Indian Embassy UAE Pauses Visa and Passport Appointments Until June 30, 2026

Thousands of applicants in the United Arab Emirates are facing a temporary disruption in consular services after the Indian Embassy announced a pause in regular passport, visa, and attestation appointments. The suspension, which runs from June 26 to June 30, 2026, is part of a planned transition to a new outsourced service provider that will handle Indian consular services across the UAE from July 1 onward.

The announcement affects Indian nationals and foreign applicants who rely on the embassy and consulate network for visa processing, passport renewals, and document attestation services. While routine appointments have been temporarily halted, emergency consular services will continue to be available during the transition period.

Why Have Visa and Passport Appointments Been Suspended?

According to the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi, the temporary pause is necessary to facilitate the handover of operations from the current service providers to a new provider, Al Hind Tours and Travel LLC, which will officially assume responsibility for outsourced passport, visa, and attestation services beginning July 1, 2026.

The existing providers:

• BLS International (passport and visa services)
• SGIVS Global (attestation services)

will stop accepting new applications after the close of business on June 25, 2026. During the transition period, no regular appointments or new application submissions will be accepted.

What Services Are Affected?

The temporary suspension impacts:

• Visa applications
• Passport renewal applications
• Passport issuance services
• Document attestation services
• Routine consular appointments

Applicants planning to submit new requests during the transition period may need to wait until the new appointment system becomes available.

Emergency Services Will Continue

The Indian Embassy has clarified that emergency consular services will remain operational despite the temporary suspension.

Emergency cases involving:

• Urgent passport requirements
• Emergency visa requests
• Critical attestation services

will be handled directly by the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai.

This ensures that travelers facing genuine emergencies can still receive assistance during the transition period.

What Happens After July 1, 2026?

Beginning July 1, 2026, all outsourced Indian consular services in the UAE will be managed by Al Hind Tours and Travel LLC. The new provider is expected to introduce a dedicated appointment platform and expanded service infrastructure.

Reports indicate that the company plans to establish multiple service centers across all seven emirates, making passport and visa services more accessible for applicants throughout the UAE.

Impact on UAE Residents

The UAE is home to one of the world’s largest Indian expatriate communities. As a result, the temporary suspension may affect a significant number of applicants who were planning to:

• Renew Indian passports
• Apply for visas
• Complete attestation procedures
• Schedule embassy appointments

Travelers with upcoming plans should review their documentation requirements carefully and adjust schedules if necessary.

Advice for Travelers and Applicants

If you are planning to submit an application, consider the following:

Check Official Updates

Monitor announcements from the Indian Embassy and Consulate for information regarding the new appointment system.

Plan Ahead

Avoid waiting until the last minute to complete passport or visa-related procedures.

Prepare Documents Early

Gather all required documents so that your application can be submitted promptly once appointments resume.

Use Official Channels

Applicants should rely only on official embassy communications for updates regarding appointments and processing.

What This Means for India Visa Applicants

Travelers planning a visit to India should remember that this temporary suspension primarily affects consular services within the UAE. Eligible international visitors can still apply India e visa online through approved electronic visa procedures where applicable.

For many travelers, the online process remains the most convenient way to obtain authorization before travel. Those intending to visit India for tourism, business, or medical purposes should review visa requirements and apply online India visa well in advance of their departure dates.

Final Thoughts

The temporary suspension of visa, passport, and attestation appointments by the Indian Embassy in the UAE is a short-term measure designed to support a major service transition. While routine appointments will not be available from June 26 to June 30, emergency services will continue, and a new provider will assume operations beginning July 1, 2026. Applicants should stay informed through official channels, prepare documents in advance, and plan appointments accordingly. For travelers heading to India, completing visa requirements early and choosing to apply India e visa online can help ensure a smoother travel experience.