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The Ministry of External Affairs of the Republic of India is responsible for issuing a passport to the citizens of India. According to the Passports Act of 1967, it allows the individual who holds it to travel abroad and can be used as proof of Indian citizenship. There are various types of Indian passports and each one has its respective significance. These passports are issued to individuals depending on their occupation. Let us learn more about these various passports available in India.

Various Types of Indian Passports

The different types of passports in India are as follows

Ordinary Passport

Regular Indian nationals who want to travel abroad for either business or leisure are issued a common passport, which is also referred to as passport type P. These passports are navy blue in colour and are issued for business trips, vacations, and educational trips. Therefore, the vast majority of Indians hold this passport. Its primary goal is to assist foreign authorities in distinguishing between ordinary citizens and government officials.

The blue colour makes it easier to determine the official status of a visitor. Such passports include the traveller's name, date of birth, and photographs. It contains additional important identity information that is required for immigration. This has a simple and modern design.

White Passport

A white passport is considered the most powerful passport of all. It is only available to individuals working for the government of India. A white passport is a passport of ‘Type S,’ where S indicates service. The application process for this passport is different from that of a standard blue passport. Besides the usual rules and regulations, those who hold a white passport also have some special privileges.

Diplomat Passport

A diplomat passport is issued to diplomats and government employees travelling internationally on official business. This implies that only government officials are eligible to obtain official passports. The diplomat passport comes with a white cover. Diplomats and senior government officials are given a maroon passport. It is critical to know the difference between maroon and white passports.

Diplomatic passports are issued to any government representative planning an international trip who does not already have a white passport. They are designated for those working for the Indian Administrative Services and the Indian Police Service. Maron passport holders get a host of benefits during their travel. One of the main advantages is that they do not require a visa when travelling abroad.

They will not be asked about their visa status regardless of the duration they wish to spend overseas. Furthermore, these officials go through immigration much faster than regular passport holders.

Orange Passport

The passports issued to Indian nationals underwent significant changes in 2018. The government announced the discontinuation of printing the address page on Indian passports and introduced orange-coloured passports. In terms of appearance, the new passport looks completely different. They come with easy-to-read pages and a sleek design. The stamp-based passport was introduced for enhancing the safety of citizens with a low level of education.

This passport helps immigration and foreign personnel to identify individuals who did not complete higher education than the 10th grade. Orange passports are designed to protect people who are seeking work abroad from being taken advantage of or scammed. This transition will also significantly speed up the ECR verification and emigration process. The name of the traveller's father and the permanent address will not be mentioned on the last page of an orange passport. Individuals holding this type of passport must follow strict immigration rules.

Benefits and Uses of Indian Passport

The benefits of having an Indian passport are listed below:

The identity of the passport holder's citizenship is generally determined by their passport.

It serves as proof of identity and residence.
The passport holder's international travel information is recorded here.
Access to 60 countries and territories without a visa or with visa-on-arrival.
You are eligible for a range of international internships and exchange programmes.
While travelling internationally, you can ask for consular assistance from Indian embassies and consulates.

For a temporary stay in a foreign country, a visa is issued and stamped in the passport book.

*Disclaimer

FAQs on Types of Passports in India

Which type of Indian passport is the most common?
The blue passport also referred to as a ‘regular’ or ‘tourist’ passport is the most common type of passport issued in India.
What is the difference between ECR and ECNR Passport?
Emigration Check Not Required (ECNR) passports are issued to Indian citizens who travel to a foreign country for work purposes. Passports issued after January 2007 are classified as ECNR. These passports are only granted to those who have not completed the 10th grade. Emigration Check Required (ECR) passports were issued prior to January 2007 and do not have any notation.
Is the application fee different for different types of passports?
No, the fee differs based on the type of passport service you choose, and only between regular and Tatkal service.
What is a yellow Indian passport?
Tibetans looking for refugee status in India are often given the yellow Indian passport, which serves as their identity card.
Which type of passport should those without a formal education apply for?
People who have only completed the 10th grade are eligible for an orange passport.
How much time does it take to obtain an Indian passport?
If you have submitted the required paperwork and followed the right steps, you will receive your passport in 30 to 45 days. Tatkal passports or emergency passports can be issued in two to three days.
Which type of passport is issued to IAS officers?
The maroon diplomatic passport is granted solely to IAS officers who are assigned a diplomatic mission abroad.

Passport Application

Required Documents

Passport for Adults

Proof of identity (Aadhaar card, Voter ID, etc.)
Proof of address (Aadhaar card, utility bills, etc.)
Birth certificate Passport-sized photographs
Any additional documents based on specific circumstances or changes in personal information

Passport for Minors

Birth certificate
Proof of identity and address of parents/guardians
Passport-sized photographs of the minor
Parents' consent (Annexure ‘D’)Any additional documents based on specific circumstances or changes in personal information

Diplomatic Passport

Official communication from the Government of India
Proof of identity Proof of address
Passport-sized photographs Any additional documents specified by the government

Official Passport

Official communication from the Government of India
Proof of identity Proof of address Passport-sized photographs
Any additional documents specified by the government

Tatkaal Passport (Urgent Needs)

All documents required for ordinary passport application Verification certificate (Annexure ‘F’) Proof of urgency (e.g., travel tickets, medical emergency documents) Additional fees for Tatkaal service

Renewal/Reissue of Passport

Current/expired passport
Proof of identity
Proof of address
Passport-sized photographs
Marriage certificate (if applicable, for name change)
Any additional documents for changes in personal information

The following is a list of the necessary paperwork for getting a new passport, a diplomatic passport, or for other things like document renewal and reissue.

Documents Required for a Fresh Passport

Proof of Address

You have to submit these address proof documents:

Photo Passbook of public, private, and regional rural bank accounts.
Water bill.
Landline or Postpaid mobile bill.
Proof of Gas Connection.
Election Photo ID card.
Spouse's passport copy (The First and last page of the passport includes the details of the family and mentions the applicant's name as the spouse of the passport holder).
Certificate from Employer of reputed companies on letterhead.
Income Tax Assessment Order.
Aadhaar card.
Electricity Bill.
Rent agreement.

Proof of Age

These are the age proof documents you will need to submit:

School leaving certificate/ Secondary school leaving certificate.
Birth certificate issued by the Municipal Corporation, the Registrar of Births and Deaths, or any other designated authority authorised by the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969.
Declaration given by the Head of the Orphanage/Child Care Home on the official letterhead confirming the applicant's date of birth.
Policy Bond issued by the Public Life Insurance Corporations/Companies, which contains the holder's date of birth.
Extract of the applicant's service record (in case of government servants) or Pay Pension Order (retired government servants) that is duly attested/certified by the officer/in-charge of the Administration of the concerned Ministry/Department of the applicant.

Driving Licence of the applicant.
PAN Card of the applicant.
Election Photo Identity Card of the applicant.
Aadhaar card or e-Aadhaar of the applicant

Documents Required for Minors for a Fresh Passport

In India, individuals under 18 years old are classified as minors for passport issuance. Minors aged 15 to 18 have the flexibility to select between a minor passport valid until they reach 18 or a full 10-year passport, each with varying fees. Generally, a minor's passport is valid for five years or until the child turns 18, ensuring accuracy as the child grows, but older minors can opt for the 10-year validity passport.

Proof of Date of Birth