Indian missions in the UAE have introduced an online appointment system for passport, visa and attestation services as they work to ease long queues and high demand during the transition to a new outsourcing agency.
The Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai said applicants can now book appointments through the online portal while limited walk-in services will continue at both missions. The new system comes after the missions began providing consular services directly from July 1 following delays in appointing a new service provider, according to a report by Khaleej Times.
Walk-in services to continue
Despite the launch of the online booking system, walk-in applicants will continue to be accepted at both missions between 9 am and 11 am. Officials said emergency cases, including documentation for newborns and the issuance of emergency certificates, will receive priority.
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Applicants with confirmed appointments will be allowed to enter 15 minutes before their scheduled slot. To reduce congestion, only applicants will be permitted inside the embassy and consulate, except in the case of minor applicants, where both parents must accompany the child.
Appointment portal and service details
Applicants can now schedule appointments through book. passportindiauae. com. In a statement, the missions said passport, visa and attestation services are currently being provided directly at the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General in Dubai for administrative reasons.
The embassy said passport and consular applicants in Abu Dhabi should enter through the main gate on Al Safarat Street, while document delivery and other consular queries will be handled at the Consular Wing in Guardian Tower on Al Ishirah Street.
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In Dubai, passport and visa applicants should use Gate No. 2, while attestation services and other consular queries, including document collection and labour-related matters, will be handled through Gate No. 1.
Applicants advised to carry complete documents
Passport application forms must be filled online, with applicants ensuring that photographs, signatures or thumb impressions are uploaded correctly against a plain white background. Authorities also said passport and consular fees will be accepted only in cash and advised applicants to carry the exact amount in line with the revised fee structure effective from July 1, 2026.
For assistance, applicants can contact the Indian missions through the toll-free helpline 800 46342 (800 INDIA), WhatsApp +971 54 309 0571, or email (pbsk.dubai@mea.gov.in).
Why the transition was delayed
The transition was held up after unsuccessful bidders challenged the contract award in the Delhi High Court, alleging irregularities in the technical evaluation process. Pending legal proceedings have delayed the new agency's takeover, requiring the Indian missions to temporarily handle passport, visa and attestation services directly.
