India Introduces Chip-Enabled E-Passports for Expats in the Gulf

India has officially upgraded its travel documents, making all newly issued passports chip-enabled e-passports. This major technological shift benefits millions of Indian expats living and working across the Gulf region, offering faster immigration clearance, stronger security, and smoother global travel. 

An Indian e-passport looks like the traditional navy-blue booklet but includes an embedded Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip and antenna. You can identify it by the small gold-colored chip symbol printed on the front cover. The chip securely stores the holder’s personal details such as name, date of birth, nationality, passport number, and digital photograph, along with encrypted biometric information. This creates a secure digital backup of the printed data, making tampering nearly impossible.

For Indian expats in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain, the advantages are significant. Most major international airports now operate automated e-gates that scan biometric passports within seconds. This reduces long queues and speeds up immigration clearance. The chip also uses Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) encryption, ensuring that any attempt to alter the physical passport will immediately be detected because the digital chip data will not match. Additionally, the passport complies with standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization, ensuring smooth global acceptance.

Identifying the new passport is simple. Look for the gold chip symbol on the cover. Another key difference is the numbering format. E-passports use two letters followed by six digits, while older passports used one letter followed by seven digits. If your passport does not display the chip symbol, it is the previous version, which remains valid until expiry. 

Since 28 October 2025, all passport applications are processed as e-passports through the Global Passport Seva Portal. Applicants in the UAE must complete the process online, upload ICAO-compliant photographs and supporting documents, and schedule appointments at BLS International centres. Those renewing passports without changes benefit from auto-filled details once they enter their previous passport number, making the process significantly faster. New applications, such as for children born abroad, require full manual entry of details.

Importantly, passport fees remain unchanged. Existing traditional passports continue to be valid until their expiry date, and switching to an e-passport is optional for now. However, frequent travellers are strongly encouraged to upgrade to benefit from automated immigration systems and enhanced security features.

The introduction of chip-enabled passports marks a new era for India’s global diaspora. With stronger protection, global recognition, and faster airport processing, Indian expats in the Gulf can now travel with greater confidence and convenience.