When travel documents are changed, this is a huge shift among Indian expatriates living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This Article outlines the changes, the meaning of the three designs, the impact it has on Indian Passports in the UAE, and what you should do.
What Has Happened?
Previously, in October 2025, the Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India, Dubai had announced that three generations (designs) of Indian passports in the UAE are officially in circulation among the Indian expats in the UAE.
These designs include the traditional older booklet design, A version of a passport that is machine-readable, An e-passport chip has just been introduced. This is because simultaneously, there are three different designs of passports valid and legal in the UAE among Indians.
The introduction of three alternative formats is a pointer to a shift in the standards of the travel documents among Indian nationals in the UAE. The modern e-passport design has embedded a chip of electronic nature containing personal and biometric information to enable the data to be smoother and more secure in travelling. It also reflects the Indian pressure to modernise its system of issuing passports as a part of the Passport Seva 2.0 programme.
For the large Indian community in the UAE (estimated in millions), this is a historic moment in the context of Indian passports in the UAE. Reporting explains it by saying that three separate designs of the Indian passport books are being circulated concurrently, for the first time ever.
What do the Three Designs and their characteristics entail?
- Classic design: The older type of expat booklet that many expats might have.
- Machine-readable version: This was later revised to contain machine-readable zones and enhanced security.
- Chip-based e-passport: The latest design that contains a built-in chip, digitised information and enhanced international interoperability.
The three types are all valid for travel until they expire or are replaced, as elucidated by the embassy.
What Does This Mean to Indian Passport Holders in the UAE?
As an Indian citizen living in UAE and having a passport, your major take-aways are as follows:Validity: In case you already have one of the older versions of passport, then it is still valid as long as it does not expiry. You do not have to have an urgent replacement unless you want to have the new design.
Application of New/ Renewal: You can apply to get a new passport or even to renew your passport in the Passport seva 2.0 system where you can be offered the new e-passport format. No additional fee or biometrics alteration: The embassy assures that at the moment there are no additional charges or additional biometr,ic conditions only due to the new passport design.
Travel/Immigration advantages: The newer models could have faster immigration processing and enhanced security which is an advantage to frequent travellers.
What Should You Do?
You need not change your Indian passport immediately, provided that you have a valid Indian passport which you feel comfortable with.When you are seeking renewal or replacement, make sure that you are going to get the e-passport and enquire with your service provider (consulate or embassy).
Monitor official communication of the Indian mission in the UAE regarding any particular variation in application procedures, fees or validity. Remember to keep all your travelling documents and be able to retain a copy of your passport in case of loss or emergency, – as usual when living in a foreign place.
The rollout of three different designs of Indian passports in the UAE is a landmark moment for Indian expats and is very relevant when discussing Indian passports in the UAE. It indicates that the Indian government is modernising its document standards and that the UAE community is leading the Indian.
As an India citizen in the UAE, now is the appropriate moment to have a look at your passport status, learn what kind that you have, and prepare to make future renewals. Having this information you can be sure that you are up to date in the travel documentation.
Also Read: New Umrah Visa Rules in Saudi Arabia: Validity Slashed in Major Update
