How to Renew Indian Passport in United Arab Emirates

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Indian expats in the UAE need valid passports to maintain legal residency and travel freely. BLS International Centers make passport renewal simple and available to Indian citizens throughout the region.

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A standard passport renewal takes 2 to 4 weeks. The Tatkal service offers a faster option that delivers your passport in just 2 working days. Adult passport booklets cost AED 285, while children's passports are priced at AED 190. The process begins on the Passport Seva website. You'll need your current passport, visa, and Emirates ID ready.

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This blog shows you how to get your Indian passport renewed in the UAE. We'll help you prepare the right documents and guide you through submitting your application at a BLS Center. Our step-by-step approach will make your passport renewal quick and hassle-free.

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UAE Passport Renewal Requirements

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The Indian missions have partnered with BLS International Services Ltd to handle passport renewal processes in the UAE. You'll find it easier to navigate the renewal process by understanding everything about it.

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When to start the renewal process

Your passport renewal process should begin six months before it expires. This timeline gives you enough room to process everything and helps you avoid any issues with your UAE residency status. A valid passport lets you access consular services and maintain your legal status in the UAE.

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Types of renewal services available

Indian missions provide three different passport renewal services:

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Normal Renewal Service

• Standard processing time of 3-4 working days
• Police clearance must happen before passport issuance
• Simple fee of AED 285 for 36-page booklet or AED 380 for 60-page jumbo booklet

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Tatkal (Fast-Track) Service

• Next-day delivery, or same-day if applied before noon
• No prior appointment needed; walk-in submissions accepted
• Extra fee of AED 570
• Police verification happens after passport issuance
• Total cost: AED 855 for 36-page booklet or AED 950 for 60-page jumbo booklet

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Premium Lounge Service

• Individual-specific assistance and comfortable waiting area
• Extra fee of AED 236.25 (including VAT)
• Standard processing timeline applies
• Appointment needed for Abu Dhabi premium lounge
• Select BLS centers offer this service

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How to Choose the right BLS center

BLS International runs multiple centers in the UAE. Here's what to think over when picking a center:

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Location Convenience: Centers are available in different emirates, with options at Indian community associations and premium lounges in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

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Service Requirements: Any regular BLS center accepts walk-in submissions for Tatkal applications. Premium lounge services need prior appointments, especially in Abu Dhabi.

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Processing Times: Standard processing takes 5 working days for both Abu Dhabi and Dubai-issued passports. Complex cases with adoption, single parent applications, or major name changes might need extra processing time.

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Service charges include AED 9 for simple services and AED 8 for the Indian Community Welfare Fund. Note that premium lounge fees don't include government charges or BLS service fees - you'll need to pay these separately.

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Documents Required For NRI Passport Renewal

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The life-blood of a successful Indian passport renewal in the UAE lies in preparing the right documents. Let's explore everything you need to ensure your application moves forward smoothly.

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Simple documents needed

Your application package must include:

• Original passport with clear photocopies of first, last, address page, endorsement pages, and valid UAE visa page
• Completed online passport application form from the official embassy website
• Valid Emirates ID
• Service charge of AED 9 and Indian Community Welfare Fund fee of AED 8

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Photo requirements for passport renewal

Your passport photo specifications need careful attention:

• Size: 2 inch x 2 inch (51mm x 51mm)
• Background: Plain white with dark-colored clothing
• Image quality: Clear, continuous tone without pixels
• Face position: Centered, covering 60-70% of the photo area
• Features visibility: Full face, both ears, neck, and shoulders clearly visible
• Age: Photo must be less than three months old

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On top of that, your eyes must remain open and clearly visible without reflections from eyeglasses. People with religious head coverings must ensure their facial features from the bottom of chin to forehead remain clearly visible.

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Special case documents

Some situations call for extra documentation:

• Passports expired more than six months: Submit a detailed explanation letter
• Passports expired beyond five years: Require prior approval from the Indian Embassy
• Court cases: Submit legal documents with English translation and Consulate approval
• Newborn passports: Original birth certificate attested by UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs

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Processing takes minimum five working days for applicants from Jammu & Kashmir, Srinagar, or Nagaland, and Tatkal service remains unavailable. Applicants with passports issued less than six months ago who seek services beyond miscellaneous ones need prior approval from the Indian Embassy.

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Note that you must sign all application forms in black ink when you visit a BLS International Services Customer Service Officer. Your current passport should have more than five blank pages, as fewer pages might require a new passport issuance.

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Step-by-Step Application Process

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The Indian passport renewal process needs your careful attention. Here's a simple breakdown of steps that will help your application progress smoothly.

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Create your online application

Head to the Passport Seva website and select 'Africa and the Middle East' region, then choose 'United Arab Emirates' as your country. Log in and select 'Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport'. Fill out the form with accurate details. You can't modify information after submission, so check everything twice.

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Book an appointment

After completing your online form, book an appointment at any BLS center. BLS has 10 centers and two premium lounges in the UAE. You need appointments in most cases, but there are exceptions:

• Tatkal applications
• Emergency cases (death or medical emergencies of immediate family)
• Newborn baby passports

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Important: Your appointment confirmation might end up in your spam folder, so check there too.

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Visit to BLS center

The BLS center process works like this:

1. Document Verification: The team will check your original documents against your copies.
2. Application Processing: Regular processing takes about 8 weeks, while Tatkal applications usually take 1 week.
3. Fee Payment: You'll need to pay:
   • Basic BLS service fee
   • Consular fees
   • Premium service charges if you chose them

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Processing Timeline Notes:

• Cases with adoption, single-parent applications, or major name changes need about 30 days
• Applications from Jammu & Kashmir and Nagaland take extra time
• Your processing time starts when the Consulate receives your application, not counting postal delays

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Your application details can't be changed after submission. Make sure everything's correct before you submit. You can track your application's status on the BLS website later.

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After Submission Care

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The Indian Embassy processes your passport application through several stages. Let me explain what happens after you submit it and how you can handle different situations.

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How to Track your application

BLS International's website lets you track your application easily. You can see live updates by entering your reference number. If your application needs police verification, you will get updates on the email address you provided.

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Processing Timeline Updates:

• Normal passport reissue: Dispatched on fifth working day
• Tatkal applications: Dispatched on second working day
• Complex cases that involve adoption, single parents, or major name changes take extra time

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Collection process

You will get an email or SMS with these details when your passport is ready:

• Collection date and time
• Required documents to bring
• Location details

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Make sure to carry a valid photo ID when you collect your passport. The office works from Sunday through Thursday, except on public holidays.

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What if there are issues

You have several options if you face problems with your application:

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For Application Issues:

• Visit the Consulate between 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM on working days
• Enter through gate number 2
• Carry original documents to support your case

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For Urgent Travel Requirements: The Indian Mission can help if you need to travel immediately due to serious illness or death in your family. They may issue an Emergency Certificate after they verify your Indian nationality.

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Grievance Resolution:

1. Fill out feedback forms at BLS centers (available in Hindi, English, and other Indian languages)
2. Put completed forms in feedback boxes
3. Contact directly:
   • Email: Passport.dubai@mea.gov.in or vcppt.dubai@mea.gov.in
   • Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendra: 800 46342

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Note that the Embassy of India decides all processing times. BLS International only helps facilitate the process and does not make decisions. Therefore, check your application status regularly through the tracking system.

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Conclusion

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Getting your Indian passport renewed in the UAE might look complicated at first. The process becomes manageable once you understand it well. Your success depends on having the right documents and being organized, whether you pick standard processing, Tatkal service, or premium lounge facilities.

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Start your renewal process six months before your passport expires. This gives you enough time to handle unexpected delays or extra requirements. Standard processing takes 3-4 working days, but you'll need more time if you have adoption papers or major name changes.

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Keep checking your application status on the BLS website after submission. Contact the Indian Mission through their support channels if you face any issues. Make sure all your documents match the requirements exactly to avoid delays and complications.

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A passport is crucial for your UAE stay. Understanding and following the renewal steps carefully will get you your new passport without hassle and on time.

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Frequently Asked Questions - Indian Passport Renewal in UAE

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Q1. What documents are required for Indian passport renewal in the UAE?

For passport renewal, you'll need your original passport with photocopies, a completed online application form, valid Emirates ID, and passport-sized photographs. Additional documents may be required for special cases.

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Q2. How long does it take to renew an Indian passport in the UAE?

The standard processing time is typically 3-4 working days. However, for urgent cases, the Tatkal service offers next-day delivery. Complex cases involving adoption, single parent applications, or major name changes may take longer.

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Q3. Can I renew my Indian passport online in the UAE?

While you can't complete the entire process online, you can start by filling out the application form on the Passport Seva website. After submitting the online form, you'll need to schedule an appointment and visit a BLS center to complete the process.

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Q4. How much does it cost to renew an Indian passport in the UAE?

The basic fee for a 36-page passport booklet is AED 285 for adults and AED 190 for minors. Additional charges apply for premium services like Tatkal (AED 570) or Premium Lounge service (AED 236.25 including VAT).

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Q5. What should I do if there are issues with my passport renewal application?

If you encounter problems with your application, you can visit the Consulate on working days between 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. For urgent travel requirements due to emergencies, contact the Indian Mission directly. You can also use the feedback forms available at BLS centers or contact the Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendra for assistance.