Indians in Dubai Can Now Apply for E-Passport Online

Indian B2B travel agents and corporate planners take note: From 28 October 2025, the Consulate General of India, Dubai will roll out the upgraded Passport Seva Programme 2.0 (GPSP 2.0) offering chip-embedded e-passports for Indian residents in the UAE—streamlining renewals and fresh issuance with digital uploads and faster processing.

Introduction

For travel trade professionals operating between India and the UAE—be it consolidators, corporate travel planners or airline partners—the launch of GPSP 2.0 by the Consulate in Dubai marks a significant shift in passport services for Indian nationals. With the new system going live from 28 October 2025, Indian residents in the UAE can now apply for a next-generation e-passport, complete with embedded chip and improved online workflow.
Such changes have implications for outbound travel, re-entry, visa processing and ancillary services—making this update one that B2B travel stakeholders should monitor closely.

What is an E-Passport?

An e-passport—also called a chip-enabled passport—is similar in appearance to the traditional booklet but includes a microchip embedded inside the cover. That chip stores:

• Personal data (name, date of birth, passport number)

• The bearer’s photograph and digital signature

• Biometric or other secure data for authentication
  
  

In the UAE rollout, the Indian e-passport will follow this model to align with global travel document standards, enabling quicker immigration clearance and stronger protection against fraud.

Why This Matters for Travel Industry Stakeholders

• Efficiency at scale

The updated GPSP 2.0 allows document upload, appointment scheduling and print-out of forms ahead of the verification visit. This reduces time at the service centre and streamlines the process for high-volume NRI applications.

• Enhanced security and global compatibility

Chip-embedded passports are becoming the norm globally. For airlines, GDS systems, visa providers and corporate travel desks handling Indian travellers from the UAE, this means fewer documentation hiccups, better border-control interoperability and potential reduction in rejection or turnaround delays.

• Opportunity for travel agents

As Indian expatriates consider renewal or fresh issuance under the new system, travel agents and corporate travel buyers can position themselves as value-added advisors—helping clients navigate the new photo/biometric guidelines, document checklist and appointment management.

• Impact on operations

For airline and tour operators: backlog reduction, shorter clearance times, fewer manual interventions at check-in or immigration. Agents working with Indian clients in the Middle East should update workflows and client briefings to reflect this change.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply Under GPSP 2.0 in Dubai

Here is a streamlined application process tailored for the Dubai (UAE) context:

• Register on the Portal – Visit the official GPSP 2.0 portal and complete registration using email & password.

• Login and Fill Application – Log in, select the appropriate service (fresh passport, renewal/re-issue), fill in required fields online.

• Upload Documents – Upload ICAO-compliant photograph, signature and any required supporting documents directly via the portal.

• Print and Book Appointment – After submission, print the form and schedule an appointment at one of the designated service centres operated by BLS International in the UAE.

• Verification Visit – On the appointment date visit the selected BLS centre with originals and one photo, attend biometric/verification as required.

• Issuance of E-Passport – Once cleared, the Consulate issues the e-passport – with chip embedded – which you can collect or have delivered (depending on service arrangement).

Key Photo & Document Guidelines

Travel agents and corporate travel coordinators should alert clients about the updated photo and document criteria which are crucial to avoid rejection or delay. Highlights:

• Photo size & quality: 35 mm × 45 mm, high-resolution, recent (within 6 months) image.

• Face position: Face centred, covering 70–80 % of photo, eyes looking straight, neutral expression.

• Background & lighting: Plain white background, no shadows or glare, no heavy retouching or editing

• Accessories: No hats, tinted glasses unless for valid religious/medical reasons; face and eyes must be clearly visible.

• Document upload: Applicants encouraged to upload photo, signature and supporting documents online to reduce waiting time.
  
  

Tip for agents: educate corporate travellers or large group clients on these criteria ahead of time to avoid rejection or rescheduling.

FAQs for Travel Agents & Corporate Planners

Q: Are existing Indian passports invalidated?

A: No. Current Indian passports issued under the old system remain valid until their expiry. They do not need to be replaced immediately.

Q: Is the e-passport mandatory?

A: Not mandatory for immediate replacement, but all new and renewal applications under GPSP 2.0 will be chip‐enabled.

Q: What about minor corrections in the application?

A: Under GPSP 2.0 the service provider can correct minor errors (name, address etc) without re-typing the full application or extra cost—this is a convenience improvement.

Q: How does this impact travel bookings?

A: Agents handling Indian passengers from UAE can expect smoother passport clearance, fewer documentation delays, faster issuance—which benefits ticketing, group travel coordination, visa facilitation and corporate travel management.

Implications for B2B Travel & Aviation Stakeholders

• Group travel & corporate bookings: High-volume clients (corporates, large groups) should receive updated briefing packs incorporating e-passport specifications, upload requirements, appointment notification workflows.

• Airlines & IATA agents: Reservation and check-in systems should anticipate Indian passports issued under new numbering (two letters + six digits) as indicated in early reports.

• Visa & immigration services: When arranging pre-visa or travel authorisation for Indian UAE residents, look out for passport type changes—chip symbol, new serial format—ensuring compatibility with destination border systems.

• Travel advisories & client communication: Educate clients that although their old passport continues to be valid, future renewals under GPSP 2.0 will use the new portal and process; clients should plan accordingly to avoid last-minute delays.

Conclusion & Takeaway

The rollout of the GPSP 2.0 system by the Consulate General of India in Dubai represents a significant modernization of passport services for Indian expatriates in the UAE. For B2B travel actors—from consolidators to corporate travel planners to airlines—the upgrade means: easier digital workflows for clients, fewer processing bottlenecks, stronger document security, and ultimately more predictable travel operations.

Agents who proactively update their workflows, client briefings and system integrations (booking/visa/immigration) to reflect these changes will be better positioned to deliver value, reduce friction and strengthen client satisfaction—especially in the high-volume India-UAE corridor.

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