India Joins United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan With New Passport Fee Hike, Consular Service Overhaul and Fresh India Travel Health Rules for Millions of International Travellers

Written By: Pritam Nath

Pritam Nath

Pritam Nath is a published writer, journalist, and media researcher with over seven years of experience in journalism, content creation, and strategic communication. He specializes in media studies, journalism and mass communication, content strategy, and audience-focused storytelling. A certified journalist, he has produced research-driven news, feature stories, and industry analysis across media, travel, tourism, hospitality, culture, and strategic communication. Combining academic expertise with practical experience in digital publishing, Pritam creates insightful, engaging, and credible content that informs diverse audiences. He continues to explore emerging trends in global media, journalism, tourism, and digital communication while developing impactful content strategies.

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June 26, 2026 17:25 GMT+5:30

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India has introduced sweeping changes that will significantly affect millions of Indian expatriates living in the United Arab Emirates while also influencing travel between India and the Gulf region. Beginning July 1, Indian passport fees will increase globally, a new consular service network will replace the existing passport application system in the UAE, and travellers flying from the UAE to India will have to comply with updated health declaration requirements before departure. The reforms represent one of the most comprehensive changes to India’s overseas consular services in recent years and are expected to impact routine passport renewals, visa-related services, emergency documentation and overall travel planning for one of the world’s largest expatriate communities.

The changes arrive at a time when travel demand between India and the Gulf continues to grow, making efficient documentation and seamless border procedures increasingly important. More than 4.5 million Indians reside in the UAE, while Indian diplomatic missions process hundreds of thousands of passport and consular applications every year. With higher documentation costs, a transition to new Indian Consular Application Centres (ICAC), mandatory Air Suvidha 2.0 declarations for passengers and fresh government clarification on passport and citizenship status, travellers are advised to stay informed to avoid delays, additional expenses and disruptions during international journeys.

India Introduces Higher Passport Fees for Overseas Applicants

India’s Ministry of External Affairs has revised passport fees effective from July 1, 2026. The updated charges apply worldwide, including to Indian citizens residing in the UAE. The revised pricing affects fresh passports, renewals, Tatkal applications and replacement passports.

The revised charges also extend to police clearance certificates, surrender certificates and emergency travel documents.

Current UAE Passport Charges Before New Revision

Indian missions in the UAE are expected to announce revised local pricing shortly after the global fee revision comes into force.

Applicants should monitor official announcements for updated UAE-specific charges.

UAE Consular Services Shift to New ICAC Network

A major administrative transition will also begin on July 1 as Alhind Tours and Travels LLC assumes responsibility for passport, visa, OCI, attestation and police clearance services through the newly established Indian Consular Application Centres (ICAC).

The new system is designed to streamline appointments, reduce processing times and provide a unified platform for multiple consular services. Applicants are expected to receive appointment slots within five working days, while document processing is targeted to take approximately 30 minutes per application. Alhind has announced a service charge of Dh19 per transaction.

Transition Timeline for Passport and Consular Services

Emergency passport issuance, visa services and document attestation remain available through Indian diplomatic missions during the transition period.

Indian Consular Application Centres Across the UAE

The ICAC network will expand access to passport and visa services across all seven emirates.

Official addresses are expected to be announced before the July 1 rollout.

Air Suvidha 2.0 Becomes Essential for UAE-India Travel

Passengers travelling from the UAE to India must now complete the Air Suvidha 2.0 online self-declaration form within 24 hours before arrival in India.

Travellers should complete the declaration before web check-in or boarding to minimise airport delays.

India Clarifies Passport Does Not Equal Citizenship

Indian authorities have reiterated that while a passport serves as an important travel and identity document, it does not constitute conclusive proof of citizenship. Citizenship continues to be determined under the Constitution of India and the Citizenship Act, 1955, supported by multiple official government records. The clarification aims to eliminate misconceptions surrounding nationality verification.

Growing Travel Demand Makes These Changes Significant

The UAE remains home to more than 4.5 million Indians, making it one of the largest overseas Indian communities worldwide. Indian diplomatic missions process over 560,000 consular services annually, including more than 360,000 passport-related applications. The simultaneous implementation of revised passport fees, expanded consular infrastructure and updated travel health procedures represents one of the largest reforms affecting India-UAE travel in recent years.

What Indian Travellers Should Do Before Their Next Journey

Travellers should verify updated passport fees before applying, schedule appointments through the new ICAC centres after July 1, complete Air Suvidha 2.0 before departure, carry digital and printed travel documents and remain updated through official Indian diplomatic channels to ensure a smooth travel experience.

FAQs

1. When do the new Indian passport fees become effective?
The revised passport fees become effective from July 1, 2026.

2. Will the higher passport fees apply in the UAE?
Yes. The revised fees apply globally, including to Indian citizens residing in the UAE.

3. Who will handle Indian passport services in the UAE after July 1?
Alhind Tours and Travels LLC will operate the new Indian Consular Application Centres (ICAC).

4. What services will ICAC provide?
ICAC will process passports, visas, OCI cards, police clearance certificates and document attestation.

5. Is Air Suvidha 2.0 mandatory for UAE passengers travelling to India?
Yes. Passengers must complete the online declaration before travelling to India.

6. When should Air Suvidha 2.0 be submitted?
It should be completed within 24 hours before arriving in India.

7. Will emergency passport services continue during the transition?
Yes. Emergency services will remain available through Indian diplomatic missions.

8. How many ICAC centres will operate across the UAE?
A total of 16 centres are planned across all emirates.

9. Does holding an Indian passport automatically prove Indian citizenship?
No. A passport is a travel document, while citizenship is determined under Indian law using multiple official records.

10. Why are these changes important for Indian travellers?
The reforms affect passport costs, application procedures, travel documentation and pre-arrival health requirements, making advance preparation essential for smooth international travel.