Indian Consular Services in the UAE Now Managed by Al Hind: Everything You Need to Know

For millions of Indians living and working in the UAE, accessing passport, visa, and attestation services is an essential part of everyday life. Whether it is renewing a passport, applying for a newborn's passport, getting educational certificates attested, or obtaining consular documents, these services are frequently required by expatriates.

From 22 July 2026, the Government of India has introduced a significant change in the delivery of these services. The Indian Consular, Passport, Visa, and Attestation Services in the UAE have officially been outsourced to Al Hind Tours & Travels LLC, which will operate through 16 Indian Consular Application Centres (ICACs) across the UAE. This transition aims to provide a more organized, efficient, and customer-friendly experience while reducing congestion at diplomatic missions.

If you are an Indian citizen residing in the UAE, this guide explains everything you need to know about the new process, including appointment booking, service charges, working hours, special cases, and what has changed.

Why Has the System Changed?

The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai receive thousands of applications every month for passport, visa, attestation, and other consular services. As the Indian community in the UAE continues to grow, there has been a need for a more efficient and accessible service model.

To improve service delivery, the Government of India has appointed Al Hind Tours & Travels LLC as the official Outsourced Service Provider (OSP). From 22 July 2026, all regular consular applications will be processed through dedicated Indian Consular Application Centres (ICACs) rather than directly at the Embassy or Consulate.

This model is similar to the system used by several countries worldwide, where authorized service centres manage document collection and customer support while the respective government authorities continue to process and approve applications.

Services Covered Under the New System

The ICAC centres will provide a wide range of services related to Indian consular matters. These include:

• Indian passport applications
• Passport renewal and re-issue
• Visa-related services
• Certificate attestation
• Document authentication
• Miscellaneous consular services
• Other services approved by the Indian Embassy

Applicants should always verify the exact documentation required for their specific service before visiting an application centre.

16 Indian Consular Application Centres Across the UAE

One of the biggest improvements introduced with the new system is accessibility.

Instead of depending only on the Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the Consulate in Dubai, applicants can now visit one of 16 Indian Consular Application Centres (ICACs) located across the UAE.

These centres are intended to make services more accessible for residents living in different emirates, reducing travel time and improving convenience.

Applicants can choose a suitable centre while booking their appointment online.

Embassy and Consulate Will No Longer Accept Regular Applications

A major change that applicants should note is that routine passport, visa, and attestation services will no longer be available directly at the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi or the Consulate General of India in Dubai.

This means visitors cannot simply walk into these diplomatic missions for regular consular applications.

Instead, all eligible applications must be submitted through the authorized ICAC centres operated by Al Hind Tours & Travels.

This centralized approach helps improve appointment management, customer support, and application handling.

Online Appointment Booking Is Mandatory

Before visiting an application centre, applicants are required to book an appointment online through the official portal:

consularsevainuae.com

The appointment system has been designed to ensure a smooth flow of applicants throughout the day.

According to the official announcement, new appointment slots are released twice daily at 9:00 AM and 9:00 PM. Applicants who are unable to secure an appointment immediately can check again when fresh slots become available.

During booking, applicants should carefully select the correct service category and enter accurate personal details. Incorrect information may delay the application process or require a fresh appointment.

Working Hours of the Application Centres

All Indian Consular Application Centres will operate during the following hours:

• Opening Time: 8:00 AM
• Closing Time: 6:00 PM

Applicants should also be aware of the centre's entry policy.

Only those arriving within 15 minutes before their scheduled appointment will be allowed to enter the premises. Arriving much earlier may not provide access until the designated appointment window.

Planning your visit according to the appointment time will help avoid unnecessary waiting.

Understanding the Service Charges

Applicants will continue to pay the official Government of India fee applicable to their chosen service.

In addition, Al Hind Tours & Travels LLC charges a service fee of AED 19, which is inclusive of VAT.

This service charge is separate from the government fee and covers a range of support services that make the application process more convenient.

What Is Included in the AED 19 Service Fee?

The AED 19 service charge includes several value-added services provided at the application centre, such as:

• Assistance with application form filling
• Passport photographs
• Document typing
• Printing services
• Photocopying
• Domestic courier service within the UAE

Having these facilities available at one location reduces the need for applicants to visit multiple service providers before submitting their applications.

The official portal also provides a detailed breakdown of government fees and applicable service charges for different application categories.

Special Walk-In Services

Although appointments are mandatory for most services, the official announcement provides exceptions for certain categories.

The following applications will continue to be accepted on a walk-in, first-come, first-served basis at all ICAC centres:

• Tatkal Passport applications
• Newborn passport cases
• Emergency Certificate (EC) applications
• Senior Citizens aged 60 years and above

These special categories have been given additional flexibility due to their urgent or sensitive nature.

Applicants falling under these categories should still carry all required documents to ensure smooth processing.

Practical Example

Imagine your passport is due to expire within the next six months.

Under the previous system, you may have visited the Indian Consulate directly. Under the new process, the steps are now slightly different.

You would first visit the official appointment portal and select the passport renewal service. After choosing a convenient ICAC location and appointment slot, you would prepare your supporting documents and arrive at the centre about 15 minutes before your scheduled time.

At the centre, trained staff will assist with document verification, application form completion if required, photographs, printing, photocopies, and courier arrangements where applicable. After paying the government fee and the AED 19 service charge, your application will be accepted for further processing by the Indian authorities.

Tips for a Smooth Application Experience

Following a few simple guidelines can save considerable time and effort.

Before visiting an application centre:

• Book your appointment early, especially during busy periods.
• Check the latest document requirements on the official website.
• Select the correct application category while booking.
• Carry original documents along with any required photocopies.
• Keep your appointment confirmation available on your phone or in print.
• Arrive only about 15 minutes before your appointment.
• Ensure your contact information is accurate for updates regarding your application.

Being well prepared helps reduce delays and avoids the need for repeat visits.

Where to Find Official Information

Applicants should always rely on the official Consular Seva UAE portal for accurate and up-to-date information regarding:

• Appointment booking
• Government fees
• Service charges
• Required documents
• Application procedures
• Centre locations
• Latest announcements and operational updates

Since application procedures and documentation requirements may change from time to time, checking the official website before every application is strongly recommended.

Conclusion

The outsourcing of Indian Consular, Passport, Visa, and Attestation services to Al Hind Tours & Travels LLC marks an important modernization of consular services for the Indian community in the UAE. With 16 Indian Consular Application Centres, structured online appointments, extended working hours, and comprehensive customer assistance, the new system is expected to make the application process more accessible and efficient.

While applicants can no longer submit routine applications directly at the Embassy or Consulate, the dedicated ICAC centres offer a streamlined experience with professional support at every stage. Whether you are renewing a passport, applying for attestation services, or handling other consular requirements, understanding the new procedure and planning ahead will help ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.

Important Note: The information in this article is based on the official announcement issued by the Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi, regarding the outsourcing of Indian Consular, Passport, Visa & Attestation services effective from 22 July 2026, including appointment procedures, service timings, fees, and walk-in eligibility.