Four Indian Consular Application Centres in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah stopped accepting applications on 22 October 2026. The Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi announced the changes as part of the transition to Al Hind Tours & Travels. Indian residents can continue to access passport, visa, attestation and other consular services at 12 designated centres across the UAE.
- Location: UAE
- Organisation: Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi
- Effective date: 22 October 2026
- Who is affected: Indian expats applying for passports, visas and consular services
- Service provider: Al Hind Tours & Travels
- What’s next: Applicants should check their designated centre and passport collection arrangements before travelling.
Indian passport services in the UAE have changed, with four consular application centres closing for new applications from 22 October 2026. The Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi announced the update, confirming that Indian expats can continue to access consular services through 12 designated centres across the country.
The affected locations are Musaffah and Al Reem in Abu Dhabi, Dubai Investment Park I in Dubai, and Al Majaz in Sharjah. The changes form part of the transition to Al Hind Tours & Travels, which handles outsourced Indian consular services in the UAE.
Applicants should note that closing an application centre does not necessarily mean passport collection has stopped at that location. Separate arrangements apply to certain centres, so residents with pending applications should check where to collect their documents before making a trip.
Which four Indian consular centres have closed?
The Embassy of India confirmed that the following four centres stopped accepting consular applications from 22 October 2026.
| Closed centre | Previous location |
|---|---|
| Musaffah, Abu Dhabi | Capital Mall, Mohammed Bin Zayed City |
| Al Reem, Abu Dhabi | Wafra Square Offices, Al Reem Island |
| Dubai Investment Park I | Bayan Dubai Investment Park I, Green Community Village |
| Al Majaz, Sharjah | Bell Rashid Towers, Al Majaz 1 |
Applicants who previously visited these branches for passport renewals, visa applications or document attestation should now use one of the designated operational centres.
Where can Indian expats access passport services in the UAE?
The remaining 12 Indian Consular Application Centres cover Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Al Dhafra, Dubai and the Northern Emirates. Here is the updated list of locations.
Abu Dhabi and Al Dhafra
- Al Danah, Abu Dhabi: Al Ghaith Tower, 1205 Hamdan Bin Mohammed Street, Al Danah, Zone 1.
- Al Ain: Building 14, Street 1, 163 Abdullah Bin Dhahir Al Muhairi Street, Al Khibeesi.
- Madinat Zayed, Al Dhafra: Building 55, Madinat Zayed, Bada Zayed.
- Ghayathi: Office G15-16, Ghayathi Mall, Al Dhafra Region.
Dubai and the Northern Emirates
- Bur Dubai: UW Mall, Al Mankhool, Khalid Bin Al Waleed Road, 317, 11B Street.
- Sharjah: Indian Association Building, Al Estiqlal Street, Al Manakh, Hay Al Qasimiah.
- Ajman: Indian Association Ajman, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Road, Al Jerf Industrial 3.
- Umm Al Quwain: Indian Association, Al Neefah, Al Ramlah 2.
- Ras Al Khaimah: Indian Relief Committee, Al Mamourah Road, Al Mamourah.
- Fujairah: Indian Social Club, Al Faseel.
- Kalba: Indian Social & Cultural Club, Al Taraif 5, Kalba.
- Khor Fakkan: Room 203, Bridi 670 Zarouni Building, Sheikh Khalid Road.
Indian residents should confirm the address and appointment details before travelling, particularly if they previously used one of the closed centres.
Can applicants still collect passports from the closed centres?
Yes, but only under specific arrangements. Al Hind Tours & Travels issued a follow-up advisory on 23 October confirming that passport collection remains available at three of the closed locations: Musaffah, Dubai Investment Park I and Al Majaz.
However, these centres are not accepting new applications. Their remaining passport collection counters are separate from the application submission service.
Applicants whose passports were due for collection at Al Reem must collect them from the Al Danah centre in Abu Dhabi instead. Those who selected courier delivery should receive their passports through the designated courier service.
Anyone with a pending passport application should check the latest collection instructions before visiting a centre. This is particularly important for residents who have already received a collection notification for one of the affected branches.
How can applicants book appointments and check service charges?
The Embassy of India directs applicants to the Consular Seva in UAE appointment portal to book appointments for passport, visa and other consular services.
According to the Embassy’s published guidance:
- Service hours: 8am to 6pm at the designated application centres.
- Appointment slots: Released at 9am and 9pm daily.
- Entry: Applicants should arrive no earlier than 15 minutes before their appointment.
- Service charge: Al Hind’s published charge is AED 19, inclusive of VAT, in addition to the applicable Government of India fees.
The AED 19 charge covers ancillary services such as form-filling assistance, photographs, typing, printing, photocopying and domestic courier services. Applicants should check the current government fees for their specific service, as the total cost varies by application type.
The Embassy has also clarified that routine outsourced consular services are no longer provided at its Abu Dhabi premises or at the Consulate General of India in Dubai. Applicants should therefore use the designated application centres rather than visiting either mission for routine submissions.
Why it matters for Indian expats in the UAE
The closure of four centres means some residents may need to travel farther to submit applications or complete consular formalities. Dubai now has one designated application centre in Bur Dubai, making it particularly important for residents who previously relied on the Dubai Investment Park branch to plan their visits.
The changes also affect applicants with pending passport collections. While collection remains available at three closed locations, Al Reem applicants must use Al Danah instead.
The Embassy’s appointment system and the remaining centres will continue to serve Indian residents across the UAE. Checking the latest official guidance before travelling can help applicants avoid unnecessary visits and confusion over where to submit or collect documents.
FAQs
1. How many Indian passport service centres are open in the UAE?
There are 12 designated Indian Consular Application Centres operating across the UAE following the closure of four centres on 22 October 2026.
2. Which Indian passport centres have closed in the UAE?
The closed centres are Musaffah and Al Reem in Abu Dhabi, Dubai Investment Park I in Dubai, and Al Majaz in Sharjah.
3. Can Indian expats collect passports from the closed centres?
Passport collection remains available at Musaffah, Dubai Investment Park I and Al Majaz under separate arrangements. Passports previously assigned for collection at Al Reem must be collected from Al Danah.
4. How can Indian residents book a passport appointment in the UAE?
Applicants can use the Consular Seva in UAE appointment portal. The Embassy’s published guidance states that appointment slots are released at 9 am and 9 pm daily.
5. How much is the Indian consular service charge in the UAE?
Al Hind Tours & Travels lists a service charge of AED 19, inclusive of VAT, in addition to applicable Government of India fees. The total cost depends on the service requested.
What Indian expats should do next
Indian residents should check the updated list of operational centres, confirm their appointment and review any passport collection instructions before travelling. Those with applications already in progress should pay particular attention to the arrangements at the four closed locations.
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