New Indian Passport Designs in UAE: What Expats Need to Know?

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Have you heard about the newly introduced Indian ePassport now being issued in the UAE? As an Indian expat, this upgrade affects how you apply for or renew your passport. Starting October 28, 2025, all Indian missions across the UAE began issuing redesigned passports embedded with advanced security features.

These new-generation ePassports aren’t just cosmetic changes. They’re part of a digital transformation aimed at making travel safer and smoother for over 4.36 million Indian nationals in the UAE. If you’ve applied for a passport or plan to do so soon, this blog will break down everything you need to know.

From application processes to fees, from chip features to identifying which version you have, this guide covers it all clearly and concisely. So if you’re wondering whether you need to act now or simply want to understand how the changes affect you, read on.

What’s New in the Indian Passport Design for UAE Residents?

The Indian government has introduced a significant upgrade to its passport system for Indian citizens abroad, especially in high-demand countries like the UAE. The introduction of the chip-based ePassport marks a technological leap in document authentication and border control.

The ePassport features a chip embedded in the back cover of the passport. This chip stores personal details such as your name, passport number, photograph, and other biometric data in a digitally signed format. The aim is to reduce fraud, prevent identity tampering, and facilitate faster immigration processing.

Key changes include:

RFID chip embedded in the back cover
Enhanced cover design with a gold-colored chip symbol
Change in numbering system
Biometric-ready document

These new passports are now the default issuance for anyone applying or renewing their passports in the UAE after October 28. The earlier versions will still remain valid until their respective expiry dates, but the transition toward complete ePassport adoption is already underway.

Do You Need to Replace Your Existing Passport?

One of the most common concerns among Indian expats in the UAE is whether they need to replace their current passports with the new ePassport version. Thankfully, there’s no immediate need to rush for a replacement unless your current passport is near expiry or you need to update personal information.

Your existing passport will remain valid until the expiration date printed on it. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed that even though ePassports are now the default option for new applications, older versions are still legally recognized worldwide.

Here’s when you should consider getting the new ePassport:

Your passport is about to expire
You’ve had a change in personal details
You’re applying for a passport for the first time
You’re getting a passport for a newborn child

For everyone else, it’s business as usual. You can continue to travel and use your existing passport as long as it is valid and undamaged.

Is the New ePassport Mandatory in the UAE?

Yes, if you’re applying for a new passport or renewing an old one after October 28, 2025, your application will automatically be processed as an ePassport in the UAE. This change is applicable through all Indian missions, including the Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate in Dubai.

As of the official rollout, the Government of India has upgraded the Global Passport Seva Portal (GPSP) to version 2.0. This platform ensures that all applications are handled under the new ePassport system.

Here’s what you need to know:

All new applications post-October 28 will receive an ePassport
Applications through the old portal are no longer accepted
Applicants with appointments before Oct 28 can still get traditional passports
You can voluntarily reapply through the new system for an ePassport

This change brings more consistency and security to the Indian passport system. The transition also aims to standardize document processing for the large Indian diaspora in high-volume locations like the UAE.

Will Passport Fees Change with the New Design?

Despite the high-tech upgrade, Indian missions have made it clear that the fees for applying for or renewing a passport remain the same. This means you won’t pay anything extra just because your passport now has an embedded chip and enhanced features.

The cost structure includes:

Service Type	Standard Fee (AED)	Notes
Normal Passport	285	36 pages
Jumbo Passport	380	60 pages
Tatkal Services	Additional 400	Faster processing

Additional updates to the fee system include:

No extra charges for ePassport technology
Minor corrections are now handled free of charge at BLS centers
Applicants no longer need to re-enter entire forms for minor updates

This ensures that digital upgrades do not burden applicants financially while still improving overall service quality.

How to Apply for an Indian ePassport in the UAE?

The new passport application process has been made faster and more efficient through the upgraded Global Passport Seva Portal 2.0. This platform streamlines how you submit your application, verify your information, and attend appointments.

Steps to Apply:

Visit https://mportal.passportindia.gov.in
Register with your email and mobile number
Enter your old passport number to fetch existing details
Upload an ICAO-compliant photograph
Print the completed application form
Book an appointment at BLS International UAE
Submit printed forms and original documents to the center

For parents applying for newborns, a full application must be completed manually. If you’re not tech-savvy, you can get assistance at typing centers or through company HR departments.

The system is designed to accommodate high-volume applications efficiently, especially in the UAE, where nearly 1,600 passports are processed daily.

How to Recognize the New Indian Passport Design?

With three different Indian passport designs currently in circulation, identifying the latest version can be confusing. However, there are some visual and technical indicators that make the new ePassport stand out clearly.

Key Differences:

Feature	Pre-2021 Passport	2021 Passport Version	ePassport (2025)
Cover Design	Plain Navy Blue	Enhanced Layout	Chip Symbol on Front Cover
Serial Format	One letter + 7 digits	One letter + 7 digits	Two letters + 6 digits
Technology	None	None	RFID chip embedded

The easiest way to identify the new ePassport is by the gold-colored chip icon at the bottom of the front cover. The serial number format has also changed, indicating the passport is chip-enabled. These passports are compatible with electronic immigration gates in airports around the world.

What’s Inside the ePassport Chip?

The chip inside your ePassport stores critical personal and biometric information.

This includes:

Your full name
Passport number
Date of birth
Nationality
Digitally signed ICAO-compliant photograph
Biometric details (optional for now)

The technology used is Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), which ensures that your data is encrypted and cannot be altered without detection. The chip ensures the integrity and authenticity of the information through digital signatures.

Benefits of the chip include:

Global verification at immigration counters
Enhanced protection against passport forgery
Quicker identity authentication

This shift aligns India’s passport infrastructure with global standards followed by countries like the USA, UK, and EU.

Do You Need to Submit Biometrics for the New Passport?

Currently, Indian missions in the UAE are not collecting biometric data separately for ePassport applications. However, biometric elements are still part of the new system, derived from ICAO-compliant photographs that meet global standards.

What’s required now:

A digitally signed ICAO-compliant photo
No fingerprint or iris scans for now
No additional biometric appointments needed

The government may roll out full biometric data collection in the future, but for now, high-resolution photos serve as the main biometric identifier. You must ensure your photo matches ICAO guidelines, which can be found on embassy or consulate websites.

What Are the Benefits of the New Indian ePassport?

The shift to ePassports offers several practical and security-related benefits for Indian expats living in the UAE.

Top Benefits:

Faster Immigration: Electronic verification at e-gates
Forgery Prevention: Difficult to duplicate or alter
Secure Data: PKI encryption ensures authenticity
Digital Application: Reduced errors and waiting times
Simplified Corrections: Quicker updates without extra fees

Additionally, uploading documents like your photo and signature online can reduce your wait time at BLS International centers. The process has been built to handle the massive volume of daily applicants without delays, ensuring a smoother overall experience for everyone.

Conclusion

The launch of the new Indian ePassport marks a major milestone for Indian expats in the UAE. From advanced chip technology and security features to faster processing times and a simplified application process, the new system promises to streamline your travel documentation experience.

Whether you’re renewing an old passport or applying for your child’s first one, the upgraded GPSP 2.0 platform and biometric-ready design bring both convenience and peace of mind.

You don’t need to take immediate action if your passport is still valid, but it’s helpful to understand what’s changed. This way, you’re prepared when the time comes. Stay informed, stay compliant, and enjoy a safer, smoother passport experience with the new Indian ePassport.