Dubai: Indian expatriates in the UAE applying for a new or renewed passport will now exclusively receive the new chip-enabled e-passport, Indian officials confirmed on Thursday.
The new system, part of the global rollout of the Global Passport Seva Programme (GPSP 2.0), officially went live in the UAE on October 28.
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This move marks a significant technological leap, enhancing security and aligning the Indian passport with global standards. However, it also changes the application process for the millions of Indian expats living in the Emirates.
Speaking at the Indian Consulate in Dubai, officials laid out what this means for applicants, from security benefits to a new online portal.
“This is an important reform… the e-passport is the next generation of travel document,” said A. Amarnath, Charge d’Affaires at the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi.
Table of Contents
What Is the New E-Passport?
The new e-passport looks almost identical to the old booklet, with one small addition: a gold-coloured chip symbol on the front cover.
The key difference is embedded inside. The booklet contains a small electronic RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) chip.
“The biggest enhancement in the e-passport is the embedded chip, which is an added security feature,” explained Amarnath. “It is essentially… the digital copy of the information that is otherwise contained physically in the passport.”
This means that all your personal particulars and biometric information are stored on the chip.
“If somebody tries to forge or fake the passport, it will be easily detectable at the immigration centre,” Amarnath added, noting the chip is secured with advanced encryption (Public Key Infrastructure, or PKI) to prevent tampering.
How to Apply: The New GPSP 2.0 System
The biggest change for applicants is the mandatory use of a new online portal. All applications must now be started on the new GPSP 2.0 website:
https://mportal.passportindia.gov.in/gpsp/AuthNavigation/Login
The old portal is no longer active for UAE applications.
According to officials, the new system is designed to be much faster. “The new system will take applicants only two minutes to fill in their details [for a renewal], as per our estimates,” said Amarnath. “You enter your old passport number, complete the verification process, submit it and the process will be completed.”
A major new feature is the ability to upload your documents—such as your old passport, Emirates ID, photo, and signature—directly to the portal before your appointment at a BLS International centre. This is expected to significantly cut down the processing time at the service centre.
Your Questions Answered: Fees, Timelines, and Photos
Here’s a breakdown of the key questions expats are asking:
What happens if I already have an appointment?
You have a choice. Consul General Satish Sivan clarified that those who already filled out the old forms can proceed with their appointment and will receive the old paper passport. However, if they want the new e-passport, they must cancel, go to the new portal, and re-fill their application.
Are the fees or processing times changing?
No. Officials were firm that both the service charges and the turnaround times remain exactly the same.
- Normal Renewal (36-page): Dh285
- Jumbo Renewal (60-page): Dh380
- Tatkal (Expedited): An additional Dh570
- Processing Time: 5-8 working days for normal, 2-3 for Tatkal.
Do I need to give fingerprints (biometrics)?
Not at this stage. Officials confirmed there are no plans to collect physical biometrics like fingerprints from overseas applicants for now. The “biometric” data for the chip is extracted from the ICAO-compliant photograph you submit.
What is an ICAO-Compliant Photo?
This is now the most critical part of your application. A non-compliant photo will be rejected. The new system’s biometrics depend on it.
- Size: 2×2 inches (51mm x 51mm).
- Background: Plain white, with no shadows.
- Expression: Neutral, with both eyes open and mouth closed.
- Glasses: Must be removed.
- Head: Must be centred, with your face taking up 80-85% of the frame.
- Attire: Must be in coloured clothing (white attire will blend with the background and be rejected).
A First in History: The “Three-Passport” Household
The rollout has created a unique situation for Indian expat families in the UAE. For the first time ever, three different—and equally valid—passport designs are in circulation:
- The Pre-2021 Passport: The older design with parents’ details on the back.
- The 2021 Redesign: The booklet with the lotus and peacock motifs and the passport number embossed on every page.
- The 2025 E-Passport: The newest version with the gold chip symbol.
Officials stressed that all three passport booklets are 100% valid until their date of expiry. There is no need to upgrade or replace your current passport unless it is due for renewal.
The new e-passports also feature a new numbering format: two letters followed by six digits, a change from the old format of one letter and seven digits.
As the new system rolls out globally, officials have asked for patience. “The system has just been launched worldwide. It takes a few days to stabilise. So applicants might face some technical issue here and there… We expect a little patience from our countrymen.”
