Indian passport, visa and attestation services in the UAE have moved to a new operating system from July 22, 2026. Al Hind Tours & Travels LLC will now accept and process applications through 16 Indian Consular Application Centres, known as ICACs, spread across the Emirates.
The change affects passport renewals, visa work, document attestation and other consular applications. It also ends regular submission at the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai. Applicants now need to plan around the new portal, centre timings and appointment rules before travelling.
What Changes From July 22, 2026?
The Embassy’s official notice confirms that Al Hind has taken over outsourced Indian consular services in the UAE. Regular applicants must use the new ICAC network rather than visiting the Embassy or Consulate premises for submission. The Embassy’s official X announcement carries the notice and its annexure listing every centre.
This handover follows a disrupted transition. Al Hind was earlier expected to begin on July 1, after BLS International and SGIVS Global stopped taking new applications. Emergency services were temporarily handled directly by the Indian missions while the wider rollout remained pending. The fresh announcement now fixes July 22 as the effective date for the 16-centre arrangement.
The rollout also arrives after a court dispute over the Ministry of External Affairs tender process. The Supreme Court declined to disturb the Delhi High Court decision setting aside tenders covering four missions, including Abu Dhabi, but allowed temporary arrangements so daily passport and visa services would not stop while a fresh tender process is completed.
How Appointments, Timings And The AED 19 Fee Will Work
Applicants can book through Consular Seva in the UAE. New appointment slots will be released twice daily, at 9 AM and 9 PM. All ICACs will operate from 8 AM to 6 PM, and entry will be permitted only 15 minutes before the booked time. Applicants should select the correct service category and enter accurate details while reserving a slot.
An AED 19 service charge, inclusive of VAT, will apply in addition to the Government of India fee. The government charges were revised from July 1, 2026. The AED 19 amount covers form filling, photographs, document typing, domestic courier, printouts and photocopies. The complete fee breakup is available through the appointment portal.
Applicants should still carry originals, supporting papers and any required copies. After submission, they should keep the receipt for tracking and collection. A passport may be collected from the selected centre or sent to the registered address where the chosen service permits delivery.
Where Are The 16 Indian Consular Application Centres?
The annexure covers Abu Dhabi, Dubai and the Northern Emirates. Six centres are in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, while ten serve Dubai, Sharjah and the other northern areas. Full street addresses appear in the Embassy’s official ICAC location annexure.
- Abu Dhabi area: Al Danah, Musaffah, Al Reem, Al Ain, Madinat Zayed and Ghayathi.
- Dubai: Bur Dubai at UW Mall Al Mankhool and Dubai Investment Park-I at Bayan.
- Sharjah city: Al Majaz and the Indian Association Sharjah in Al Manakh.
- Other Emirates: Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah.
- Eastern coast: Kalba and Khor Fakkan, both listed under the Sharjah network.
The wider spread could reduce long trips for residents outside central Abu Dhabi and Dubai. However, applicants should check the exact building, room number and selected centre before leaving home. A booking at one ICAC should not be treated as permission to appear at another.
Who Can Walk In And What Should Applicants Check?
Four categories can use walk-in access at every ICAC on a first-come, first-served basis: Tatkal passport applicants, newborn cases, Emergency Certificate applicants and senior citizens aged 60 or above. Other applicants should obtain a prior appointment unless the Embassy issues a later exception.
Before travelling, applicants should check the latest document list, government fee, service category and centre address. They should also avoid unofficial agents or copied booking pages. The Embassy previously asked applicants to rely only on its website, the Dubai Consulate website and verified social accounts for updates.
The shift gives Indian residents one network for passports, visas and attestations, but the first days may bring heavy demand. Checking slots at both release times, keeping documents ready and choosing a nearby centre may prevent a wasted journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Did Al Hind Begin UAE Consular Services?
Al Hind began operating the new ICAC network across the UAE from July 22, 2026.
Where Can Applicants Book An Appointment?
Applicants can book online through consularsevainuae.com, with slots released daily at two fixed times.
How Much Is The New Service Charge?
The service charge is AED 19 including VAT, separate from applicable Government of India fees.
Can Senior Citizens Visit Without An Appointment?
Yes, applicants aged 60 or above may visit any centre on a first-come, first-served basis.
Are Services Still Available At Indian Missions?
Regular submissions have stopped at Embassy and Consulate premises under the new outsourced centre arrangement.
