Abu Dhabi/Dubai: The Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai have introduced an online appointment system for passport, visa and document attestation services, providing much-needed relief to Indian expatriates amid the ongoing transition of consular service providers in the UAE.

The new appointment facility, available through book.passportindiauae.com, allows applicants to schedule their visits in advance, helping reduce long queues and improve access to essential consular services.

The Indian missions have been handling passport, visa and attestation services directly since July 1, following the expiry of contracts with the previous outsourcing agency, BLS International, and delays in the appointment of the new service provider, Alhind Tours & Travels LLC.

Alhind was awarded the contract after a competitive tender process, but its operations have been delayed due to an ongoing legal dispute in the Delhi High Court. Two unsuccessful bidders challenged the contract award, alleging irregularities in the technical evaluation process. Until the matter is resolved, the Embassy and Consulate are providing consular services directly on a temporary basis.

Despite the launch of the online booking system, walk-in services will continue at both missions. Applicants can visit the Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate in Dubai between 9:00 am and 11:00 am, with priority being given to emergency cases, including newborn passport applications and emergency certificates.

Applicants with confirmed appointments are advised to arrive 15 minutes before their scheduled time. To manage crowds efficiently, only applicants will be allowed entry into the Embassy and Consulate premises, except in the case of minor applicants, where both parents must accompany the child.

The Indian missions have also issued detailed instructions regarding entry points and service counters. In Abu Dhabi, applicants seeking Consular, Passport and Visa (CPV) services should enter through the main gate on Al Safarat Street, while other consular-related queries, including document collection, will be handled at the Consular Wing, Unit 101, First Floor, Guardian Tower (Technip Building), Al Ishirah Street.

In Dubai, applicants for passport and visa services should use Gate No. 2, while those seeking attestation services and other consular assistance, including document collection and labour-related matters, should use Gate No. 1.

Officials have urged applicants to complete their application forms online through http://mportal.passportindia.gov.in/mission/ before visiting the mission and ensure that all supporting documents, photographs and signatures are uploaded correctly. Passport applicants have also been reminded that fees will be accepted only in cash and are advised to carry the exact amount in accordance with the revised passport fee structure that came into effect on July 1, 2026.

For further assistance, applicants can contact the Indian missions through the toll-free helpline 800 46342 (800 INDIA), WhatsApp at +971 54 309 0571, or email [email protected].

The introduction of the online appointment system is expected to ease the burden on applicants while ensuring smoother and more efficient delivery of passport, visa and attestation services during the ongoing transition period.