Renewing your Indian passport in Dubai is less hectic than you would imagine. Whether you need to travel back home or simply want to keep your documents up to date, this guide will have you covered.
Let’s break it down step by step on how to renew an Indian Passport in Dubai.
If you are an Indian citizen living in Dubai, do not forget to renew your passport.
The renewal process is straightforward and largely online but with some steps carried out personally.
This article will walk you through the process and requirements of getting your Indian passport renewed in Dubai.
Eligibility Requirements for Indian Passport Renewal in Dubai
Before filing an application for a renewal, check the eligibility criteria. Here they are in basic terms:
You are an Indian National.
You have a valid UAE residence visa.
The passport has been nearing or has passed its expiry date.
In cases where passports are urgently required, Tatkal service is also provided on specific conditions.
Make sure that you satisfy all of these requirements before going ahead. This will save some of your precious time and hassles.
Documents Required for Indian Passport Renewal in Dubai
You will have to gather a few documents. Here’s what you will need:
Original Passport
Passport Copy
Copy of the UAE Residence Visa
Two recent passport-size photographs (51mm x 51mm) with white background
Fill the application form as available online.
Proof of Address (any form tenancy or utility bill )
If it is to be renewed for a child, you will need to present the passports and Emirates IDs of both parents.
Arranging all these documents beforehand will help it go a lot smoother.
Step-by-Step Procedure to Renew Indian Passport in Dubai
Here is how to renew indian passport in Dubai:
Step 1: Log onto the Passport Seva Website
Firstly, visit the Passport Seva website. This is the official website where the Indian passport services are available. It’s where you start making your applications.
Step 2: Create an Account
If you are a new user, you have to register. The following box is “Register.” Under that, fill in all the details: name, date of birth, email, and so on. If you already have an account, you only need to log in.
Step 3: Fill Out the Application
After you have logged in, select “Application for Passport Renewal.” Fill in the following information according to their prompts:
Personal Information: Name, DOB, address, etc.
Employment Details: Key in your job details.
Family Information: Describe your parents and spouse.
Step 4: Answer Security Questions
You will have to provide a few security questions. This would involve any criminal history, previous passport refusals, or foreign citizenship.
Step 5: Validate Your Application
Double check all the information you provided. Ensure that everything is correct. This will avoid any delays.
Step 6: Print the Application Form
Once you are happy with the application, you will print it. You need to go to the BLS International Service Centre with this.
Step 7: Booking of Appointment
You can book your appointment through the BLS International site. Choose an appropriate time for visiting them.
Step 8: Visit the BLS Centre
Carry all documents, including the printed application form, along with you when you visit the BLS Centre on the date of appointment. Be prepared to stand in a queue.
Step 9: Submit the Documents
Submit the application form in the BLS Centre with all other required documents. Make sure that photocopies and originals are both available.
Step 10: Pay Renewal Fees
This is where you pay the renewal fees. Cash payments are mainly needed at the BLS. Check the new fee policy at the BLS website.
Step 11: Affix Signature to the Application
You will always sign your application in your presence before the submission officer leaves. It is a very crucial step.
Step 12: Track the Application
You would be able to check on the status of your application online on the BLS website after the application was submitted. This will enable you to know when to expect the arrival of the passport.
Indian Passport Renewal Processing Time
This processing time is different for reissue. The regular application takes 5 to 7 working days. For Tatkal service, it is possible to get the passport in 1-2 working days. Still, this time depends upon public holidays.
How to renew a lost or damaged Indian Passport in Dubai
This is how to renew Indian Passport in Dubai in case of Lost/Damaged:
File a Police Report: If you lost your passport, then a police report is to be filed since it’s a lost passport. This is verification.
Fill Up the Application: Log on to Passport Seva and continue with the lost or damaged passport application.
Gather Extra Documents: If you lost your passport, apart from the above list of documents, you may need some extra documents also, such as proof of citizenship.
Visit BLS Centre: In the same way as the renewal process, carry all documents and your police report with you when you visit the BLS Centre.
Rest of the Process: Rest part of the process will be the same as the regular renewal process, in which you would need to make payment and submit
Select the Right Me: When you fill out your application, you must tick on the box that requires updating personal details.
Upload Supporting Documents: You will need to attach documents that may justify your name or address change, like marriage certificates or utility bills.
Application Fill-up: It’s the same process where you applied for the renewal application.
Frequently Asked Questions About Indian Passport Renewal in Dubai
Q1: How can I contact BLS Centers in Dubai?
You can see all the BLS Centre contact information on their website and you may also call them up for any query.
Q2: Can I renew my passport online?
You have to submit an application form, but you must submit your documents in person at one of the BLS Centre centers.
Q3: My passport is canceled/ expired. Can I renew it?
Yes, you can renew it. Renewal procedure is the same as above for a canceled/ expired passport.
Q4: How many passport photos do I need?
You need two recent passport size photographs with the application.
Q5: What if I need my passport urgently?
You can apply for the Tatkal service whereby the service can be delivered in one to two days.
Conclusion
Renewing an Indian passport in Dubai is quite a bit straightforward if you consider the steps mentioned in the guide.
You always must ensure all the documents required are available and understand your eligibility criteria.
Renewal could only be for travel; you may want to renew your document for keep it as updated as possible.
Most importantly, informing yourself will make the process easier. However, if you intend to renew a lost or damaged passport, the procedure varies a bit but is manageable.
Plan for a passport reissue. Locate and monitor applications. Passport in a matter of days. See you traveling happily!