Indian nationals in the UAE can now book appointments online for passport, visa and attestation services as Indian diplomatic missions introduce a new appointment system to ease long queues during an 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 offer limited walk-in services, according to a report by Khaleej Times.
Online booking portal introduced
Applicants can now schedule appointments for passport, visa and attestation services through the newly launched booking portal as the Indian missions seek to streamline access to consular services.The move comes after both missions began providing essential services directly from July 1 following a disruption in the transition to a new outsourcing agency.
Why the change?
The temporary arrangement follows the expiry of contracts with previous service provider BLS. A new contract was awarded to Alhind Tours & Travels LLC after a tender process, but the handover has been delayed due to legal proceedings in the Delhi High Court.According to the reports, unsuccessful bidders challenged the award process, alleging irregularities in the technical evaluation, delaying the rollout of the new unified Indian Consular Application Centres.With the transition on hold, the Embassy and Consulate have been handling passport, visa and attestation services directly on a limited basis.
Walk-in services continue with revised timings
The missions have clarified that walk-in applicants will continue to be accommodated, although the timing has now been restricted.Limited walk-in services will be available from 9 am to 11 am at both the Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate in Dubai.Priority will be given to emergency cases, including newborn documentation and emergency certificates, while other applicants are encouraged to book appointments in advance to avoid long waiting periods.Applicants with confirmed appointments will be allowed entry 15 minutes before their scheduled slot. To reduce overcrowding, only applicants will be permitted inside the premises, except in the case of minor applicants, where both parents are required to be present.
Entry points for applicants
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.Queries related to document delivery and other consular matters will be handled at the Consular Wing, Unit No. 101, First Floor, Guardian Tower (Technip Building), Al Ishirah Street.In Dubai, passport and visa applicants should enter through Gate No. 2 of the Consulate General of India, while those seeking attestation services should use Gate No. 1. The same gate will also handle document delivery, labour-related issues and queries regarding submitted applications.
Applicants advised to carry complete documents
The missions have urged applicants to arrive with fully completed application forms and all required supporting documents to ensure faster processing.Passport applicants have also been advised to ensure that photographs, signatures or thumb impressions are uploaded correctly against a clear white background while filling out their applications online.Another important advisory is that consular fees will be accepted only in cash, and applicants are encouraged to carry the exact amount. The missions also reminded applicants that the revised passport fee structure came into effect from July 1, 2026.
Helpline remains unchanged
For assistance, applicants can contact the Indian missions through the existing toll-free helpline 800 46342 (800 INDIA), WhatsApp at +971 54 309 0571, or via email at pbsk.dubai@mea.gov.in.The UAE is home to an estimated 4.5 million Indian expatriates, making it one of the largest overseas Indian communities. The Indian missions in Abu Dhabi and Dubai process one of the highest volumes of passport and consular applications globally.
