Indian expats in UAE to get chip-enabled e-passports — Here’s all you need to know

Indian expats in the UAE can now apply for chip-enabled e-passports under the upgraded GPSP 2.0 system, offering faster immigration clearance and smoother online processing.

Indian expatriates in the UAE are set to receive a major passport upgrade as the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi has announced the rollout of chip-enabled e-passports under the Global Passport Seva Programme (GPSP 2.0) starting October 28, 2025.

What’s New: Chip-Enabled E-Passports

The upgraded passports will include an embedded microchip that securely stores the holder’s digitised personal and biometric data. This enhancement will make immigration clearance faster and smoother at international checkpoints, aligning Indian travel documents with global biometric passport standards.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), all existing passports issued by the Government of India will remain valid until their expiry. Once a particular passport office is technologically equipped, applicants under that office will automatically be issued e-passports.

GPSP 2.0 — A Smarter, Faster Passport System

The newly launched GPSP 2.0 online portal will now serve as the exclusive platform for all passport-related services in the UAE.

Applicants must access the new system through mportal.passportindia.gov.in/gpsp to apply, renew, or update their passports.

The portal introduces several convenience features:

• Applicants can upload ICAO-compliant photographs, signatures, and supporting documents before their appointment, significantly cutting down waiting times at physical centres.
• Detailed guidelines for uploading ICAO-compliant photographs are available on the Embassy’s website.
• BLS service providers can now make minor corrections to submitted applications — eliminating the need to retype forms and ensuring faster resolution at no extra cost.

How to Apply for an E-Passport

Step 1: Visit mportal.passportindia.gov.in/gpsp/AuthNavigation/. Login and click on “Register” to create an account.

Step 2: Log in using your newly created credentials.

Step 3: On the applicant homepage, select the option to generate a new passport application.

Step 4: After submitting the application, print out the online form.

Step 5: Schedule an appointment at your nearest BLS International Centre and carry all required documents.

Step 6: Submit your application at the center for processing.

Streamlined Process for Indian Expats

This transition to e-passports under GPSP 2.0 will benefit the entire Indian expatriate community in the UAE, simplifying renewals, new applications, and corrections. Embassy officials have urged all applicants to utilise the pre-upload feature to make the process quicker and more efficient.

The move marks a significant step towards modernising India’s passport infrastructure, ensuring smoother travel experiences and enhancing the security of Indian passports worldwide.