Indian expatriates in the UAE can finally breathe easy. The Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai have officially clarified that the introduction of India’s new e-passports will not bring any changes to fees, biometrics, or the existing application procedures. The clarification was made during a press briefing on October 30, 2025, aiming to put an end to widespread speculation regarding the rollout of the upgraded, chip-enabled passports.
What’s New with India’s e-Passport
The e-passport looks and feels similar to the current Indian passport but comes with advanced digital features for greater security and faster travel processing.
- Each e-passport has a microchip embedded in its back cover, storing the holder’s key personal and biometric details securely.
- The chip helps accelerate identity verification and enhances protection against forgery or tampering.
- All data will comply with international ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) standards.
- Applicants can upload their digital photo, signature, and necessary documents directly through the updated Passport Seva Portal (GPSP 2.0).
Officials confirmed that there will be:
- No additional biometric submissions required.
- No increase in passport fees or service charges.
- No need for new types of appointments or procedures.
Indian missions and BLS International service centres across the UAE are prepared to handle large application volumes, processing up to 1,600 passports per day to ensure swift issuance and renewals.
No Change in Process for UAE Applicants
For Indian nationals living in the UAE, the shift to e-passports will be seamless. The entire process remains identical to the current passport application system. Applicants will continue using:
- BLS service centres and embassy counters for submissions.
- The same fee structure and documentation requirements.
- The existing Passport Seva Portal for updates and tracking.
The embassy and consulate have urged citizens not to trust unofficial claims or misleading information circulating on social media. Official updates should only be followed through legitimate government communication channels.
A Step Toward Smarter, Safer Travel
This modernization effort is part of India’s broader goal to strengthen digital infrastructure, enhance cyber-security in personal identification, and keep pace with global standards in travel documentation. The rollout ensures that travellers benefit from:
- Faster processing at international airports.
- Improved accuracy and safety in identity verification.
- A globally recognized and technologically advanced travel document.
