and families — benefit most from the time savings.
In India, airports such as Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru offer automated e-gates that significantly reduce arrival queue times. Countries including the UAE, Singapore and Australia accept Indian e-passports at automated lanes, allowing smoother immigration processes.
Global Compatibility and Future Readiness
The e-passport complies with ICAO standards and is recognised at automated border control systems globally. It also prepares travellers for digital visa initiatives such as the UK ETA and EU ETIAS.
For UAE-based expats who travel regularly for work, study or leisure, this future-proofing adds long-term value.
How to Apply for an E-Passport in the UAE
From October 28, 2025, all passport applications are processed as e-passports through the Global Passport Seva Portal 2.0 (GPSP 2.0).
Application Steps:
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Register at: https://mportal.passportindia.gov.in/gpsp
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Log in with your credentials.
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Select application type: Fresh or Re-issue.
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Upload ICAO-compliant photographs and supporting documents.
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Schedule an appointment at BLS International centres in Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
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Submit the printed application along with original documents.
Important Notes:
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Renewals with no changes: Enter your old passport number; the system auto-fills details, allowing completion in under two minutes.
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New passports (such as for babies born in the UAE): All details must be filled manually.
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Alternative submission: Applications can also be submitted through typing centres, community organisations or HR departments.
What Happens to Traditional Passports?
Existing passports remain valid until their expiry date. Switching to an e-passport is optional but strongly recommended for frequent travellers.
Passport fees remain unchanged, and minor corrections can now be made at BLS centres without additional charges.
Why Are There Three Passport Designs?
Indian expat households may currently hold three passport versions:
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Pre-2021 design
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2021 redesign
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New e-passport
The e-passport retains the 2021 layout but includes the gold-coloured chip symbol.
There is also a numbering difference:
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E-passports use two letters + six digits
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Older versions use one letter + seven digits
How Are Biometrics Collected?
UAE missions do not currently collect separate biometric data. Some information is captured from ICAO-compliant photographs submitted during the application process.
Key Benefits for UAE-Based Expats
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Stronger protection against forgery and fraud
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Faster clearance at airports and land borders
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Reduced waiting time at BLS centres due to online submission
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Compatibility with automated border control systems
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Preparedness for future digital visa programmes
The Bottom Line
For Indian expats in the UAE, the new chip-enabled e-passport represents a practical upgrade rather than just a design change. It enhances security, reduces waiting times and ensures compatibility with evolving global immigration systems.
Travellers with passports expiring within 18 months are advised to renew early and opt for an e-passport to stay ready for automated border systems worldwide.
As international travel continues to digitalise, the shift to e-passports positions UAE-based Indian residents for safer, faster and more seamless journeys in 2026 and beyond.
Cover Image: AI-Generated for Illustration Purposes
