Indian expats in UAE urged to switch to new chip-enabled e-Passports

India’s embassy and consulate in the UAE have begun urging Indian nationals to upgrade to the country’s new chip-enabled e-Passport. From 28 October 2025 every application lodged in the UAE is issued in the new format, which speeds up immigration checks at automated e-gates and enhances security against passport fraud. Switching early will make future digital travel authorisations such as the EU’s ETIAS friction-free for Indian frequent flyers.