Indian passport renewal in Abu Dhabi is a straightforward but essential process for residents managing visas, international travel, and employment requirements. All applications are processed through BLS International, the outsourced service provider for the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, and every applicant must complete an online form before submitting documents in person.
- Who Needs to Renew Their Indian Passport in Abu Dhabi?
- Required Documents Before Visiting BLS
- Photo Requirements You Must Follow
- How to Complete the Online Renewal Application
- How to Book and Attend Your BLS Appointment
- Passport Renewal Timelines in Abu Dhabi
- BLS Centre Locations You Can Visit
- Passport Renewal Fees in 2025
- How to Track and Collect Your Passport
- Exceptional Cases That Need Extra Documents
- Key Takeaways
- FAQs
Who needs to renew their Indian passport in Abu Dhabi?
Indian passport renewal applies to thousands of Indian residents across Abu Dhabi every year, whether they are long-term expats, new arrivals, or families preparing documents for travel, visa processing or school admissions. Because many official services in the UAE require a valid passport with sufficient validity, it is essential to begin the renewal process early, especially for those managing job changes, residency updates or upcoming international trips.
Renewal is also required when personal information needs correction or when a passport is too full, damaged, or has been misplaced. Understanding when you qualify for renewal helps avoid last-minute issues, particularly during peak travel seasons or before major holidays.
- Your passport expires within the next six months
- There are fewer than five blank pages
- The passport is damaged, lost or stolen
- You need to update your name, your spouse’s name or your personal details
- You are applying for a minor’s passport or a newborn’s first passport
Indian expats moving between Abu Dhabi neighbourhoods such as Al Najda, Khalifa City, Al Reem Island and Mussafah often refer to tools like Property Finder’s Community Insights when assessing convenience to BLS centres and travel timings before planning their renewal.
Required Documents Before Visiting BLS
Submitting the correct documents is the most essential part of the Indian passport renewal process, as missing papers are the main reason applications get delayed at BLS Centres. Preparing everything in advance not only speeds up your appointment but also helps avoid repeat visits, especially during peak hours or busy travel seasons. Whether you’re renewing for yourself or a child, or updating your personal details, make sure the following documents are ready before you book your slot.
- Original current passport
- Photocopies of the first, last and UAE residence visa pages
- Valid Emirates ID (original + copy)
- Two passport photographs (51 mm x 51 mm) with a white background
- The printed online application form, completed and signed
- Additional documents, depending on your case (minors, adoption, name change, or damaged passport)
Many expats relocating within Abu Dhabi sometimes review nearby communities using the Rent vs Buy Calculator or the Home Value Estimator, especially when planning long-term stays that require valid documentation.
Photo Requirements You Must Follow
Getting the photo right is just as important as filling in the form correctly. The Indian Embassy follows strict biometric and sizing rules, and even minor mistakes in background, lighting, or framing can lead to your application being put on hold.
Before you visit BLS, make sure your photos meet the official specifications below, or have them taken by a professional studio in Abu Dhabi for “Indian passport photos” to avoid rejections and repeat visits.
Your photograph must meet the Embassy’s strict requirements. To avoid rejection:
- Size: 51 mm x 51 mm
- Background: Pure white
- Full face visible, centred, and looking straight into the camera
- No shadows, filters, or editing
- Glasses are avoided unless medically required
- Religious headgear is allowed, but ears and a full face should remain visible.
Incorrect photos are among the most common reasons for BLS delays, so double-check before printing.
How to Complete the Online Renewal Application
Before visiting a BLS Centre, every applicant must complete the renewal form online through the Passport Seva portal. This digital form captures your personal details, passport history and any updates you need to make, so it’s essential to fill it in carefully to avoid processing delays. Once submitted, the printed and signed copy becomes part of the mandatory documents you must carry to your appointment.
- Visit the Passport Seva website and create/log in to your account.
- Choose “Apply for Renewal / Re-issue of Passport”.
- Carefully enter your personal details and current passport information.
- Submit the form online.
- Download, print and sign the completed form.
- Attach one photograph in the designated area.
Indian expats who frequently relocate within Abu Dhabi for work often compare commute times and neighbourhood data using DataGuru before selecting the most convenient time and centre for their BLS appointment.
How to Book and Attend Your BLS Appointment
Once your documents and online form are ready, book an appointment at a BLS International Centre in Abu Dhabi or Al Ain.
What Happens During Your Visit:
- A BLS officer will verify all documents
- Biometrics may be used for specific applications
- Payment of the passport + service fees
- Optional courier service for home delivery
- You receive a receipt with a tracking reference number
Walk-ins are discouraged due to high demand, especially during weekends and school holiday periods.
Passport Renewal Timelines in Abu Dhabi
Processing times for Indian passport renewal in Abu Dhabi are generally fast, but they vary depending on the service you choose and whether additional verification is required. Most applicants receive their passports within a few days, while cases involving name changes, damaged passports, or police verification may take longer. Understanding these timelines helps residents plan, especially when aligning passport validity with visa renewals or upcoming travel.
Standard Processing
- Usually 3–4 working days
- May extend up to 30 days if police verification is required
Tatkaal (Urgent) Processing
- Delivery in approximately one working day
- Not available for specific categories (e.g., major name change cases)
Applicants settling in long-term communities often explore New Projects across Abu Dhabi when planning multi-year stays that require passport renewals aligned with visa renewals.
BLS Centre Locations You Can Visit
Indian citizens in Abu Dhabi can submit their documents at the following locations (always confirm updated addresses on the BLS website):
BLS Abu Dhabi Service Centre
Main hub for passport renewals
Location
It’s located in Eastern Road, Al Nahyan, E25, Abu Dhabi.
Contact Information
Phone: +971 04 387 5667
BLS Al Ain Centre
For applicants living in Al Ain and the surrounding areas
Location
It’s located in AL AIN, Al Khibeesi, Shabhanat Al Khabisi, Abu Dhabi
Contact Information
Phone: +971 04 387 5667
Additional collection centres may open depending on Embassy guidelines
Centres operate throughout the week and follow Embassy-approved schedules.
Passport Renewal Fees in 2025
Renewal costs in Abu Dhabi depend on the booklet size and whether you choose standard or Tatkaal processing. Standard fees suit most applicants, while Tatkaal is for urgent cases at a higher price. BLS service charges and optional courier fees apply in addition to the passport fee.
Estimated Fee Structure (2025)
| Passport Type | Standard Fee (AED) | Tatkaal Fee (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| 36-page booklet | ~285 | ~855 |
| 60-page booklet | ~380 | ~855 |
Fees may change at any time, so it is best to confirm the latest rates through BLS or the Embassy before visiting.
How to track and collect your passport
Once your application is submitted, you can easily monitor its progress through the BLS tracking portal using the reference number printed on your receipt. Applicants also receive SMS or email notifications when the renewed passport is ready. You may collect it directly from the BLS Centre or choose the optional courier service for home delivery, which many expats prefer for convenience.
Exceptional Cases That Need Extra Documents
Certain applicants must provide additional paperwork depending on their circumstances. These cases often require closer review by the Embassy, so preparing the correct documents in advance is essential to avoid delays at BLS.
You may need extra documentation if you fall under the following categories:
- Newborns or minors: birth certificate, parents’ passports, and consent forms
- Lost or damaged passports: a UAE police report and an explanation letter
- Significant name changes: affidavit, supporting documents and required newspaper advertisements
- Adoption or guardianship cases: legal custody papers or court orders
- Single-parent applications: supporting custody documents or no-objection declarations
Providing accurate documentation helps ensure smoother processing, especially for cases that may require police verification or Embassy approval.
Key Takeaways
Indian passport renewal in Abu Dhabi is a structured process managed through BLS International, beginning with an online Passport Seva application and followed by an in-person submission. Standard renewals typically take three to four working days, while Tatkaal offers urgent next-day processing for eligible applicants. Preparing your documents early, ensuring your photos meet Embassy requirements, and using the BLS tracking portal help ensure a smooth experience. Exceptional cases, such as minors, damaged passports, or name changes, may require extra documentation and longer processing times.
For families settling in Abu Dhabi long-term, working with a SuperAgent can help identify communities that offer convenient access to public services, schools, and day-to-day amenities.
FAQs
Renew at least six months before expiry to avoid visa or travel issues.
No, you can’t. The online form must be submitted digitally, but the documents must be submitted in person at a BLS Centre.
Original passport, Emirates ID, online form, photos, and copies of your UAE residence visa pages.
Use the BLS online tracking tool with your reference number.
Tatkaal is an urgent renewal service that offers faster processing for eligible applicants, with an additional fee.
Yes, you can. A new passport photo is required for every renewal, and your appearance will be updated in the system as long as your photo meets Embassy specifications.
Yes, you can. You may renew your passport at any time, especially if you need to update personal details, apply for a longer-validity booklet, or avoid peak travel seasons.
