Indian Passport Benefits and Eligibility in the UK

The Ministry of External Affairs of the Republic of India issues an Indian passport. It is issued under the Passports Act (1967). It proves Indian citizenship and allows Indian citizens to travel abroad. 543 passport offices, 89 Indian embassies, and 108 consulates overseas issued a passport. To avail of the Indian Passport Benefits and Eligibility in the UK read this article.

Indian passport holders can travel to several countries without a visa or with a visa on arrival. There are many Indian passports. Specific situations have specific passports with each having several benefits.

Let us learn a little more about the Indian Passport Benefits and Eligibility in the UK

Types Of An Indian Passport

There are several types of an Indian passport. Each type has its merits and colors. Knowing about the Indian Passport Benefits and Eligibility in the UK similarly knowing about the different passport colors is important. It will help you in making the immigration and security process easier. Here is a brief about the Indian passport color and its types:

Ordinary Passport

The blue passport also known as Type P is the most common type of passport. For Indian citizens traveling abroad for general purposes like vacations, business trips, etc.

The majority of Indians hold this passport and are granted it within 30 to 45 days.

It has a very simple design and includes the traveler's name, date of birth, photographs, etc.

This passport's main aim is to help foreign authorities. It helps in differentiating between ordinary citizens and government officials.

Official Passport

An official passport is the most powerful passport. It is white and is a passport of Type S (Service).

It is for individuals who are working for the government of India. For example high-ranking officials, diplomats, and members of the Indian Foreign Service.

The passport holder can enjoy some special rights with Indian white passport benefits. It gives off a sense of authority and responsibility.

The process of applying for a white passport is different from applying for a blue passport.

Diplomatic Passport

A diplomatic passport is also called a maroon passport. It is for those diplomats who are traveling abroad on official business. This also includes members of parliament, the Union Council of Ministers, and government employees. It comes with a white cover and it is different from a white passport.

There are many perks of an Indian diplomatic passport. One of which is that the passport holder does not need a visa when traveling abroad. It acts as a symbol of the diplomatic ties that India shares with the other nations.

Orange Passport

An orange passport generally is for those who need emigration checks. It is the reason why it is also known as an Emigration Check Required (ECR). Emigration checks are requisite for some categories of Indian citizens. For example, those who have less than ten years of formal education.

It came into existence in 2018. The government declared discontinuing adding the address page on an Indian passport. This is when the orange passport came into existence. It is to streamline the process of safety of citizens who have a low level of education.

Emergency Certificate

An Emergency certificate or EC is a one-way travel document. It permits Indian nationals to travel to India when they do not have a valid passport. You can apply for it when your passport gets lost, stolen, or damaged, you cannot have a new passport so quickly. Also, if you are living in a country with unlawful behavior then you can apply.

You can get an EC within one working day and in case of an emergency. You can also get it on the same day. For which your passport details and Indian nationality must be valid. You can fill in an EC form online.

Benefits Of Having An Indian Passport in the UK

An Indian passport opens a door full of opportunities to travel, study, work, etc.

Here are some of the benefits of an Indian passport:

• You can get visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to around 60 countries and territories.
• An individual can seek higher education and employment opportunities abroad.
• It verifies the identity of the passport holder’s citizenship by acting as a proof of residence.
• The Indian passport holder can take part in a lot of international internships. They can also take part in several exchange programs
• The passport holder can study, live, and work in several countries. But only those countries that have established work visa programs
• A person can travel for conferences and meetings. Also, if they want to set up a foreign partnership or an international business venture.

Indian Passport Eligibility Criteria In The UK

You must fulfill all the eligibility requirements to get the permit to enter India. Also to enjoy the perks of an Indian standard passport or an Indian red passport benefits:

• Citizens of India who are the age of 18 or above can apply
• The parents can also apply for passports that are valid until the child turns 18.
• Children aged between 15-18 years can apply for a 10-year validity passport.
• For children below the age of 18, the passport is valid for five years or until the child turns 18. Whichever happens first.
• Every Indian citizen can apply for an ordinary blue passport. Government officials who are on official duty can apply for an official passport.
• Diplomats, consuls, and high-ranking government officials can apply for a diplomatic passport.

Required Documents To Apply For An Indian Passport

Applying for an Indian passport in the UK is a straightforward process. You will have to submit some of your official documents as photocopies including:

For an Ordinary Passport

• Address proof
• Date of Birth
• Proof of identity
• Citizenship proof

For an Official Passport

• Proof of official assignment
• Government authorization

For a Diplomatic Passport

• Government authorization
• Proof of diplomatic or official status

For an Emergency Certificate

• Proof of identity
• Citizenship proof
• Reason for applying for an emergency certificate

Below is the list of some of the common documents that you may have to submit:

• Date of birth
• Address proof
• Proof of Identity
• Passport Application form
• Documentary proof for the Non-ECR categories (anyone)
• Passport-sized photos according to the Indian passport photo rules

Conclusion

There are different types of an Indian passport each with its own merits and colors. Every passport is set up to fulfill the needs of the citizens according to their situation. Each type of Indian passport plays a vital role in streamlining international transactions. There is an Indian passport for newborns in the UK and an Indian passport renewal in UK Birmingham. You must apply with proper concentration. Submit all the required documents to get yourself the benefits of an Indian passport.