Different types of Indian passport

autohr img By Vipul Jain
11 Dec, 2024

A passport is an important travel document that every traveler must have. An individual needs to carry a passport when traveling outside their home country. It acts as an identification document that allows a person to enter and exit a country legally. In India, there are various types of Indian passports. Every passport has its unique color and purpose.

In this article, we will learn about the various types of Indian passports. Also, their colors, their importance, and the steps involved.

What Is A Passport?

A passport is an important document that every traveler needs when traveling abroad. The Ministry of External Affairs of the Republic of India is responsible for issuing a passport to Indian citizens. According to the Passports Act of 1967, it permits the passport holders to travel abroad. A person can also use a passport as evidence of your Indian citizenship.

There are various types of Indian passports. The passports are issued to a person according to their occupation. Let's delve more into the types of Indian passports.

What Are The Various Types Of Passports In India?

There are various types of Indian passports. Each passport has its colors, uses, and requirements. Below are the different types of Indian passports along with their colors:

Ordinary Passport

The ordinary passport or the blue passport is the most common type of Indian passport. It is also referred to as the Type P passport and the majority of Indian nationals hold a blue passport. These passports have a navy blue color and have a very simple and modern design.

Regular Indian citizens traveling abroad for ordinary travel purposes get a blue passport. A blue passport is issued for business trips, educational trips, and vacations. The main goal of a type p passport is to help the foreign authorities in differentiating. Like, differentiating between an ordinary citizen and a government official.

The blue color of the passport helps in determining the official status of a visitor. A Type P passport includes the traveler's name, birth date, and photographs. It includes extra identity information which is needed for immigration.

White Passport

The white passport is also known as a diplomatic passport. It is a passport of type " S" where the S means service. A white passport is considered the most powerful passport of all the types. It is only for those people who are working for the Government of India. Like, high-ranking officials, diplomats, members of Indian foreign service, etc.

It shows the holder's role as an ambassador of the nation and the importance of the diplomatic mission. This passport gives a sense of responsibility and authority. The application process for a white passport is different from that of a blue-type P passport. Apart from the rules and regulations, the white passport also offers some special benefits.

Diplomatic Passport

Diplomatic passport is another category for high-profile government officials and diplomatic. This passport is given to people who hold key positions in the government. It is issued to diplomats and government employees traveling abroad on official business. It means that only government officials are eligible to get an official passport.

A specific protocol has to be followed when issuing a diplomatic passport. The diplomatic passport has a white cover. It gives unique benefits and immunities to the passport holder. It is a symbol of the diplomatic ties that India shares with other nations. It is important to know the difference between a maroon and a white passport.

Diplomatic passports are given to any government official planning a trip abroad. Also, Who doesn't have a white passport already. These passports are reserved for people who work for the Indian Administrative Services and the Indian Police Service.

On the other hand, a maroon passport gives a large number of benefits to the bearer during their travel. One of the key benefits is that they don't require a visa when traveling internationally. They don't have to show their visa status regardless of the length they wish to spend abroad. Moreover, these officials finish the immigration much quicker than the regular passport holders.

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Orange Passport

Unique in its color, the orange passport is issued to people who need emigration checks. Emigration checks are vital for some specific categories of Indian citizens. Like, those who have less than ten years of formal education. It is issued to those Indian citizens who underwent some notable changes in 2018.

An orange passport acts as a reminder of the regulatory measures in place. It is to ensure the welfare of nationals who are seeking employment positions abroad. The government announced the cessation of printing the address page on Indian passports. That is when they introduced the orange-colored passports.

Look-wise, the new passport looks different with easy-to-read pages and a chic design. The passport with the stamp was brought in to enhance the safety of nationals who have a low level of education.

The orange passport helps immigration and foreign staff to identify people who haven't completed their higher education than the 10th grade. This is to save people who are searching for a job abroad from being taken advantage of or scammed.

This change also speed up the process of ECR verification and emigration. The traveler's father's name and permanent address will not be written on the last page of an orange passport. People holding this type of passport need to follow some strict immigration rules.

What Are The Benefits And Uses Of An Indian Passport?

Benefits And Uses Of An Indian Passport

There are several benefits of having an Indian passport. Each type of Indian passport has different benefits such as:

Serves As Identity Proof

It acts as an evidence of identity and residence. For a temporary stay in any foreign country, a visa is stamped and issued in the passport book.

Returning To The Country

A Passport holder's information about abroad travel is recorded here. It allows the passport holder to return to India without any complications. It also ensures a smooth re-entry process for the passport holder.

Visa-Free Travel

It gives access to 60 countries and territories visa-free or with a visa-on-arrival. It allows you to explore new places more easily.

Citizenship Proof

The identity of the passport holder's citizenship is typically verified by their passport. It is vital for different purposes like applying for a visa to other countries. Also, joining any educational program abroad, etc.

Ability To Travel

Indian passport holders can get a variety of abroad internships and exchange programs. The passport holder can seek higher education and various job roles abroad. It allows you to live, work, and study in countries that have visa programs for Indian nationals.

Additional Support

Along with abroad travel, you can ask for consular support from Indian embassies and consulates. It also facilitates abroad business ventures and travels for meetings. Also for conferences or starting foreign partnerships.

What Are The Eligibility and Requirements For An Indian Passport?

There are some eligibility criteria that one has to fulfill to get an Indian passport. Also, there are some documents needed for a new Indian passport. Let's learn a little more about it:

Type Of Indian Passports

Eligibility Criteria

Documents Requirements

Ordinary Passport

a person has to be an Indian national

Evidence of identity, address, date of birth, and citizenship

White Passport

Government officers on official duty

Government authorization, evidence of official assignment.

Diplomatic Passport

Diplomats, consuls, and high-ranking government officers.

Government authorization, evidence of diplomatic or official status.

Orange Passport

Indian nationals abroad in distress.

Evidence of identity, citizenship, and reason for emergency.

What Is The Application Process For A New Indian Passport?

It is crucial to understand the types of Indian passports to make sure that you apply for the right one. The Government of India issues different types of Indian passports. Such as ordinary passports, diplomatic passports, white passports, and orange passports.

Ordinary passports are for regular travelers and are blue-colored. The diplomatic passports are for government officials and have maroon-colored covers. Official passports are white colored for people working for the Indian government. Orange passports are for people who hold a low level of education.

Getting a new Indian passport includes a systematic application process. It is to ensure the accuracy of the information and the security of the document. The process starts with an online application on the official passport portal. Applicants have to fill in personal details, address details, and travel plans in the form. The system opens a door for a smooth process. It also reduces errors and fastens the processing time.

You must pay some amount for the passport fees to start your passport processing.

What Are The Documents Required For A New Passport?

It is vital to learn about the different types of Indian passports. Since each type may need different documents. For an ordinary passport, you need identity proof, address proof, date of birth, photos, etc.

However, for a diplomatic or official passport, extra documents like a government authorization letter. Also, a recommendation from the appropriate ministry is requisite. Below are the most common documents required to apply for a new Indian passport:

  • Identity Proof: Documents like Aadhar Card, voter ID, or PAN card.
  • Address Proof: Utility bills, rent agreement, or a valid driver's license.
  • Proof of date of birth: A birth certificate, school leaving certificate, or any government-issued document that indicates your date of birth.
  • Passport-sized photographs: Recent passport-sized photos that meet the specified guidelines.

Submitting these documents with the online application form is important. Every document is required for the successful processing of a new passport. In-depth verification confirms that the passport is an authentic and secure document. Also, it meets the international standards.

What Are Some Factors To Consider While Traveling?

A person starts their journey across various borders with an Indian passport. There are some factors to be considered to enjoy a smooth and hassle-free journey.

Validity

Make sure to check the validity of your passport always before planning any trip. Several countries require a minimum of six months of validity after the date of entry.

Visa Requirements

Research and learn about the visa requirements of the destination country in advance. It is to avoid any last-minute hassle or problems.

Emergency Contacts

Keep a record of emergency contacts with you. It must include the contact details of the nearest Indian embassy of the country you are going to visit.

Cultural Norms

Be mindful of the cultural norms and traditions of the countries you are visiting. Respect every culture and make sure that you leave a positive impact on India on the global stage.

To Conclude

There are different types of Indian passports. Each type has its color, benefits, uses, and requirements. Understanding about the different types is important to apply for the right one. India also issues e-passports which include biometric data. Applying for the right type of passport is vital to avoid rejection. Every passport is catered to fulfill the diverse needs of the citizens. From the common blue passport for ordinary travel to a white diplomatic passport for officials. Every type of Indian passport plays an important role in making international interactions easier.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most common type of Indian passport is the blue passport or the ordinary passport. It is also known as the type P passport and can be used for personal, business, or leisure travel.

A yellow Indian passport is for Tibetans looking for refugee status in India. It acts as their identity card and is not a standard Indian passport. It allows Tibetans to travel abroad and enjoy certain rights as refugees.

The time to obtain an Indian passport depends on the application type and if the police verification report (PVR) is clear. However, the normal passport is issued within 30 working days excluding the PVR.

People who are high-ranking officials are eligible for a VIP passport in India. Such as diplomats, members of parliament, senior government officials, consults, etc.

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