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Indian expatriates residing in the UAE are set to experience significant changes in passport and consular services starting July 1. These adjustments, which include increased passport fees, the introduction of new consular service providers, and the reimplementation of the Air Suvidha 2.0 health declaration, will affect millions of residents as they plan their documentation and travel. Though these measures have been introduced independently, collectively they represent a pivotal update for the Indian community in the Emirates.
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The first major change involves a significant rise in passport and consular service charges.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India recently published revised schedules for passport and consular fees, effective as of July 1, 2026. This update impacts Indian citizens overseas, including those in the UAE, as Indian diplomatic missions worldwide adhere to this newly established fee structure.
According to the revised schedule, the cost for acquiring or renewing an ordinary passport has surged. The Tatkal passport services, along with various emergency documentation types such as Police Clearance Certificates (PCCs), surrender certificates, and emergency certificates, have also seen increased fees. Officials have indicated that this revision has been made after several years without significant changes in the fee structure, which was published through official MEA notifications to be implemented at embassies and consulates globally.
The second notable change set to impact Indian citizens across the Emirates is the transition to a new outsourced service provider for passport and consular services.
The Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi has announced that starting July 1, Alhind Tours and Travels LLC will take over as the new outsourced operator for passport, visa, and consular services. This change comes as part of a new tendering process, replacing the former providers, BLS International and SGIVS Global (IVS).
This shift will affect thousands of applicants who rely on these outsourced service centres for their documentation needs each month. The Embassy has confirmed that any applications submitted before the transition will still be processed by the previous providers until their completion, while all new applications from the transition date onward will be handled by Alhind.
To ensure smooth service during this transition period, emergency services will continue to be available for applicants in need.
A significant upside to the new partnership is the planned expansion in the number of service centres.
Alhind will operate a total of 16 Indian consular service centres strategically located across all seven Emirates, enhancing accessibility for applicants who need to complete their passport, visa, and consular formalities.
Several of these centres will be established within the Abu Dhabi Emirate in locations such as Al Khalidiya, Al Reem Island, Musaffah, Madinat Zayed, Ghayathi, and Al Ain. Furthermore, additional service facilities will be conveniently located in Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain.
This expanded network aims to benefit the UAE’s vast Indian community by minimizing travel times for those who might have previously needed to travel considerable distances for consular assistance.
The new centres will provide an array of services, including passport applications and renewals, Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) documentation, visa processing, Police Clearance Certificates, document attestation, and other consular support.
In tandem with these documentation changes, international passengers traveling from the UAE to India will also need to comply with updated health requirements.
The Indian authorities are bringing back the Air Suvidha platform, now known as Air Suvidha 2.0, enhancing public health monitoring for international travelers.
This digital platform mandates that passengers complete an online health declaration prior to their travel to India. This updated system, coordinated by health and aviation authorities, aims to streamline health monitoring for inbound international passengers.
Travelers will be required to submit details such as personal information, passport details, their travel itinerary, travel history, destination address in India, and health declarations before their arrival. After submission, they’ll receive an acknowledgment that may be required during travel or upon arrival.
Authorities recommend that travelers complete this declaration ahead of time to avoid any delays in their journey.
While the fee revision, outsourcing shift, and Air Suvidha requirement are technically three separate administrative decisions, their simultaneous implementation means that many Indian residents in the UAE will encounter these updates all together.
Individuals planning to renew their passports during the summer travel season will need to adjust to the new fees, visit the newly designated service centres, and comply with the Air Suvidha health declaration requirement before their journey.
Travel agencies in the UAE are advising passengers to verify appointment processes, required documentation, and applicable fees before proceeding with applications or booking their flights to India.
The Embassy of India urges all applicants to rely exclusively on official announcements regarding appointment systems, fee structures, and service centre information throughout this transition phase.
Similarly, travelers heading to India are advised to fill out the necessary online health declaration using the official Air Suvidha platform and stay updated with announcements from Indian aviation and health authorities.
Officials have also cautioned travelers that processing times may take longer during the first few weeks of the outsourcing transition as the new service network becomes fully operational.
For millions of Indians who continuously navigate life and travel between the UAE and India, the changes effective on July 1 signal more than just routine adjustments; they reshape everyday travel experiences, from passport renewals and obtaining vital consular documents to boarding flights home to reconnect with family. As authorities enhance documentation procedures and international health monitoring, staying informed through official government channels will be crucial for travelers aiming to navigate these changes smoothly and avoid potential travel disruptions during this peak travel season.
Source: The post Millions of Indian Expats Face Higher Passport Fees, New Consular Centres and Mandatory Air Suvidha 2.0 Rules from July 1 first appeared on www.travelandtourworld.com.
