12 February 2026 | Dubai, UAE [Posted at 12:06 pm ]
India has officially rolled out the Indian E-passport, bringing a major upgrade to travel security and convenience. For the 3.5 million Indians living in the UAE, this is big news. Whether you travel frequently for work, business, or family visits, the New Indian passport promises faster immigration clearance, stronger security, and global compatibility.
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What Is the Indian E-passport?
Overview: Learn what exactly an e-passport is.
In simple terms, the Indian E-passport looks like a regular passport but contains a secure electronic chip inside.
This small RFID chip stores:
- Your personal details
- Digital photograph
- Biometric data (like fingerprints)
- Encrypted identity information
You can identify the New Indian passport by the small gold-coloured chip symbol printed on the front cover.
It complies with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards, meaning it works seamlessly with automated immigration systems worldwide, including UAE SmartGates.
Who Can Apply for the New Indian Passport?
Overview: The eligibility rules remain simple and unchanged.
Here’s who can apply:
- Any Indian citizen who is eligible for a regular passport
- First-time passport applicants
- Applicants renewing their passports
- Babies born in the UAE to Indian parents
If your application is processed at a centre issuing e-passports, you will automatically receive the Indian E-passport version.
There are no extra eligibility restrictions, which makes the transition smooth.
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How to Apply for the Indian E-passport in the UAE
Overview: The process is now fully digital under Passport Seva Programme 2.0 (GPSP 2.0).
Below is how to apply for the Indian e-passport and how to get it in the UAE in simple steps:
- First, complete the online process:
- Register on the GPSP 2.0 portal
- Log in and choose “Fresh” or “Re-issue”
- Fill in your details
- Upload ICAO-compliant photo and documents
- Pay the required fee
- Then, book an appointment:
- Schedule a visit to BLS International (Dubai or Abu Dhabi)
- Submit a printed application with original documents
For renewals without changes, the system auto-fills details, making the process faster.
Important: UAE missions do not collect biometrics again if they were already collected recently.
Cost of the Indian E-passport
Overview: The government has kept pricing affordable.
Here are the standard fees:
- ₹1,500 for a 36-page passport
- ₹2,000 for a 60-page passport
- Tatkal service costs extra
There is no additional fee just because it’s the New Indian passport with a chip. Old passports remain valid until expiry.
Key Benefits for UAE-Based Indians
Overview: The advantages are especially relevant for frequent travellers.
Here’s why the Indian E-passport matters:
- Faster immigration at UAE SmartGates
- Reduced airport waiting time (from ~25 mins to under 5 mins in many cases)
- Stronger protection against forgery
- Better acceptance at automated border systems worldwide
- Future-ready for digital visa systems like UK ETA & EU ETIAS
For professionals working in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, this upgrade means less time in queues and smoother business travel.
Security Enhancements Explained
Overview: Security is the biggest upgrade in the New Indian passport.
Here’s what makes it safer:
- Encrypted RFID chip technology
- Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) authentication
- Tamper-resistant data storage
- Biometric identity verification
These features make it extremely difficult to forge or duplicate the passport, a major step in preventing identity theft.
This is one of the strongest reasons why UAE expats are choosing to switch early.
Should UAE Indians Apply Now?
Overview: Understand when you should apply.
If your passport expires within 12–18 months, applying early makes sense.
The Indian E-passport offers:
- Seamless travel through automated gates
- Faster processing under GPSP 2.0
- A globally compatible, future-proof travel document
While switching is optional, frequent flyers will benefit the most.
FAQs
1. Is the Indian E-passport mandatory?
No. Existing passports remain valid until expiry.
2. Are fees higher for the New Indian passport?
No. Fees remain the same as regular passports.
3. How to apply for the Indian e-passport in Dubai?
Apply through the GPSP 2.0 portal and book an appointment at BLS International Dubai.
4. Is biometric data collected again in the UAE?
No additional biometrics are required if already submitted recently.
5. Can newborn babies in the UAE get the Indian E-passport?
Yes. Parents can apply through the standard fresh passport process.
Final Words
The Indian E-passport is a major leap toward safer, faster, and smarter travel. For UAE-based Indians, it means shorter immigration queues, stronger security, and global compatibility.
