Indian diplomatic missions in the UAE have rolled out a new online appointment system for passport, visa and attestation services, marking a significant digital upgrade for one of India’s largest overseas communities. The initiative comes amid sustained demand for consular services in the Gulf, where the UAE is home to an estimated 3.9 million Indians—the country’s largest expatriate population. The new portal enables applicants to pre-book appointments, reducing long queues and improving service efficiency during the transition to new outsourced service provider, Alhind Tours and Travels LLC. While online booking is now the preferred mode, walk-in services will continue with revised timings to ensure uninterrupted access. Applicants have also been advised to carry complete documentation to avoid processing delays. For the travel trade, the move is expected to streamline visa facilitation, improve turnaround times and enhance customer experience for Indian travellers and expatriates seeking consular services in the UAE.
Shreya Bansal is a reporter at TravTalk India, covering the travel and tourism industry. She brings a keen eye for emerging trends, trade developments, and the stories shaping the travel landscape. Through in-depth reporting and on-ground insights, she connects industry stakeholders with news that matters. Beyond travel, Shreya has a growing interest in the premium lifestyle space, particularly the world of fine jewellery and is eager to explore the craftsmanship, culture, and commerce that define luxury living.