Starting October 28, 2025, Indian expatriates in the UAE will begin receiving chip-embedded e-passports, as announced by the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai. The initiative is part of India’s Global Passport Seva Programme (GPSP 2.0), designed to modernize passport services and enhance document security.
The new e-passport will feature a built-in radio-frequency identification (RFID) chip and antenna that securely store the holder’s personal and biometric information. This upgrade aims to strengthen identity verification, reduce forgery, and streamline immigration checks at airports. The e-passport will have a distinctive gold chip symbol on the cover, and a revised numbering format with two letters followed by six digits.
Applicants can now access services through a newly launched online portal, enabling them to complete forms, upload ICAO-compliant photographs, and schedule appointments digitally through BLS International centers. The revamped process is expected to significantly cut processing times and improve overall efficiency.
Existing passports will remain valid until their expiry and need not be replaced immediately. The rollout applies to new applications and renewals submitted after the launch date.
Officials emphasized that the e-passport represents a major step toward digital transformation and aligns India with international standards for travel documentation. The move will benefit millions of Indian expats in the UAE by offering enhanced security, faster processing, and smoother international travel experiences.
