Indian Mission in UAE launches online appointment system for passport and visa services during transition period
Indian nationals in the UAE can now book online appointments for passport, visa and attestation services as the Indian Diplomatic Mission launches a new appointment system to ease long queues during the ongoing transition of outsourced consular services.The Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai have started accepting appointments through a dedicated online portal while continuing to provide limited door-to-door services, Khaleej Times reported.
Launch of online booking portal
As Indian embassies and consulates look to streamline consular services, applicants can now schedule appointments for passport, visa and attestation services through a newly launched booking portal.This follows disruptions to the transition to the new outsourced structure, with both missions commencing direct provision of essential services from 1 July.
Why change?
This temporary arrangement was made following the expiration of the contract with the previous service provider, BLS. After a tender process, Alhind Tours & Travels LLC was awarded a new contract, but the handover was delayed due to legal proceedings in the Delhi High Court.Unsuccessful bidders reportedly challenged the award process, claiming irregularities in the technical assessment, delaying the rollout of the new unified Indian consular application centre.Due to the transitional suspension, embassies and consulates have been conducting passport, visa and authentication services directly on a limited basis.
Appointment services continue but times have been adjusted
Delegations have clarified that, although hours are now restricted, direct-arrival applicants will continue to be received.The Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate in Dubai will provide limited door-to-door services from 9am to 11am.Priority will be given to urgent cases, including newborn documents and emergency certificates, while other applicants are encouraged to make an appointment in advance to avoid long waits.Applicants with confirmed appointments will be admitted 15 minutes before their scheduled time. To reduce overcrowding, only applicants are allowed on the premises, with the exception of minor applicants, who require the presence of both parents.
Entry point for applicants
The embassy also issued revised entry guidelines. In Abu Dhabi, applicants seeking consular, passport and visa (CPV) services should enter through the main entrance on Al Safarat Street.Inquiries regarding document delivery and other consular matters will be handled in the Consular Wing, Unit: No. 101, First Floor, Guardian Building (Technip Building), Al Ishirah Street.In Dubai, passport and visa applicants should enter through Gate No. 2 of the Consulate General of India, while applicants seeking authentication services should use Gate No. 1. The gate can also handle document delivery, labor-related issues, and inquiries regarding submitted applications.
Applicants are advised to bring complete documents
Delegations urge applicants to bring fully completed application forms and all required supporting documents to ensure faster processing.Passport applicants are also advised to ensure that their photo, signature or thumbprint is uploaded correctly against a clear white background when filling out their application online.Another important piece of advice is that consulate fees are cash only and applicants are encouraged to bring the exact amount. The mission also reminds applicants that the revised passport fee structure will be effective from July 1, 2026.
Helpline remains unchanged
For assistance, applicants can contact the Indian Mission through the existing toll-free helpline 800 46342 (800 INDIA), WhatsApp +971 54 309 0571 or email pbsk.dubai@mea.gov.in.The UAE has about 4.5 million Indian expatriates, one of the largest Indian overseas communities. The Indian embassies in Abu Dhabi and Dubai are among the largest in the world in processing passport and consular applications.
