What is Diplomatic Passport - Eligibility, Benefits and How to Apply

A diplomatic passport is a type of passport issued to government officials who travel abroad for diplomatic work. These passports come with privileges like visa exemptions, priority services, and access to diplomatic channels. This article will guide you through a diplomatic passport, who is eligible to get one, its benefits, how to apply for it in India, the documents required, and how it differs from an official passport.

What is a Diplomatic Passport?

A diplomatic passport is a special passport for government officials travelling internationally on diplomatic duty. Issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), it provides diplomatic privileges like faster visa approvals, priority services at airports, and, in some cases, diplomatic immunity by international laws. 

These passports have a maroon-coloured cover and a letter ‘D’ in the passport number, clearly distinguishing them from the regular blue passports used by Indian citizens. The diplomatic passport is valid for up to 5 years or until the end of the assignment and cannot be used for personal or unofficial purposes.

Who Can Get Diplomatic Passport?

Diplomatic passports are given to individuals representing the Government of India officially. Some of them are listed below:

• Indian diplomats and ambassadors
• Officers of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS)
• Senior officials like the President, Prime Minister, and Cabinet Ministers
• Members of Parliament (under specific travel circumstances)
• Senior IAS, IPS, and other government officers when on official foreign missions
• Indian government representatives working at the United Nations and international organisations

Features of Diplomatic Passport

• Comes with a dark maroon cover and the letter ‘D’ in the passport number
• Issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)
• Valid for five years or the duration of the official assignment
• Comes with diplomatic immunity in some countries under the Vienna Convention
• Allows visa-free or priority visa access in many countries

Eligibility Criteria for Diplomatic Passport

To apply for a diplomatic passport, a person must:

• Be a citizen of India
• Be travelling abroad on official government duty
• Hold a valid government appointment, such as IFS, senior IAS on foreign assignment, or part of a government delegation
• Receive a nomination or recommendation from the concerned ministry or department

Note: Only people holding an official sanction from the government are allowed to apply. It is not open to private individuals or professionals.

Benefits of Diplomatic Passport

Holding a diplomatic passport comes with many benefits, such as:

• Priority check-ins and immigration clearance
• Access to diplomatic lounges 
• Visa-free or expedited visa processing in several countries
• Diplomatic immunity depending on the host country
• Ease of travel during emergencies and political assignments

However, these privileges vary from country to country and depend on the nature of the visit.

How to Get a Diplomatic Passport?

You cannot apply for a diplomatic passport the way you would apply for a regular one. The Central Passport Organisation handles the process internally, which works under the Ministry of External Affairs. To get a diplomatic passport, the ministry must officially nominate you for a foreign assignment. Once your name is approved, your ministry will send a formal request to the passport office. Only after this approval can your application move forward. 

How to Apply for a Diplomatic Passport in India?

Step 1: Visit the Passport Seva official website.
Step 2: Download the Diplomatic/Official Passport Application Form.
Step 3: Fill the form with the required personal and official details.
Step 4: Get the form attested by the administrative head of your department.
Step 5: Submit the completed form and supporting documents to the Consular, Passport and Visa (CPV) Division of the MEA or the designated RPO (Regional Passport Office).

Applications for diplomatic passports are typically handled offline. The final approval is issued only after verifying your official assignment and clearance from the MEA.

Where to Apply for a Diplomatic Passport?

To apply for a diplomatic passport, the application must be submitted at one of the following:

• CPV Division at the Ministry of External Affairs, Delhi
• Designated RPOs across India are authorised to handle diplomatic passport issuance

Some government departments may internally forward the application on behalf of the employee.

Documents Required for Diplomatic Passport

• Duly filled Diplomatic/Official Passport application form
• A letter of authorisation or recommendation from your department
• Copy of government ID or service certificate
• Two passport-sized photographs
• Current passport copy (if any)
• Travel or assignment approval note
• Address proof and identity proof

All documents must be attested and submitted with the application.

Difference Between Diplomatic and Official Passport