3 Big Changes Every Indian Expat in the UAE Should Know

Updated: June 26, 2026 2 min read

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July brings several important changes for Indian expats in the UAE, and they could affect you if you’re planning a trip home or need to renew your passport soon.

Here’s what you need to know.

Passport applications will cost more

India has revised passport fees worldwide, so the new rates also apply if you’re applying for a passport in the UAE. Here are the new fees:

36-page adult passport: INR 2,500
60-page passport: INR 3,500
Tatkal passport applications: up to INR 6,000, depending on passport size
Lost or damaged passports under Tatkal: up to INR 7,500

Indian missions in the UAE will publish the updated local fee structure soon.

More news for Indian passport holders: expats can now receive only e-passports when applying in the UAE. Before applying, don’t forget to check new passport photo standards.

New application centres for consular services in the UAE

From July 1, a new service provider (Alhind Tours and Travels LLC) will handle passport, visa and consular services in the UAE. It will cover the following services:

Passport services
OCI card applications
Visa applications
Police clearance certificates
Document attestation

You’ll pay an all-inclusive service fee of AED 19 for each consular service request.

Alhind will open 16 application centres in the UAE for all consular services. The full list of addresses will be announced before July 1.

Online health declaration is required before travelling to India

If you’re flying from the UAE to India, you’ll need to complete the Air Suvidha 2.0 Self-Declaration Form online within 24 hours before arriving. The form asks for your recent travel history and basic health information.

After submitting it, download a copy and keep it on your phone or print it. You’ll need to show it at the International Travel Health Desk or the immigration counter after landing.

Planning a visit to another country? Check out India in Henley Passport Index 2026 and the full list of visa-free and visa-on-arrival countries.

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