How to Renew Indian Passport in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia enforces strict visa regulations with heavy fines and possible detention if your documentation has issues. Your Indian passport must stay valid for at least 6 months after your arrival date to enter or stay in the kingdom.
You need to know how to renew your Indian passport in Saudi Arabia to keep your legal status. This blog guides you through the complete process whether you're close to your passport's expiry or need an early renewal. You'll discover the required documents, application steps, and tracking details that ensure a smooth renewal process.
Saudi Arabia Passport Renewal Requirements
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh and Consulate General in Jeddah handle passport services for Indian citizens who live in Saudi Arabia through VFS Global centers. Knowing the simple requirements will help you complete your passport renewal application smoothly.
Eligibility criteria for passport renewal
You need a valid Iqama to renew your Indian passport in Saudi Arabia. Casual visitors without an Iqama can only get Emergency Certificates to return to India. On top of that, it's mandatory for all applicants, whatever their age, to show up at the application center for identification.
Types of passport renewal services available
You might need to renew your passport for these reasons:
- Regular Renewal: At the time your passport nears expiry or has expired
- Page Exhaustion: At the time visa pages are full or not enough for new visas
- Information Updates: To change personal details such as:
- Name modifications
- Address updates
- Spouse name inclusion
- Signature changes
The service comes in two options - regular or Tatkal (emergency). The Tatkal option, which you can only get at the Riyadh VFS Center, gives same-day delivery to eligible applicants. You can walk in without an appointment on working days (Sunday-Thursday) between 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM.
Validity periods and when to apply
The timing of your renewal application is significant:
- Adult passports are valid for 10 years from the issue date
- Minor passports stay valid for 5 years or until age 18, whichever comes first
- You can apply up to one year before your passport expires
Your application needs a sworn affidavit if your passport expired more than three years ago. Most foreign missions need six months to one year of passport validity for visa processing.
The Embassy processes applications through two main channels:
- Re-issue against existing passport
- Birth registration and new passport issuance for KSA-born children
Current ICAO guidelines don't allow endorsements on Machine Readable Passports (MRP). Any changes or updates need a complete passport reissue. The Passport Issuing Authority can issue passports for shorter durations under specific conditions.
Documents Required for Indian Passport Renewal in Saudi Arabia
The right documentation is vital to ensure your passport renewal process goes smoothly. Here's a complete guide to the paperwork and specific requirements you need.
Essential documents for all applicants
Your passport renewal application must include:
- Three recent passport-size photographs (2 inch x 2 inch) with white background
- Original passport with any additional booklets
- Self-attested photocopies of first two and last two passport pages
- Valid Iqama copy (original needed for verification)
- Printout of online application form from embassy.passportindia.gov.in
Additional documents based on your situation
You'll need extra documentation for specific cases:
For spouse name changes:
- Marriage certificate or joint photo declaration signed by both spouses
- Copy of spouse's passport or Aadhaar card
For expired passports:
- Sworn affidavit explaining delay (required for passports expired over three years)
For address changes:
- Current address proof documents
- Parent's address proof works for minors
Document authentication requirements
Authorized translators must provide typed English translations for all Arabic documents. Indian marriage certificates or divorce decrees need authentication from:
- State Home Department
- Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi or Branch Secretariats
Handle missing or damaged documents
Here's what you need for lost or damaged passports:
Lost passport cases:
- Police report with authorized English translation
- Jawasat printout showing residency status
- Affidavit explaining the loss circumstances
Damaged passport cases:
- Original damaged passport
- Affidavit detailing damage circumstances
- Standard renewal documents mentioned above
Black or blue ink ballpoint pens must be used for all signatures. Your application needs complete accuracy since providing false information violates the Passports Act 1967 and could result in denied passport facilities.
Step-by-Step Application Process
The Indian passport renewal process in Saudi Arabia works through VFS Global centers with a straightforward online system. Let me walk you through each step that will make your renewal process smooth and hassle-free.
Create an account on the Indian embassy portal
Your first step is to register at embassy.passportindia.gov.in. The portal gives you access to passport services once you sign in with your credentials.
Fill the online application form correctly
The online application needs careful attention to detail. Make sure you enter your surname and given name exactly right. Your permanent Indian address must include the Pin Code. Remember to use only black or blue ink for signatures.
Scheduling your appointment
Head to visa.vfsglobal.com/sau/en/ind to book your slot. Regular applicants need confirmed appointments before visiting. Tatkal service users can walk in without appointments between 9:00 AM and 12:30 PM.
Visit the application center: What to expect
VFS Global runs centers throughout Saudi Arabia with set timings:
- Document submission: 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM
- Passport collection: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Ramadan brings different timings:
- Services: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
- Delivery: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Biometric capture process
Everyone 15 years and older needs to provide biometric data to Saudi authorities. The government's Automated Central System stores your fingerprints. This security measure helps track visitor movements within the kingdom.
How to Track Your Indian Passport Renewal Application
Your passport renewal application status updates are crucial after submission. The Indian Embassy provides several ways to track your application throughout the process.
How to use online tracking system
The online tracking portal at portal3.passportindia.gov.in lets you monitor your application. You'll need:
- Application Reference Number
- Date of Birth
- Verification characters displayed on screen
Understand application status messages
The tracking system shows live updates about your application's progress. Common status messages include:
- Application Received
- Document Verification in Progress
- Application Under Process
- Passport Printed
- Ready for Collection
Estimated processing timelines
Service type determines the processing duration:
- Regular applications: 7-10 working days
- Tatkal applications: Same-day processing (exclusively at Riyadh VFS Center)
Note: Additional verification or peak seasons might extend these timelines.
Collect your renewed passport
Your renewed passport can be collected from your submission's VFS center. Here are the essential details:
- Collection timing: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM on working days
- Modified Ramadan hours: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- Collection options:
- Personal collection (preferred)
- Through authorized representative with written authorization and official receipt
Important reminders:
- Your receipt is mandatory for passport collection
- Check your application's status before visiting the center
- Bring your original Iqama for verification
- Review all details in your new passport immediately upon receipt
The VFS helpline and website can address your application status concerns. Centers operate Sunday through Thursday, except on designated holidays and special occasions.
Conclusion
A valid Indian passport is vital to stay legally in Saudi Arabia. The renewal process may seem complex initially, but you can handle it smoothly with the steps outlined here.
Your application needs all required documents ready. A valid Iqama, recent photographs, and properly filled forms are the foundation of a successful renewal. VFS Global centers in Saudi Arabia process applications quickly, with different timeframes for regular and Tatkal services.
Store your application receipt in a safe place and check your passport status online. You should collect your new passport during the specified hours and verify all details right after receiving it.
The detailed renewal process will ensure your legal residence continues in Saudi Arabia. Submit your application before your current passport expires to avoid complications with your stay and travel plans.
Frequently Asked Questions - Indian Passport Renewal Saudi Arabia
Q1. What is the process for renewing an Indian passport in Saudi Arabia?
To renew your Indian passport in Saudi Arabia, fill out the online application form on the Indian embassy portal, schedule an appointment at a VFS Global center, gather the required documents, and visit the center for document submission and biometric capture. The process typically takes 7-10 working days for regular applications.
Q2. What documents are required for Indian passport renewal in Saudi Arabia?
Essential documents include three recent passport-size photographs, your original passport with additional booklets, self-attested photocopies of passport pages, a valid Iqama copy, and a printout of the online application form. Additional documents may be required based on your specific situation.
Q3. How much does it cost to renew an Indian passport in Saudi Arabia?
The fee for a 36-page passport with 10-year validity is SAR 276, while a 60-page passport costs SAR 368. For minors under 18, the fee is SAR 184. Additional charges include an Indian Community Welfare Fund fee of SAR 8 per document and VFS Global service fees.
Q4. Can I track the status of my passport renewal application?
Yes, you can track your application status online using the passport portal. You'll need your Application Reference Number, Date of Birth, and verification characters. The system provides real-time updates on your application's progress.
Q5. Is there an expedited service for Indian passport renewal in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, a Tatkal (emergency) service is available exclusively at the Riyadh VFS Center. This service offers same-day processing for eligible applicants. You can visit without prior appointment on working days between 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM for Tatkal applications.
