A passport is a mandatory government document that provides identification and proof of a citizen's nationality. It is the only globally accepted form of identification and thus the most important document to have when traveling abroad.
Indian passports are valid for 5-10 years and need to be renewed accordingly. Before applying for one, you should know the various categories of passports that exist in India. Read this blog to know their importance and which one best suits you.
Different kinds of Indian passports are available to cater to an individuals international travel requirements.
The Blue Passport (Type P), recognized by its navy blue cover, is the most common passport issued to Indian citizens for travel, including leisure, business, education and employment.
In 2018, the government of India launched the orange passport to simplify the emigration process for those in need of Emigration Check Required (ECR) clearance. This was for the safety of less-educated workers going abroad to work by facilitating their identification during immigration inspections.
The following are the features of the Orange passport:
The White Passport is issued exclusively to Indian government officials traveling abroad for official duties. It signifies authority, allows quick identification, and ensures formal treatment during international travel.
Below are the features of the White Passport:
A Diplomatic Passport is issued exclusively to government officials and diplomats traveling for official duties. Recognizable by its maroon cover, it signifies their diplomatic status and grants special privileges abroad.
Below are the features of the Diplomatic Passport:
Among the different types of passports in India, each category has specific eligibility criteria. Here’s a breakdown:
Being the most common and ordinary passport, any Indian citizen can apply for it. An Indian citizen however should fall into one of the following categories:
Any Indian citizen who has not completed 10th grade or fails to provide all necessary documentation for SSC can apply for an orange passport. Eligible individuals here include:
Here are the eligibility criteria mandatory to meet for issuing a diplomatic passport:
Applying for a new passport in India is an easy process. It is however, essential to carry all required documents, both original and photocopies, when attending your passport appointment.
Here is the list of documents you must carry:
Once you submit these documents along with a duly filled application form, your passport will be issued. After that, you just need to opt for travel insurance online and be ready to travel to the destination of your choice.
You should now know all about the different kinds of passports in India. If you have not yet obtained one, it is better that you apply for it. A valid passport, coupled with overseas travel insurance, is needed for a safe and hassle-free international travel experience, whether on a business trip or a vacation.
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