Indian expats in UAE can now book passport and visa appointments online, here’s how
Revised entry rules and timings announced for Abu Dhabi and Dubai
DUBAI – Indian nationals in the UAE can now book appointments online for passport, visa and attestation services as the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai introduce a new booking system during an ongoing transition of outsourced consular services.
The move is aimed at easing pressure on applicants after days of heavy demand and long queues. While appointments are now available online, limited walk-in services will continue at both missions, with priority reserved for emergency cases.
New portal
Appointments can now be booked through book.passportindiauae.com, allowing applicants to schedule visits in advance instead of relying solely on walk-in services.
The temporary arrangement comes after the contracts of the previous outsourcing agency, BLS, expired and the handover to the newly selected service provider, Alhind Tours & Travels LLC, was delayed. The transition has been held up by legal proceedings in India after unsuccessful bidders challenged the contract award in the Delhi High Court, prompting the Indian missions to manage essential consular services directly from July 1.
The UAE is home to around 4.5 million Indian nationals, with the Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate in Dubai handling one of the world's highest volumes of Indian passport and consular applications.
Walk-in rules
Walk-in services remain available on a limited basis from 9am to 11am at both the Embassy and the Consulate.
Officials said emergency cases, including newborn documentation and emergency certificates, will continue to receive priority. All other applicants are encouraged to secure an online appointment to reduce waiting times.
Applicants with confirmed appointments may enter the premises 15 minutes before their scheduled slot. To prevent overcrowding, only applicants will be permitted inside, except in the case of minors, where both parents must accompany the child.
The Embassy has also issued revised entry instructions. In Abu Dhabi, applicants seeking Consular, Passport and Visa (CPV) services should enter through the Main Gate on Al Safarat Street, while document delivery and other enquiries will be handled at the Consular Wing, Unit No. 101, First Floor, Guardian Tower (Technip Building), Al Ishirah Street.
At the Consulate in Dubai, passport and visa applicants should use Gate No. 2, while those requiring attestation services should enter through Gate No. 1, which will also handle document delivery, enquiries about submitted applications and labour-related matters.
Before visiting
Officials have urged applicants to arrive with fully completed application forms and all supporting documents to help speed up processing.
Passport application forms must be completed through the Passport Seva portal before visiting the missions. Applicants should carefully follow the instructions while uploading photographs, signatures, thumb impressions and supporting documents, ensuring signatures and thumb impressions are uploaded clearly against a white background.
Fees will be accepted only in cash, and applicants have been advised to carry the exact amount. The missions also reminded visitors that the revised passport fee structure has been in effect since July 1, 2026.
Need assistance?
For enquiries or assistance, applicants can continue using the existing support channels. The toll-free helpline remains available on 800 46342 (800 INDIA), while support is also provided via WhatsApp (+971 54 309 0571) and email at pbsk.dubai@mea.gov.in. The missions said applicants should carefully follow the updated guidelines and entry instructions to ensure faster and smoother processing during the temporary administrative arrangements.