Indian nationals must use alternative centres for passport, visa and document attestation services following closures in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah
The Embassy of India in the United Arab Emirates has discontinued services at four Indian Consular Application Centres (ICACs), requiring applicants to visit alternative locations for passport, visa, consular and document attestation services.
The closures took effect on October 22, 2026, following an announcement by the embassy on October 21. The decision was attributed to administrative reasons, although no further details were provided.
The move reduces the number of operational application centres across the UAE from 16 to 12. Services continue to be managed by Al Hind Tours & Travels, the outsourced service provider appointed in July 2026.
Four centres discontinue services
The affected centres are located in Musaffah and Al Reem Island in Abu Dhabi, Dubai Investment Park I in Dubai, and Al Majaz in Sharjah.
Applicants who previously used these facilities must now visit one of the 12 remaining centres to submit applications for passports, visas and other consular services.
However, a subsequent advisory issued by the service provider clarified that passport collection would remain available at three of the discontinued locations — Musaffah, Dubai Investment Park and Al Majaz. Passports from the Al Reem centre are to be collected from the Al Danah centre in Abu Dhabi. These arrangements apply to applicants who opted for in-person collection; those who selected courier delivery are expected to receive their documents through the designated service.
Where services remain available
The 12 operational centres are located at Al Danah, Al Ain, Madinat Zayed and Ghayathi in Abu Dhabi emirate; Bur Dubai; and the Indian Association Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Kalba and Khor Fakkan.
These centres continue to handle passport, visa, consular and document attestation applications.
Applicants advised to check before visiting
Applicants should check the Embassy of India’s official website and the designated service provider’s latest advisories before travelling to a centre. They should also confirm appointment details and passport collection arrangements to avoid unnecessary journeys.
The embassy’s revised network means applicants, particularly those who relied on the four discontinued centres, may need to adjust their travel plans to access services.
