Airport reminds us of long airport queues, manual checks and endless stamping. For many Indian expats in the UAE, that routine may soon feel outdated. India has rolled out third-generation chip-enabled e-passports through the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate in Dubai. This marks a major shift in how Indians in the UAE would travel.
How Chip-Enabled Travel Means Faster Immigration for UAE Expats In UAE
According to a report by Gulf News, the rollout of chip-enabled travel will begin under Passport Seva Programme 2.0, introducing passports embedded with RFID chips that securely store biometric data.
What Makes The New E-Passport Different?
At first glance, it looks similar to the 2021 passport design. But check the front cover. If you see a small gold-coloured symbol, that means it contains an embedded chip.
Inside that chip sits encrypted personal data, including your photograph and biometric details such as fingerprints. The system uses ‘Public Key Infrastructure’ for secure verification by immigration authorities worldwide.
Why this sudden addition? This addition aims to reduce fraud and elevate security by confirming identity faster.
Existing passports remain valid until expiry. But you can switch if you feel this is a better option for travelling.
Faster Immigration At UAE Airports
Indian e-passports are accepted at SmartGate and automated e-gates in major airports, including the UAE. Average immigration wait times can drop from around 25 minutes to under five.
Airports in Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru also offer automated e-gates. Countries such as Singapore and Australia recognise Indian e-passports at automated lanes. Travellers can save time while travelling in or out of the UAE by avoiding multiple manual checks and saving time.
It’s the best option if you are travelling with families or business professionals on tight schedules.
Why Security Matters More Than Ever
The embedded chip uses advanced encryption protocols, which makes tampering or forgery extremely hard. And the system aligns with global standards. E-passports comply with ICAO requirements, which means broader acceptance at automated border control systems.
How To Apply In The UAE
From October 28, 2025, all passport applications in the UAE are processed as e-passports through the Global Passport Seva Portal 2.0.
Applicants must:
- Register on the official portal
- Select fresh or re-issue the application
- Upload ICAO-compliant photographs and documents
- Book an appointment at BLS centres in Dubai or Abu Dhabi
- Submit printed forms and original documents
Renewals without changes take less than two minutes online. The system auto-fills details. New passports, including those for babies born in the UAE, require full manual entry. The fees remain unchanged. Minor corrections can now be handled at BLS centres without additional charges.
Also Read: What Is The New Online Passport Update Service For Expats Launched By Kuwait?
A Future-Ready Travel Document
Digital visa systems such as the UK ETA and EU ETIAS are becoming normal. Automated border control is expanding.
For UAE-based Indian expats, this upgrade means safer identification, shorter queues and smoother global travel.
Cover Image Courtesy: CanvaPro/ ChandraDhas from Getty Images Signature