UAE: Indian passport, visa applicants can now book appointments online
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The Embassy of India in the UAE has launched an online appointment portal for passport, visa and attestation services, allowing applicants to reserve slots before visiting the Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the Consulate General of India in Dubai.
The system, announced on Sunday, July 5, is expected to make access to consular services more organised and reduce waiting times at both missions.
Applicants with confirmed appointments will be allowed to enter the premises 15 minutes before their scheduled time. To prevent crowding, only applicants will be permitted inside, except in cases where both parents are required to accompany a minor.
At the Embassy in Abu Dhabi, applicants seeking Consular, Passport and Visa services must use the main gate on Al Safarat Street.
Queries related to document delivery and applications already submitted will be handled at the Consular Wing in Guardian Tower on Al Ishirah Street.
At the Consulate General in Dubai, passport and visa applicants should enter through Gate No. 2. Gate No. 1 will be used for attestation services and other consular enquiries.
Limited walk-in services will continue at both missions from 9am to 11am. Priority will be given to newborn cases and Emergency Certificates, while other applicants have been urged to use the online booking system.
Applicants must bring completed application forms, supporting documents and the applicable fee. Payments will be accepted only in cash and applicants have been advised to carry the exact amount.
The appointment portal comes as the Embassy and Consulate continue to handle passport, visa, attestation and other consular services directly from their premises after a delay in the handover to Alhind Tours and Travels Private Ltd.
Alhind had been selected to operate the new Indian Consular Application Centres in the UAE from July 1, but the transition was paused after the tender process became the subject of a legal dispute before the Delhi High Court.
The company has said it has completed preparations to begin operations, including setting up 16 application centres across the UAE. Services will start once authorisation is received from the Embassy.