Life in Saudi Arabia moves at its own pace. The call to prayer, the hum of the city, the rhythm of your work week. But there’s one thing that waits for no one. The expiry date on your Indian passport. That little blue book is your identity here. It is tied to your Iqama, your job, your ability to travel home. Letting it expire is not an option.

I remember a project manager in Riyadh. His passport had three months left. He thought that was plenty of time. Then he discovered the appointment wait. Then a small error in his online form. What he thought was a simple task turned into a stressful race against the clock.

It does not have to be that way. Renewing your Indian passport from Saudi Arabia is a clear, step-by-step process. It is designed to be followed. This guide will walk you through every single part. We will cover the online form, the VFS appointment, the exact documents you need, and what to do in special cases. Whether you are in Riyadh, Jeddah, or Dammam, the path is the same.

Your renewal is processed by the Embassy of India in Riyadh or the Consulate General of India in Jeddah. But you do not go directly to them. You work through their official partner, VFS Global. Think of VFS as the helpful service desk that handles all the paperwork and appointments for the Embassy and Consulate.

Let’s get started. Your new passport awaits.

Indian Missions Handling Passport Services in Saudi Arabia

First, know who is in charge. Saudi Arabia is divided into two jurisdictions for Indian passport services.

If you live in Riyadh, Qassim, or the Eastern Province (like Dammam), your application is handled by the Embassy of India, Riyadh.

If you live in Jeddah, Makkah, or Madinah, your application is handled by the Consulate General of India, Jeddah.

This is important when you fill the online form. You must select the correct mission. But for you, the applicant, the process is identical. You will interact with VFS Global. They have centers in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam where you will submit your papers.

Who Can Renew an Indian Passport in Saudi Arabia?

If you are an Indian citizen living in Saudi Arabia, you can apply. You must have a valid Iqama. This is non-negotiable. Your Iqama is proof of your legal residency. It is the key document.

This applies to working professionals, students, housewives, and children. You can renew if your passport is about to expire. You can also renew if it has already expired. Even if your passport is damaged or lost, you can apply for a re issue.

When Should You Renew Your Indian Passport?

Do not wait for the last minute. You can apply for renewal up to one year before your passport expires. This is the smartest move.

Why so early? Because your passport expiry is linked to your Iqama renewal. An expired passport can block your Iqama renewal. That can affect your job, your bank account, everything. Renewing early keeps everything smooth.

You should also renew if your passport has no blank pages left. Or if it is damaged. Or if you have changed your name after marriage.

Step-by-Step Process to Renew Indian Passport in Saudi Arabia

Let’s break down the entire journey into three clear steps.

Step 1: Fill Online Application on Passport Seva

This is where it all begins. On your computer or phone, go to the Passport Seva Online Portal for Indians Abroad. This is the only official website.

Take a deep breath. Go slowly. Create a new user account if you do not have one. Use an email you check often.

Log in and click ‘Apply for Fresh Passport/Re issue’. The system will ask you to select your country. Choose Saudi Arabia. Then, you must choose your correct mission: Riyadh or Jeddah. This depends on where you live, as we discussed.

Now, fill the form. This is the most critical part. You must type every detail exactly as it appears in your current passport. Your name, your parents’ names, your date of birth. A single letter mistake can cause a major delay. Double check every field.

You will enter your Saudi address as on your Iqama. The form will ask you to upload a digital photo. The rules are strict. We will talk about photos soon. If you are unsure, you can skip this. You will bring physical photos to your appointment.

Finally, submit the form. You will get an Application Reference Number (ARN). Write this number down. It is your tracking ID. Print the completed application form. Print two copies. Sign them where indicated.

Step 2: Book VFS Appointment in Saudi Arabia

Your online form is done. Now, you need to book an appointment to submit it.

Go to the VFS Global website for India passport services in Saudi Arabia. Select your city: Riyadh, Jeddah, or Dammam.

You will see a calendar. Choose an available date and time for your appointment. During busy periods, slots can fill up weeks in advance. Book as soon as you have your documents ready.

You will pay a VFS service fee online when you book. This is separate from the passport fee. Print the appointment confirmation slip. You must bring this with you.

Step 3: Visit VFS Centre for Submission

Appointment day arrives. You go to the VFS centre with your folder of documents. You have everything printed, signed, and organized.

At the centre, you take a token and wait. When your number is called, you go to the counter. The VFS officer will check every single document. They will compare your originals to your copies. They will verify your Iqama is valid. If everything is perfect, they proceed.

They will capture your biometrics. This means scanning your fingerprints and taking a digital photograph.

Then, you will pay the passport fee. You can pay in Saudi Riyals. You will get a payment receipt with a file number. Keep this receipt safe. You need it to track your application.

That’s it. You leave the centre. Your job is done. The VFS will send your application to the Embassy or Consulate for processing.

Documents Required for Indian Passport Renewal in Saudi Arabia

Gathering your documents is the most important task. Here is your checklist. Missing one item means a wasted trip to VFS.

Mandatory Documents for Everyone:

• Your current original passport.
• A clear photocopy of your passport’s first two pages and last page. Also copy any page with a Saudi visa or exit stamp.
• Your original, valid Iqama. Plus a clear photocopy of the front and back.
• The two printed and signed application forms from Passport Seva.
• Your printed VFS appointment confirmation slip.
• Two recent passport photographs.

Additional Documents (If Applicable):

• For a name change after marriage: Your original marriage certificate and a copy.
• For a lost passport: A police report from Saudi authorities.
• For a minor’s passport: The child’s original birth certificate, copies of both parents’ passports and Iqamas, and a consent form from both parents.

Organize these in a plastic folder. Place originals and their copies together. Being neat helps the officer and speeds up your appointment.

Photo Specifications (Very Important)

The photo is a small thing that causes big problems. The Indian government has very strict rules.

Your passport photo must be 2 inches by 2 inches (51 mm x 51 mm). The background must be plain white. No off-white, no cream, no patterns. Just bright white.

Your face should fill about 70-80% of the photo. Look directly at the camera. A neutral expression is best. No smiling. Both eyes must be open and clearly visible.

If you wear glasses, you can keep them on. But there must be no glare on the lenses. No tinted glasses. Headgear is only allowed for religious reasons, and your face must still be fully visible.

For the digital upload, the file should be a JPEG between 10 KB and 300 KB. The two physical photos must be identical. Print them on high quality, matte photo paper.

My strong advice. Go to a professional photo studio in your city. Tell them you need an Indian passport photo with a white background. Show them the rules. It is worth the small fee to avoid rejection.

Indian Passport Renewal Fees in Saudi Arabia (SAR)

You will pay two main fees.

1. The passport fee to the Government of India.
2. The VFS service fee.

Fees change, so always check the VFS website for the latest amounts. Here is an approximate guide in Saudi Riyals (SAR):

• Normal Adult Passport (36 pages): Around 240 SAR (passport fee) + VFS service fee.
• Tatkal (Urgent) Adult Passport: A significantly higher fee, around 700-800 SAR + VFS fee.
• Minor’s Passport: A lower fee, around 155 SAR + VFS fee.

You pay the VFS fee online when you book your appointment. You pay the passport fee in cash or by card at the VFS centre.

Processing Time for Indian Passport Renewal in Saudi Arabia

Now, you wait. Patience is key.

For normal applications, the processing time is typically 4 to 6 weeks from your VFS appointment date.

For Tatkal (urgent) applications, the processing time is about 7 to 10 working days. Tatkal is not guaranteed for everyone. The Embassy decides based on your case.

If your application needs police verification in India, it will take much longer. This is rare for straightforward renewals but can happen.

Tatkal Passport Renewal Service in Saudi Arabia

Tatkal is for genuine emergencies. Maybe you have a family emergency and need to travel immediately. Maybe your Iqama renewal is stuck because of your passport.

Tatkal costs more. It also requires you to provide proof of urgency, like a flight ticket or a medical certificate. The final decision rests with the Embassy or Consulate. They can deny Tatkal if they do not see a sufficient reason.

Do not rely on Tatkal for simple convenience. Plan ahead and use the normal service.

Renewing an Expired Indian Passport in Saudi Arabia

Yes, you can renew an expired passport. The process is exactly the same. Do not panic if your passport has already expired.

However, an expired passport can complicate your legal status. Your employer might have issues renewing your Iqama. It is much better to renew early and avoid this situation entirely.

Indian Passport Renewal for Minors & Family Members

Renewing a child’s passport has one crucial extra step: both parents must give consent.

The best way is for both parents to go to the VFS appointment together. They must bring their own passports and Iqamas. They also need the child’s original birth certificate.

If one parent cannot attend, they must provide a notarized consent letter. This letter must be signed in front of a notary public. You must bring this letter to the appointment.

For a newborn’s first passport, you need the birth certificate and a “No Objection Certificate” from the other parent.

Tracking Indian Passport Renewal Application Status

After your appointment, you can track your application online. Use the “Track Application Status” feature on the Passport Seva portal. Enter your ARN number. You can also track on the VFS website with the file number from your receipt.

The status will update slowly. It might say “Under Process” for several weeks. This is normal. Do not worry. When it changes to “Printed” and then “Dispatched”, your passport is almost ready.

Changing Details While Renewing Passport

Renewal is the perfect time to update your information.

• Change of Address: Provide a new proof of address in Saudi Arabia.
• Adding Spouse Name: Provide your original marriage certificate.
• Major Appearance Change: If you look very different from your old photo, you may need to provide a brief explanation.

Have the supporting documents ready and provide copies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Let’s learn from others’ errors.

• Wrong Mission Selection: Choosing Riyadh when you live in Jeddah’s jurisdiction.
• Expired Iqama: Your Iqama must be valid on the day of your VFS appointment.
• Photo Mistakes: The number one reason for rejection. Wrong background, wrong size, smiling.
• Typographical Errors: A misspelled name or wrong date of birth on the online form.
• Missing Signatures: Forgetting to sign the application form or the photocopies.

Conclusion

Renewing your Indian passport from Saudi Arabia is a systematic process. It feels complicated only when you are looking at the whole picture at once. When you break it down into steps, it becomes simple.

Start early. Fill the online form with extreme care. Use a checklist to gather your documents. Book your VFS appointment. Then, follow through.

Your passport is more than a travel document here. It is part of your legal identity. Renewing it on time is one of the most important things you can do for your peace of mind in Saudi Arabia.

You have the map. Follow it, and you will have your new passport in hand, ready for whatever comes next.

FAQ

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