Dubai: If you’re preparing to travel this October, there are key updates that could affect your journey from the UAE to popular international destinations. From India’s new digital arrival system to Emirates’ latest safety measures and Europe’s upcoming border checks, here are the top three changes travellers should be aware of:
1. Delhi Airport rolls out E-Arrival Card for foreign nationals
Starting October 1, 2025, passengers flying from the UAE to Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport can complete immigration details online before departure.
The new E-Arrival Card replaces the traditional paper form, allowing travellers to submit their information up to three days before their flight.
Authorities say the system will help reduce queues and waiting times at immigration counters—benefiting thousands of Gulf-based expatriates and visitors heading to India for work, family visits, or tourism.
For now, this applies only to foreign nationals. Indian passport holders and OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cardholders can instead use the Fast Track Immigration–Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP), launched in mid-2024.
2. Emirates bans in-flight use of power banks
Emirates has tightened its safety regulations by banning the use of power banks onboard flights from October 1, 2025.
Passengers may still carry power banks in their hand luggage, but using them during flights is strictly prohibited across the airline’s global network.
The decision follows growing concerns over lithium battery safety, with incidents of overheating and fire risks caused by “thermal runaway.”
The airline stressed that all seats are fitted with in-seat charging ports, but recommends travellers fully charge their devices before boarding, especially on long-haul routes.
3. Europe begins phasing in digital Entry/Exit System (EES)
From October 12, 2025, Europe will begin rolling out the new Digital Entry/Exit System (EES) for non-EU nationals, including UAE residents, across 29 countries.
The system, which will fully replace manual passport stamping by April 10, 2026, will record biometric data (fingerprints and facial images) alongside passport details to streamline checks.
During the initial rollout, not all border points will have biometric facilities, so some passports may still be stamped.
For UAE travellers, this means:
- The system will automatically track the 90-day stay limit within any 180-day period in the Schengen Zone.
- Passport stamping will gradually be phased out.
- Automated checks are expected to shorten waiting times at busy border crossings.
This is a particularly significant change for UAE expatriates and residents who frequently visit Europe for business, leisure, or family trips.
