Travel smarter: UAE Indians can enjoy safer, faster journeys with India’s e-passports
Indian expats in the UAE are increasingly opting for chip-enabled e-passports, marking a significant shift in travel documentation. Beginning October 2025, the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate in Dubai will issue third-generation e-passports featuring embedded RFID chips that securely store biometric data, including fingerprints and facial images.
This initiative reflects India’s push toward secure, digital, and globally compatible travel documents, providing UAE-based travellers with faster immigration clearance, enhanced security, and smoother international journeys.
Whether for holidays, vacations, or business trips, travel can often be stressful with long queues and document checks. India’s e-passports simplify the process, allowing travellers to move quickly through automated border systems.
With biometric verification and global recognition, expats can enjoy faster, hassle-free travel, giving them more time to relax, explore, and make the most of their journeys.
Why UAE-based Indians are choosing e-passports
Enhanced security
The embedded chip uses advanced encryption protocols to prevent tampering, forgery, and identity theft. Biometric verification ensures the passport truly belongs to the holder, giving travellers greater peace of mind.
Faster immigration clearance
Indian e-passports are accepted at SmartGate and other automated e-gates in major airports, reducing average wait times from 25 minutes to under five. Frequent flyers, professionals on regional rotations, and families see the biggest time savings.
In India, airports such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru feature automated e-gates that significantly cut arrival-queue times. Countries including the UAE, Singapore, and Australia also accept Indian e-passports at automated lanes, enabling faster, smoother immigration.
Global compatibility and future-proofing
E-passports comply with ICAO standards and are recognised by automated border control systems in countries like Singapore, Australia, and the UAE. They also prepare travellers for upcoming digital visa initiatives, including the UK ETA and EU ETIAS.
What is an e-passport?
An e-passport combines a traditional passport booklet with an embedded RFID chip and antenna in the back cover. The chip securely stores personal and biometric information, including photographs and fingerprints, enabling faster and more reliable identity verification at immigration counters.
The rollout in the UAE began in April 2024 under the Passport Seva Programme (PSP) 2.0, as part of India’s broader push toward digital, secure, and globally compatible travel documentation
India’s New E-Passports: A Complete Guide for UAE-Based Expats
What is an e-passport?
An e-passport combines a traditional passport booklet with an embedded RFID chip and antenna in the back cover. The chip securely stores personal and biometric information, including photographs and fingerprints, enabling faster and more reliable identity verification at immigration counters.
The rollout in the UAE began in April 2024 under the Passport Seva Programme (PSP) 2.0, as part of India’s broader push toward digital, secure, and globally compatible travel documentation.
How to identify an e-passport
Look for a small gold-coloured symbol on the front cover — this indicates the presence of the embedded RFID chip.
How to apply for an e-passport in the UAE
All passport applications from October 28, 2025, are processed as e-passports through the Global Passport Seva Portal 2.0 (GPSP 2.0).
Steps:
- Register on the portal: https://mportal.passportindia.gov.in/gpsp
- Login with your credentials.
- Select application type: Fresh or Re-issue.
- Upload ICAO-compliant photographs and supporting documents.
- Schedule an appointment at BLS International centres in Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
- Submit your printed application along with original documents at the centre.
Notes for applicants:
- Renewals with no changes: Enter your old passport number; the portal auto-fills details, completing the application in under two minutes.
- New passports (e.g., babies born in the UAE): All details must be entered manually.
- Alternative submission: For those less familiar with digital processes, applications can also be submitted at typing centres, community organisations, or via HR departments.
What happens to traditional passports?
- Existing passports remain valid until expiry.
- Switching to an e-passport is optional, though recommended for frequent travellers.
Will fees change?
- No. Passport fees remain the same.
- Minor corrections can now be made at BLS centres without additional charges.
Why are there three passport designs?
Indian expat households may now hold three generations of passports:
- Pre-2021 design
- 2021 redesign
- New e-passport
E-passports retain the 2021 layout but include a gold-coloured chip symbol.
What is stored inside the chip?
The RFID chip contains digital copies of personal particulars and biometric information, secured by Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), readable worldwide by immigration authorities.
How are biometrics collected?
- UAE missions currently do not collect separate biometrics.
- Some data is captured from ICAO-compliant photographs submitted during the application.
Benefits of e-passports for UAE-based expats
- Enhanced protection against forgery and fraud.
- Smoother immigration clearance at airports and land borders.
- Reduced waiting time at BLS centres due to online submission of documents and photographs.
- Future-ready travel: Prepares travellers for digital visa schemes and automated border control systems worldwide.
Key takeaway
For UAE-based Indian travellers, the e-passport ensures safer, faster, and smoother international travel. Whether for business, study, or leisure, the chip-enabled passport helps expats pass through automated border systems quickly, offering peace of mind and convenience.
Tip: Expats with passports expiring within 18 months should renew early and request an e-passport to stay future-ready for global automated immigration systems.
