Indian Passport Renewal in UAE: What are the steps to book an appointment online when no walk-in facility is available? | Today’s news
The Indian Consulate in the UAE has announced that passport renewal services will no longer be available and Indian expatriates must make appointments to access the service.
In a notice issued on Friday, July 10, the consulate shared details of the appointment process for passport renewal applications.
The update follows the temporary postponement of the launch of Consular, Passport and Visa (CPV) services by Tours & Travels in the UAE after receiving an official communication from the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi. Services scheduled to begin on July 1 have been postponed until further notice for “administrative reasons,” according to the embassy.
The authority also said in the notice that BLS International and SGIVS Global are no longer authorized to provide consular services.
Here’s how to book an appointment online:
- Visit the official appointment portal at book.passportindiauae.com.
2. Create an account by entering your name, email address and setting a password.
3. Complete the email verification process.
4. Login using your registered credentials.
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5. Select the relevant Consular Jurisdiction – Applicants can choose either the Consulate General of India in Dubai or the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi.
6. Enter the required details and select an available meeting segment.
7. Check and confirm the appointment reservation.
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With the summer travel season approaching, a large number of Indian expatriates in the UAE are rushing to deal with passport expiry issues. Many were caught off guard after finding that their passports were about to expire, while getting a reissue appointment is said to be increasingly difficult, with long queues and the appointment link reportedly not working for Indian expats, according to Khaleej Times.
UAE changes visa-on-arrival rules for Indians with British documents
Meanwhile, the UAE has introduced a major change in visa rules for Indian travelers in 2026, especially for those who previously relied on valid UK visas or UK residence permits, according to PTI.
Under the earlier system, Indian passport holders could obtain a visa on arrival if they held valid visas, residence permits or green cards issued by countries on the UAE’s approved list.
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However, under the updated UAE visa regulations, visas and residence permits issued in the UK will no longer be eligible for a visa on arrival. Indian travelers who have only British immigration documents will now need to obtain a UAE visa before travelling.
Revised Eligibility Rules
The Dubai visa-on-arrival option for Indian passport holders has not been completely phased out in 2026, but the eligibility requirements have been updated.
Indian travelers may still be eligible for a visa on arrival in the UAE if they hold valid visas, residence permits or green cards issued by approved countries, including:
- United States
2. Member States of the European Union
Travelers are advised to check the latest UAE immigration guidelines and ensure that all required documents remain valid for the duration of their trip.
