Applying for an Indian passport in the UAE now follows a completely new process. With the launch of 16 Indian Consular Application Centres (ICACs) across the Emirates, applicants no longer need to visit the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the Consulate in Dubai for most passport and consular services. From booking an appointment to paying the fees and collecting your new passport, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the new system.

Step 1: Complete the online application

Start by filling out the passport application on the Passport Seva Portal. If you need assistance, staff at any ICAC centre can help you complete the application form.

Step 2: Book an appointment

Visit the ICAC website to schedule an appointment. Choose your preferred application centre, along with a convenient date and time.

Step 3: Prepare your documents

Before your appointment, make sure you have all the required original documents, passport-sized photographs and supporting paperwork for verification.

Step 4: Visit the ICAC centre

Arrive at your selected ICAC centre on the scheduled date and time. Entry is permitted only 15 minutes before your appointment.

Step 5: Submit your application

Hand over your completed application, required documents and pay the applicable Government of India passport fee along with the ICAC service charge.

Step 6: Keep your acknowledgement receipt

Once your application is accepted, you’ll receive an acknowledgement receipt. Keep it safe, as you’ll need it to track your application and collect your passport.

Step 7: Track your application

You can monitor your passport application through the ICAC website or the Passport Seva Portal using your application reference number.

Step 8: Collect your passport

After processing is complete, you can either collect your passport from your selected ICAC centre or have it delivered to your registered address if you opted for the courier service.

ICAC working hours

All 16 Indian Consular Application Centres across the UAE operate daily from 8am to 6pm.

Passport fees

Applicants must pay the Government of India passport fee, along with a Dh19 service charge (inclusive of VAT).

Passport charges:

• Normal passport: Dh477
• Tatkal (express) passport: Dh927

The Dh19 service fee includes:

• Application form filling
• Passport photographs
• Document typing
• Printing
• Photocopying
• Domestic courier facility

Who can walk in without an appointment?

The following applicants can visit any ICAC centre without prior booking. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis:

• Tatkal (urgent) passport applicants
• Newborn passport applications
• Emergency Certificate (EC) requests
• Senior citizens aged 60 years and above

Where are the new ICAC centres?

The new network includes 16 centres across the UAE, located in:

• Al Danah
• Musaffah
• Al Reem
• Al Ain
• Madinat Zayed
• Ghayathi
• Bur Dubai
• Dubai Investment Park
• Sharjah
• Ajman
• Umm Al Quwain
• Ras Al Khaimah
• Fujairah
• Kalba
• Khor Fakkan

The expanded network is designed to make passport, visa, attestation and other consular services more accessible to the Indian community across the UAE.