Hey there, guys!
Here we are again with a topic that is mostly searched on Google. This is a guide for Indians living in the UAE. In the UAE, you can renew your Indian passport online. Every single detail about renewing a passport in the UAE, how much it costs, and what documents you need, is outlined here step by step. So let's get started.
For Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in the UAE whose passport is about to expire, you don't have to fill out physical forms at a passport center to renew them. The Passport Seva service offered by the Indian Embassy allows you to complete the entire application process online.
The process for applying for Indian passports and visas is handled by the BLS International Centre, an outsourced agency. Once you have completed your registration form online, sign it, and submit it to them.
This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of renewing your passport if it's due to expire soon.
Online renewal of an Indian passport
1. Go to this link: https://embassy.passportindia.gov.in/ and select the region and country where you live. You can do this by selecting the 'Africa and Middle East' category and selecting the United Arab Emirates.
2. Then click on the 'Register - Register to apply for passport services' link. Upon clicking the category, you will be asked to create an online account with Passport Seva Portal. Log in using your account information if you already have one.
Creating a new account
If you would like to register an account, you must provide the following information:
1. Embassy/Consulate: Abu Dhabi or Dubai
2. Given Name (first name)
3. Surname
4. Date of birth
5. Email address
As soon as you have entered your details, you can create a password and confirm it. You can also choose a question that serves as a 'hint' for security purposes, such as your city of birth. Click on the 'Register' button after entering the captcha code.
A confirmation email will be sent to you from Passport Seva with an activation link. You will need to enter your email address and password once you click on the activation link.
3. Sign in again and click on 'Register - Register to apply for passport services'.
4. After that click on ‘application for applying for ordinary passport’.
5. After that, you will need to choose from the following options:
-Passport type: Fresh passport or passport reissue. Select 'passport reissue' if you are renewing your passport.
-‘Reissue reason’ – e.g., "validity expired within three years or is about to expire"
-Type of application: Normal or Tatkal (In case there is urgency).
-Passport booklet type: 36 or 60 pages
6. The next step is to fill out the applicant details as follows:
-Your Given name (First name)
-Your Surname
-Gender
-Have you ever been known by other names (aliases)?: Yes/no
-Have you ever changed your name?: Yes/No
-Date of birth
-Place of birth
-Is your Place of Birth outside of India?: Yes/No
-Region/Country of birth
-Marital status
-Citizenship of India by
*Registration/Naturalisation
*Descent
*Birth
-Provide your PAN (Permanent Account Number) or Voter ID (if available) - this is optional
-Employment type
-Educational qualification
-Is either parent (for minors) or spouse a government worker: Yes/No
-Does the applicant qualify for the non-ECR (non-Emigration Check Required) category?: Yes/No. An individual who has completed the tenth grade and has higher education falls into the non-ECR category according to the Indian Embassy helpline - 800 46342. They (non-ECRs) do not need an emigration check to work in certain countries.
-Is there a distinguishable mark on your body? You will have to describe it in the form if you do.
-Aadhar number (if you have it) - this is optional
The next step is to accept the terms and conditions.
7. Click on the next button after you have completed the application details.
8. Your family details will be required in the next section of the passport renewal application:
-Father’s full name
-Mother’s Full name
-Legal guardians' name (when applicable)
-Spouse’s full name (when applicable)
-Applicants for minors must enter the passport numbers of their father and mother. If they are not Indian, you must enter their nationality.
9. The next step is to enter the address details. In this section, you must enter the address printed on your passport, including:
-House number
-Village town or city
-District
-The nearest police station. (The Passport Seva Portal has a service on their website called, ‘Know Your Police Station’. You can find the link here: https://portal5.passportindia.gov.in/Online/locatePS . To find the closest police station, you must enter the state and district and enter the captcha displayed and click ‘submit’. You will then find the list of police stations in you area.)
10. Enter your mobile number and email address next
11. You will then need to enter your emergency contact information and address. Mobile and email addresses are included.
12. You will need to enter the following details from your previous passport:
-Passport number
-Date of issue
-Expiry date
-Place of issue
13. The final step in the application process is to fill out your 'other details' - a list of questions that you must answer yes or no to.
1. If you have any criminal records.
2. Having been convicted by an Indian court
3. Having been denied or refused a passport in the past
4. Did you apply for or receive foreign citizenship?
5. Have you returned to India on an emergency certificate (outpass)?
Upon completion of the application form, you must review and verify the details and click on 'submit'.
In addition to submitting the application online, you must take a printout of the application and submit it in person to the BLS International Services Customer Center, where you must sign the application in the presence of a BLS International Services Customer Service officer.
The BLS Centre requires the following documents:
You will also need to submit the following documents along with your passport renewal application:
1. A copy of the original passport
2. Copy of UAE Residence visa page
3. Provide two clear passport photos. The following are the photo requirements for an Indian passport, according to the BLS:
* 51mm X 51mm (no uniform, not older than three months) with white background
* Wear dark clothes
* Face and neck are free of shadows
* No reflections on the glasses.
Note: It is possible to have your photograph taken at the BLS center. Other identification documents, such as an Emirates ID or a driving license, may also be required.
Charges for passport renewal:
The following are the passport renewal fees according to BLS:
Normal renewal service for Indian Passport holders:
For adults – 36 pages: AED 285
For adults – 60 pages: AED 380
For Minors: AED 190
Tatkal renewal service:
For adults – 36 pages: AED 855
For adults – 60 pages: AED 950
For Minors: AED 760
What is the processing time for passport renewal?
Depending on the case, the passport renewal process can take up to 30 days according to the BLS.
The 'Tatkal' service can be used in case you need it urgently:
A 'Tatkal' service allows you to fast-track your passport renewal if you are traveling to India for a medical emergency or if a family member dies. You can renew your passport using the ‘Tatkal’ service within two working days. It is necessary, however, to schedule an appointment with BLS. It costs more to renew a passport through the 'Tatkal' service.
Working hours and location of BLS centers in the UAE
The following are the locations and timings of major BLS centers that offer passport renewal services in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and other emirates.
BLS centre Abu Dhabi:
BLS International Shams Boutik
Timings: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm (lunch break 11:30 am to 2:30 pm), last token at 04:30 pm at this BLS Abu Dhabi Centre.
Lunch break: 11:30 am to 2:30 pm
Last Token Issues: At 4:30 pm.
Timings: 7:00 am to 4:00 pm
Lunch break: 12:00 pm to 01:00 pm
Last Token Issues: At 3:30 pm, based on a first come, first served basis.
BLS International Premium Lounge Abu Dhabi
Timings: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Lunch break: 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
BLS centre Dubai:
BLS International Dubai Khaleej centre
Timings: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Lunch break: 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Last Token Issues: At 04:30 pm.
Timings: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Lunch break: 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Last Token Issues: At 3:30 pm.
BLS International Visa and Passport Services Premium Lounge
Timings: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm (Saturday to Thursday)
BLS International Exclusive Center For Indian Passport And Visa Services Sharjah
Timings: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Lunch break: 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
BLS International Ras Al Khaimah
Timings: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Lunch break: 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
BLS International Visa And Passport Services Umm Al Quwain
Timings: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Lunch break: 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
There are Indian associations that operate BLS Centres. For more information, go to the official website of the BLS Centre.
The following points should be kept in mind:
1. You can book the Premium Lounge in Abu Dhabi or ask questions by contacting BLS Abu Dhabi's
2. You can book the Premium Lounge in Dubai or ask questions by contacting BLS International Premium Lounge Dubai
3. From Sunday to Thursday, all BLS call centers are open from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
This concludes our guide on how to renew your Indian passport in Dubai or elsewhere in the UAE. Visit UAE Local for more articles on life in the UAE for Indian expats. If you have any suggestions or feedback, please let us know.