How to Renew Indian Passport in United Arab Emirates: Step by Step Process

You’re in Dubai and randomly checking your passport, realizes that it is expiring shortly.

Panic alert! How do you renew your passport from the UAE?

How long does this actually take? Where exactly do I go? What if I mess something up?

Here's the good news: The passport renewal process in UAE has become much smoother since the Passport Seva system was introduced.

But there are still some gotchas that can delay your application by weeks if you're not careful.

By the end of this guide, you'll know:

• Exactly when you should start the renewal process (hint: earlier than you think)
• Whether you can get it done in Dubai if you live in Abu Dhabi (spoiler: it's complicated)
• How to avoid the most common mistakes that delay applications
• The real timeline for different types of applications
• Smart strategies to get appointments when they're fully booked

Let's jump in.

First Things First: Do You Actually Need to Renew Right Now?

Before we get into the process, let's figure out if you're in the "urgent" category or if you have some breathing room.

You should renew immediately if:

• Your passport expires within 6 months
• You have less than 2 blank pages left (many countries won't let you in)
• Your passport has already expired (this gets complicated)

You can plan and renew when convenient if:

• Your passport expires in 6-12 months
• You have pages but want the new 60-page booklet
• You need to update details (address, add spouse name, etc.)

Indian passports can be renewed within one year before the date of expiry or if less than 10 pages remain for stamping visas.

👉 Pro Tip: Don't wait until the last minute. I recommend starting the renewal process when your passport has 8-10 months left. This gives you flexibility and avoids the stress of urgent applications.

The Real Timeline: How Long Does This Actually Take?

Let me give you the realistic timeline, not the official one:

Standard Process:

• Online form + appointment booking: 1-3 hours (if appointments available)
• Document preparation: 1-2 days (getting photos, copies, etc.)
• BLS center visit: 2-4 hours (including travel and waiting)
• Processing by Embassy/Consulate: 5 working days
• Courier delivery: 1-2 days

Total realistic timeline: 10-12 working days

Tatkal (Urgent) Process:

• Same initial steps
• Processing: 2 working days minimum
• Total: 5-7 working days

What Can Delay You:

• No appointment slots available (add 1-2 weeks)
• Incorrect documents (restart process)
• Name changes or corrections (add 2-3 weeks)
• Court cases or police verification needed (add 4-6 weeks)

Real story: My friend Priya in Sharjah applied for standard renewal on a Monday. Her passport was delivered the following Thursday - 9 working days total. But she had all the documents ready and got a same-day appointment.

How Much Will This Cost You?

Here's the complete fee breakdown for 2024:

Additional charges:

• BLS Service fee: AED 9
• Indian Community Welfare Fund: AED 8
• SMS tracking: AED 3
• Courier: AED 25 (usually included)

👉 Money-saving tip: The 60-page passport costs only AED 95 more but lasts much longer if you travel frequently. Go for it.

The Appointment Dilemma: Getting That Precious Slot

This is where most people get stuck. Appointments are required to use Premium Lounge services, and regular appointments often book out weeks in advance.

Smart Appointment Strategies:

1. Check Multiple Time Slots The booking system releases slots at different times. Try:

• 12:01 AM UAE time (system refreshes)
• 6:00 AM (cancelled appointments get released)
• Random times during the day (people cancel)

2. Consider All Locations Don't limit yourself to the closest center. If your UAE residence visa has been issued in Abu Dhabi and you want to present your application to BLS centers in Dubai, you might have to submit additional documents. But it might be worth it for faster service.

3. Premium Lounge Option If you're desperate: Premium Lounge service costs an additional AED 236.25 (including VAT) but guarantees personalized service and shorter queues.

4. Walk-in for Tatkal Any regular BLS center accepts walk-in submissions for Tatkal applications. You'll pay more, but you can get it done immediately.

Where Exactly Do You Go? (This Gets Confusing)

The UAE has multiple BLS centers, but which one you use depends on where your visa was issued, not where you live.

• Important: If your visa was issued in one emirate but you want to apply in another, you'll need additional documents like tenancy contract or employer letter.

👉 Smart tip: Call the BLS helpline (Abu Dhabi: 04 387 5667, Dubai: 04 387 5777) to confirm which center can serve you before booking appointments.

Documents You Actually Need (Not Just What Websites Say)

Let me give you the realistic document checklist:

For Standard Adult Renewal:

Must Have (No exceptions):

• Current passport (original)
• 2 recent photos, 51mm x 51mm, white background
• Valid UAE residence visa
• Emirates ID (both sides copy)
• Filled application form (more on this below)

Often Required (Bring just in case):

• Salary certificate
• Tenancy contract (if applying outside your visa emirate)
• Marriage certificate (if adding spouse name)
• Birth certificate (if making corrections)

Photo Requirements (This Trips Up Many People):

It is advised to take photos at BLS centers as majority of photos taken from outside are rejected.

Seriously. Don't risk it. Just get photos done at the BLS center. It costs AED 10 but saves you from rejection and rescheduling.

The Online Form: How to Avoid Common Mistakes

You start the process at https://embassy.passportindia.gov.in/ — the official Passport Seva portal.

Step-by-Step Without the Confusion:

1. Create Account

• Select "Africa and Middle East" > "United Arab Emirates"
• Use the same email you'll use for tracking
• Password must be complex (they're strict about this)

2. Fill Application

• Double-check every single detail
• Use EXACTLY the same spelling as in your current passport
• All signatures must be in dark ballpoint pen and signed in presence of BLS officer (don't sign the form yet!)

3. Book Appointment

• Print the application BEFORE booking appointment
• Booking is completely free — avoid third parties
• Confirmation might go to spam folder

👉 Critical mistake to avoid: Don't sign the application form at home. Signatures are required to be affixed before the Submission Officer of BLS.

What Happens at the BLS Center

Here's what actually happens when you show up:

Token System:

• Arrive 15 minutes before appointment time
• Token machines usually stop issuing 30 minutes before closing
• Bring phone charger — you might wait

Document Check:

• Officer verifies originals against copies
• Takes biometrics (fingerprints, photo if needed)
• Reviews form for completeness

Payment:

• Cash or card accepted at most centers
• Get receipt for tracking
• SMS notifications start immediately

Collection:

• Passport delivered by courier to your address
• If you miss courier, collect from Al Khaleej (Dubai) or Shams Boutik (Abu Dhabi)
• Evening collection timings: 5:30-6:30 PM

Special Situations That Complicate Things

If Your Passport Has Already Expired:

Passport expired for more than 6 months up to 5 years should be supported by a request letter explaining circumstances and reasons for late renewal.

Write a simple letter explaining why you delayed (COVID, job change, forgot, etc.). Be honest.

If You Need Name Changes:

Any correction or change in name, spouse name endorsement or address change requires documentary evidence.

This can trigger police verification in India, adding 4-6 weeks to processing time.

For Children Under 18:

If your child is below age 12, you need to visit BLS Centre in Deira, as Khaleej Centre is not accepting applications for minors.

Both parents must be present with original passports.

If You Have Court Cases:

Applicants with pending court cases in India or Dubai are only eligible for Short Validity Passport (SVP).

This is a restricted passport valid for limited travel.

Tracking Your Application (Stay Sane During the Wait)

You'll get multiple ways to track:

1. SMS updates (if you paid AED 3)
2. BLS website tracking using reference number
3. Phone calls to BLS helpline (prepare to wait)

Application stages you'll see:

• "Under Process at Mission" (Embassy/Consulate)
• "Passport Dispatched"
• "Out for Delivery"

Don't panic if it stays in one stage for 2-3 days. That's normal.

Smart Strategies for Busy Professionals

The Premium Lounge Route:

If you value time over money, Premium Lounge offers dedicated service with individual attention, avoiding long queues.

Worth it if:

• You can't take time off during regular hours
• You're submitting complex applications
• You want form-filling assistance

The Community Center Hack:

BLS centers at Indian associations (KMCC, Indian Relief Committee) often have shorter queues than main centers.

The Early Bird Advantage:

First appointments of the day (8:00 AM) usually have minimal waiting time.

Common Mistakes That Add Weeks to Your Process

Mistake 1: Wrong Jurisdiction

Applying at Dubai center with Abu Dhabi visa without proper documents. Fix: Bring tenancy contract or employer letter.

Mistake 2: Incorrect Photos

Using photos from local studios that don't meet exact specs. Fix: Get photos at BLS center for AED 10.

Mistake 3: Incomplete Forms

Missing signatures or incorrect details. Fix: Double-check everything before printing.

Mistake 4: No Backup Plan

Booking only one appointment slot. Fix: Be ready to travel to other emirates if needed.

If Something Goes Wrong

Application Rejected:

• Check rejection reason carefully
• Gather correct documents
• Reapply (full fee required again)

Courier Issues:

• Track using AWB number provided
• Call courier company directly
• Backup collection available at BLS centers

Embassy Processing Delays:

• Contact BLS helpline first
• Escalate to Embassy only if BLS can't help
• Keep all receipts and reference numbers

Your Action Plan: What to Do Next

If your passport expires in less than 3 months:

1. Check appointment availability today
2. Gather all documents this weekend
3. Consider Tatkal if regular appointments full
4. Don't travel internationally until renewed

If you have 3-8 months left:

1. Book regular appointment at convenient time
2. Prepare documents leisurely
3. Consider 60-page booklet if you travel frequently

If you have 8+ months:

1. Wait for appointment availability to improve
2. Use time to gather any special documents needed
3. Consider bundling with spouse/children renewals

Tools to Make This Easier

• Residential Status Calculator: Check your resident status before traveling back to India
• NRI Compliance Compass: Ensure all your documentation is in order
• NRI Tax Filing Service: Professional help if your renewal delay affects tax filing

Bottom Line

Renewing your Indian passport in UAE is straightforward if you plan ahead and avoid common mistakes. The key is understanding the system rather than fighting it.

Most important takeaways:

• Start renewal when passport has 8-10 months left
• Get photos at BLS center to avoid rejection
• Book appointments early morning for shorter queues
• Keep tracking numbers and receipts safe
• Don't panic if processing takes the full timeline

Remember: thousands of Indians successfully renew their passports in UAE every month. You've got this.

Need help with the complex stuff? If you're dealing with name changes, court cases, or other complications, consider getting professional help to avoid costly mistakes and delays.

Disclaimer: Passport renewal procedures can change. Always verify current requirements on official BLS and Embassy websites before submitting your application.

Sources:

• BLS International UAE Official Website
• Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi
• Consulate General of India, Dubai
• Passport Seva Portal