Indian diplomatic missions in the UAE have introduced a new online appointment system and revised walk-in rules as they temporarily manage passport, visa, and attestation services directly following delays in the rollout of the new Indian Consular Application Centre network.
Indian nationals in the United Arab Emirates are adjusting to new procedures for passport, visa, and attestation services after the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai assumed direct responsibility for consular operations following the expiration of long-standing outsourcing contracts.
The temporary arrangement, which began on July 1, 2026, follows delays in the rollout of a new unified Indian Consular Application Centre (ICAC) system after legal challenges in India postponed the appointment of its new operator.
For the first time in 17 years, the two Indian missions are processing passport, visa, attestation, and other consular services from their own premises while awaiting the launch of the centralized system.
The transition began after former service providers BLS International and SGIVS Global stopped accepting new applications on June 25, ahead of the expiration of their contracts on June 30. Although Alhind Tours and Travels LLC had been selected to operate the new ICAC network, ongoing litigation delayed its implementation, prompting the Embassy and Consulate to introduce interim arrangements.
New Appointment Portal
To streamline demand, both missions have launched a dedicated online booking platform at book.passportindiauae.com, where applicants can schedule appointments for passport, visa, attestation, and other consular services.
Appointments are available between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., with fresh slots released daily at 8:00 p.m. for the following working day. Applicants are advised to arrive no more than 15 minutes before their scheduled appointment.
Different Rules in Abu Dhabi and Dubai
The two missions are operating under slightly different procedures.
The Consulate General of India in Dubai has shifted to an appointment-only system, discontinuing walk-in applications altogether.
The Embassy in Abu Dhabi continues to accept a limited number of walk-in applicants, but only between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. on working days. Priority is given to newborn passport applications and individuals seeking Emergency Certificates for urgent travel.
Officials have encouraged applicants to use the appointment portal wherever possible to reduce waiting times.
Public Warning Against Unauthorized Agents
Amid increased demand and confusion during the transition, Indian authorities have warned applicants not to rely on unauthorized agents or intermediaries promising faster appointments or guaranteed processing.
The missions emphasized that appointments should be booked only through the official online portal and advised applicants not to pay additional fees to third parties claiming to secure priority access.
Temporary Measures During Transition
The Embassy and Consulate initially handled only emergency cases before expanding to walk-in services on July 2 and later introducing the appointment system to better manage the growing number of applicants.
The interim arrangement is expected to remain in place until the new ICAC system becomes operational.
Indian officials have stated that the temporary measures are intended to ensure uninterrupted consular services while legal proceedings concerning the outsourced contract are resolved.
