Last reviewed: May 2026
TL;DR- BLS International is the official partner of the Indian High Commission and consulates in the UK for OCI cards, passport renewals, and many other Indian consular services.
- BLS centres operate in London (Aldgate), Birmingham (Jewellery Quarter area) and Edinburgh (Rutland Square area). Verify current addresses.
- BLS International is separate from VFS Global which handles Indian sticker visa applications.
- Walk-in service is generally not accepted. Most services require pre-booking through the BLS portal.
- BLS does not decide applications. The High Commission of India or consulate makes the decision.
Address and Contact Details
BLS International runs three Indian consular service centres in the UK:
- London BLS centre - based in the Aldgate area of east London. Verify the current address at blsindia-uk.com as buildings can change.
- Birmingham BLS centre - based in or near the Jewellery Quarter area. Verify the current address at blsindia-uk.com.
- Edinburgh BLS centre - based in or near Rutland Square in central Edinburgh. Verify the current address at blsindia-uk.com.
To check the latest address, opening hours, postcode and accessibility notes for your nearest centre, open blsindia-uk.com and select your city.
Countries and Visa Types Handled
BLS International in the UK handles Indian consular services that are not processed by VFS Global. Services typically include:
- OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card application.
- OCI re-issue (such as on change of passport, change of name, or for minors).
- Indian passport renewal (re-issue) for Indian citizens in the UK.
- Indian passport for newborns of Indian nationals in the UK.
- Police clearance certificate from Indian authorities.
- Surrender of Indian passport (required when becoming a foreign national).
- Birth registration of children born to Indian parents in the UK.
- Attestation of documents.
- Renunciation of Indian citizenship certificate.
Indian sticker visas (tourist, business, employment, student) are processed by VFS Global, not BLS International. Going to the wrong provider can mean a wasted trip.
How to Book an Appointment
- Open blsindia-uk.com and select the consular service you need.
- Follow the link to the Indian government's online application portal (passport, OCI or PCC system).
- Complete the application form online and pay the consular fee.
- Save the printed acknowledgement.
- Return to the BLS portal, create an account and pay the BLS service fee online.
- Book a date and time slot at London, Birmingham or Edinburgh.
- Print the BLS appointment letter and bring all originals to the centre.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
- Printed BLS appointment letter with barcode.
- Printed Indian government online application acknowledgement.
- Receipt for the consular fee.
- Current passport (and any old passports).
- UK residence proof (BRP, vignette, settled status share code, or recent utility bill).
- For OCI: original foreign passport, original old Indian passport (if any), parents' Indian documents, marriage certificate (where applicable), photograph in OCI specification.
- For passport renewal: current Indian passport, address proof in the UK, photograph in Indian passport specification (51mm x 51mm).
- For PCC: address evidence for the period the certificate is requested for.
- For minors: birth certificate, both parents' documents and signed parental consent forms.
Processing Times and Fees
Consular fees are set by the Indian government and depend on the service. BLS service fees in the UK are charged in addition. Premium add-ons such as priority OCI processing, photo service and courier passport return are available at extra cost.
Processing times vary widely by service. OCI applications typically take 6 to 8 weeks but can be longer when granny clearances or further checks are required. Passport renewals can take 2 to 4 weeks. PCC issue depends on Indian authorities and can take 4 to 8 weeks or longer.
Featured Immigration Adviser - Paid Placement
This placement is reserved for a regulated immigration adviser specialising in BLS International India visa applications. OISC-registered firms only. Enquire about this slot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is BLS International separate from VFS Global for Indian services?
The Indian government has split outsourcing of consular and visa services between two providers in the UK. BLS handles OCI, passports and consular services for Indian nationals. VFS handles sticker visas for foreign passport holders going to India.
Can I apply for an Indian visa at BLS International?
No. Sticker visas for non-Indian passport holders are handled by VFS Global. BLS does not process visas for foreign nationals.
How long is an OCI card valid?
An OCI card is valid for life, but re-issue may be required on change of passport, name change, or for minors at specific age milestones (typically at 20 and 50).
Do I need to surrender my Indian passport when I become a British citizen?
Yes. Indian citizenship is single citizenship. Indian nationals who acquire foreign citizenship must surrender their Indian passport and apply for the surrender certificate, after which they can apply for an OCI card.
Can someone collect my OCI card on my behalf from BLS?
Generally yes, with a signed authorisation letter, photo ID and the BLS appointment letter. Specific rules can vary by centre.
How We Verified This
We cross-referenced blsindia-uk.com, the High Commission of India in London website, the Indian government passport seva and OCI services portals, and gov.uk foreign travel advice for India. BLS centre addresses and OCI fees can change, so we have pointed readers to the official portal for current information.
