New e-passport rules: A major update has arrived regarding passports for the approximately 3.5 million Indian expatriates living in the UAE. Indian embassies and consulates have begun issuing new-generation chip-based e-passports. This new system, introduced under the Global Passport Seva Program 2.0, features a small RFID chip that will significantly speed up airport immigration and strengthen security.
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New e-passport key features and fee information
This new passport features a chip to secure biometric data, such as fingerprints and facial recognition. This technology will enable the use of smart gates at airports, reducing immigration time from 25 minutes to less than 5 minutes. The biggest relief is that the government has not increased passport fees.
Fees: The new e-passport will cost the same as the old passport.
Free Corrections: Minor form corrections will no longer be charged at BLS International centers.
Security: Advanced holograms and laser engraving are used to make it less likely that fraudulent e-passports will be issued.
Old Passport and Application Process
If you have an old machine-readable passport, there’s no need to worry. Your old passport will remain valid until its expiration date. However, when you renew your passport, you will be issued a new e-passport. The application process has also been completely digitalized to save time.
| Rule name | Information |
|---|---|
| Effective date | Starting October 28, 2025 |
| Important Portal | mportal.passportindia.gov.in/gpsp |
| Old passport | Valid till expiry |
| Application time | Online renewal in just 2 minutes |
The new portal will now allow for pre-uploading of photos and signatures, significantly reducing the time spent waiting in line at a BLS center. This new passport will work with automated border systems not only in the UAE but also in countries like Singapore, Australia, and the UK.
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