Your Indian passport is your most vital document while living abroad. Seeing its pages fill up or its expiration date approach can be stressful. The process seems daunting. The rules feel confusing.

But here is the good news. Renewing your Indian passport in the UAE is a straightforward, well-defined process. This guide will walk you through every single step, fee, and document you need. We will translate the official requirements into simple, actionable advice.

Let us get your passport renewal sorted, quickly and correctly.

Quick Overview

First, let us clear up the most common point of confusion. You do not apply directly at the Indian Embassy or Consulate for a standard passport renewal.

All applications are handled by BLS International, which is the official, outsourced service partner for the Indian missions in the UAE. Think of BLS as the front desk that manages applications, documentation, and biometrics before everything is sent to the Embassy or Consulate for final approval and printing.

• Indian Embassy, Abu Dhabi: Handles applications from the Emirates of Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and the Western Region.
• Indian Consulate, Dubai: Handles applications from the Emirates of Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah.
• BLS International Service Centers: These are the offices you will physically visit or use for courier services. They are located in Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, and other key locations.

Where to Apply (BLS Centers & Mission Jurisdiction)

Applying at the correct jurisdiction is the most critical first step. Getting this wrong will mean your application is rejected at the center. Your jurisdiction is determined by the Emirate you reside in, which is proven by your UAE residence visa.

Here is a simple table to clarify where you belong.

Important Note: While you can submit your application at any BLS center within your mission’s jurisdiction, it is always best to check the latest list and timings on the official BLS UAE website for passport services. Some centers may have specific operating hours or require pre-booked appointments.

Fees (2025 Snapshot) — Normal vs Tatkal

Passport renewal fees are not a single amount. They are a combination of the Indian government’s passport fee, a welfare fund, and the service charge from BLS. All fees are in UAE Dirhams (AED).

The following table provides a clear breakdown of the renewal fees of Indian passport for a standard 36-page booklet. Always verify the latest fees on the official BLS fee table page before you apply.

ICWF: Indian Community Welfare Fund

What does this mean for you? The fees for renewal of Indian passport are predictable. When you budget for your renewal, use the “Total Indicative Fee” column as your guide. The Tatkal fee is essentially double the government fee for a faster processing time, which we will discuss next.

Processing Time (Indicative)

Time is precious, and knowing when to expect your new passport is crucial. The timeline depends heavily on whether you apply under the Normal or Tatkal scheme.

• Normal Application: Generally takes 10 to 15 working days from the date your application is accepted at the BLS center. This does not include time for courier delivery.
• Tatkal Application: Aims for 5 to 7 working days from acceptance. However, approval for Tatkal is at the discretion of the Consulate or Embassy and is not guaranteed for every scenario.

I recently helped a friend track his application. It was a normal renewal submitted in Dubai. The entire process, from BLS submission to the new passport arriving at his door in Sharjah, took exactly 12 working days. Public holidays in either the UAE or India can add to this timeline.

Step-by-Step Renewal Process (UAE)

This is the core of the guide. Follow these steps meticulously for a smooth renewal experience.

Step 1 — Fill Passport Seva Application (Outside India)

Your journey begins online. You must fill out the application form on the official Passport Seva portal, but you need to select the “Outside India” option.

1. Go to the Passport Seva Online Portal.
2. Click on “Apply Outside India” and register for a new account.
3. Log in and select “Re-issue of Passport.” You select “Re-issue” for any of these reasons:
   • Your passport has expired or is about to expire within the next three years.
   • Your passport pages are fully used.
   • Your passport is damaged or lost.
   • You need to change personal particulars like your name, date of birth, or address.
   • Your ECR status needs to be changed.

Fill the form with extreme care. Any discrepancy between your application and your original documents will cause delays. Review every field twice before submitting. At the end, you will get an Application Reference Number (ARN). Write this number down. It is your key to tracking the application.

Step 2 — Book BLS Appointment

Once your form is submitted online, the next step is to book an appointment at your chosen BLS center. Slots are released periodically on the BLS website.

• Go to the BLS UAE Appointments page.
• Select your mission (Dubai or Abu Dhabi) and the service you need.
• Choose a date and time that works for you.

A little-known tip is that BLS also offers premium, “walk-in” services where you can visit without a pre-booked appointment for an additional fee. If you are in a genuine rush, this can be a time-saver, but it comes at an extra cost.

Step 3 — Prepare Documents (Generic Set)

This is where most applicants make small but costly mistakes. Prepare a file with all the following documents the night before your appointment.

• Your current original passport.
• A photocopy of your passport’s first two pages and last two pages.
• A photocopy of your UAE residence visa.
• Two recent passport-size photographs. The specs are critical: 2-inch x 2-inch (51mm x 51mm), white background, 80% face coverage, no glasses, no headgear unless for religious reasons.
• The printed copy of your online application form (it will have a barcode).
• The original Emirates ID and a copy of it.

If your application is for a change of name, address, or other details, you will need supporting documents like a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or address proof. We will cover special cases later.

Step 4 — Visit BLS Center

On the day of your appointment, arrive a few minutes early. Bring your complete document file and the application fee in AED.

At the center, a BLS executive will check your documents for completeness. They will collect the fees and perform biometrics, which includes taking your fingerprints and a digital photograph. The entire process at the center usually takes between 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the crowd. Once everything is verified, you will receive a payment receipt. This receipt has your unique tracking number.

Step 5 — Track & Receive

The waiting game begins, but you are not in the dark. Use the tracking number on your BLS receipt on the BLS website tracking page to see the status of your application. The status will change from “Received at BLS” to “In Transit to Mission” to “Under Process at Mission” and finally to “In Transit to BLS.”

Once it is dispatched, you can either wait for the courier delivery to your registered address or, if you selected self-collection, pick it up from the BLS center. The courier service is typically included in the BLS fee.

Photo & Form Specs (Quick Checklist)

A rejected photo is one of the most common reasons for application holdups. Do not let a simple photo delay your renewal.

• Size: 2 inches x 2 inches (51 mm x 51 mm).
• Background: Plain white, with no patterns or shadows.
• Expression: Neutral, with both eyes open and mouth closed.
• Glasses: Not permitted unless for medical reasons (requires a certificate).
• Headgear: Only allowed for religious reasons, and it must not cast a shadow on the face.

For the form, ensure all information matches your supporting documents. The name on your application must match the name on your visa and current passport exactly.

Special Cases & Documents

Your situation might not be a simple renewal. The process adapts for special circumstances, but it requires extra paperwork.

Tatkal in UAE — What to Know

The word “Tatkal” means “immediate.” In the UAE context, it is a faster processing track, but it is not available for everyone or every situation.

• Eligibility: Tatkal is granted at the sole discretion of the Embassy or Consulate. It is generally intended for genuine emergencies like critical medical travel, a death in the family, or urgent business travel. You may be asked to provide proof of the emergency.
• Fee: As shown in the fee table, the Tatkal fee is significantly higher than the normal fee.
• Processing Time: While the aim is 5-7 working days, it is not an absolute guarantee. Always build in a buffer for unexpected delays.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

I have seen these simple errors cause weeks of delay. Avoid them.

• Ignoring Jurisdiction: Applying at a center under the wrong mission because it is more convenient. Your application will be rejected.
• Using the Wrong Photo: A colored background, incorrect size, or wearing glasses will get your photo rejected.
• Missing Self-Attestation: Forgetting to sign copies of your documents where required.
• Outdated Visa Copy: Submitting a copy of an old visa when you have a renewed one. Your visa must be valid.
• Booking the Wrong Appointment: Selecting a “normal” appointment slot when you intend to apply under the Tatkal scheme, or vice-versa.

FAQs

1. Can I renew my passport directly at the Indian Embassy UAE?

No. For standard passport re-issue services, you must apply through the designated channel, which is BLS International Service Centers.

2. What is the Tatkal passport fee in Dubai?

For an adult 36-page passport, the total indicative Tatkal passport fee in Dubai is approximately 425 AED. This includes all government and service charges.

3. How early should I renew my passport in UAE?

You can renew your passport up to three years before its expiry date. It is highly advisable to renew it at least one year in advance to avoid any last-minute issues with travel or visa renewals.

4. Can I apply from Sharjah if I live in Dubai?

Yes. Since both Dubai and Sharjah fall under the jurisdiction of the Indian Consulate in Dubai, you can apply at any BLS center under that mission, including the one in Sharjah.

5. What happens if my UAE visa expires before renewal?

You must have a valid UAE residence visa to renew your passport. If your visa is expiring soon, it is best to first renew your visa and then apply for passport renewal.

6. My passport has expired. Can I still renew it in the UAE?

Yes, you can. The process for renewing an expired passport is the same. There are no additional penalties for an expired passport.

7. Do I need to surrender my old passport?

Yes. When you collect your new passport, the BLS official will stamp your old passport as “Cancelled” and return it to you along with the new one.

8. What is the difference between re-issue and renewal?

In practical terms, they are used interchangeably in this context. The Passport Seva portal uses “Re-issue” for all scenarios where a new passport is being issued, including renewal after expiry.

9. How can I track my passport application?

You can track your application status 24/7 using the tracking number on your BLS payment receipt on the BLS UAE website tracking page.

10. What should I do after I receive my new passport?

The most critical next step is to transfer your UAE residence visa from your old passport to the new one. You must do this through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in your Emirate.

Comparison — Renewing in UAE vs India

Many people wonder if it is better or cheaper to renew their passport during a trip to India. While it is possible, renewing in the UAE is often more convenient for residents.

Conclusion

Renewing your Indian passport in the UAE is a systematic process. The key to a stress-free experience is preparation. Double-check your jurisdiction, gather your documents meticulously, fill the online form accurately, and follow the steps we have outlined.

Your new passport is the key to your identity and travel freedom. By following this guide, you have taken the first and most important step towards securing it smoothly.