Indians in Dubai Can Now Apply for e-Passport: Check Requirements and How to Apply

Exciting news for Indian residents in Dubai. The Consulate General of India on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, rolled out an entirely new Passport Seva Programme, called GPSP 2.0. This move allows Indians to apply for the new e-passport and avail faster, smarter, and more digital-friendly services for the huge community in the UAE.

What Is an E-Passport?

The newly launched Indian e-passport looks just like your traditional passport, with one major difference: it contains a small electronic chip. This chip securely holds your personal information, including:

• Name
• Date of Birth
• Passport Number
• Photograph
• Digital Signature
• Biometric Data

How to Apply for an E-Passport in Dubai

To get an Indian e-passport, you must visit the revamped Passport Seva portal. The entire process takes place online, except for the final verification, which is conducted in person.

Here’s a step-by-step look:

• 1: Visit the new Passport Seva portal.
• 2: Register using your email ID and create an account.
• 3: Log in and fill out the e-passport application form carefully.
• 4: Upload your ICAO-compliant photograph, signature, and supporting documents.
• 5: Print your completed form and book an appointment at a BLS International Centre for verification.
• 6: Visit the centre with your original documents on the appointment date.

Once your application is approved, the Consulate will issue your new e-passport, which will be embedded with a digital chip.

Clearer Photo Guidelines for Applicants

Applicants will be able to upload an ICAO-compliant passport photo and supporting documentation directly to the portal. To avoid delays, the embassy strongly recommends that applicants review the photo standards on its official website before applying.

New Passport Photo Guidelines

• Size: 35mm x 45mm, high-resolution, unedited, and taken within the last 6 months.
• Face Position: Centred with eyes near the middle; face should cover 70–80% of the photo.
• Framing: Show full head and top of shoulders.
• Expression: Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open, looking straight at the camera.
• Hair & Accessories: Keep face and eyes visible; no hats or tinted glasses unless for religious/medical reasons.
• Background & Lighting: Plain white background with even lighting; no shadows, glare, or red-eye.
• Quality: Clear, undamaged, and not digitally altered.

What Makes the Process Easier

The GPSP 2.0 upgrade brings a few small but important improvements:

• Applicants can upload all documents online, reducing time spent at service centres.
• Minor corrections can now be made directly by service providers, without requiring a new application.
• The online system should significantly cut waiting times and manual paperwork.

Why This Matters

For thousands of Indian residents in the UAE, renewing or applying for a passport has frequently resulted in long lines and several visits. The e-passport launch, paired with a fully digital system, aims to change that.

The Consulate claims this is part of India’s ongoing efforts to modernise consular services for its global diaspora. In short, it’s a step towards a quicker, more secure, and user-friendly passport experience.

In summary

• E-passports were introduced on October 28, 2025.
• Applications must be submitted via the new Passport Seva portal.
• E-passports feature a secure digital chip for quicker and safer travel.
• The process aims to reduce paperwork and waiting times for applicants.

The bottom line: applying for an Indian passport in Dubai is about to get a high-tech upgrade, one that should make life a little easier for every traveller.