Indian Passport - A Complete Guide

A passport is an official identity and travel document issued by the Ministry of External Affairs. It allows Indian citizens to travel internationally and serves as valid proof of nationality. The validity of an Indian passport is 10 years for adults and 5 years for minors. 

There are three types of passports in India with differing issuance fees and processing times:

• Ordinary Passport (Blue): Issued to general Indian citizens for personal or business travel.
• Diplomatic Passport (Maroon): Issued to senior government officials and diplomats.
• Official Passport (White): Issued to individuals representing the Government of India on official assignments.

To obtain a passport, an individual has to fulfil the eligibility conditions, such as being a citizen and of a certain age, and provide documents as proof of address, identity, and date of birth.

What is a Passport?

A passport is an official government-issued document that serves as proof of a person’s identity and nationality. It enables international travel by allowing the holder to enter and exit foreign countries legally. In India, passports are issued by the Ministry of External Affairs under the Passports Act, 1967.

Indian passports are essential for:

• Applying for visas to travel abroad
• Proving Indian citizenship in foreign countries
• Receiving assistance from Indian embassies while overseas

It also acts as a valid identity document for various purposes within India.

Why is a Passport Essential?

A passport is essential because it legally authorizes international travel and acts as a globally recognized proof of identity and nationality. Without a valid passport, individuals cannot enter or exit most countries, apply for visas, or receive consular support abroad.

Here’s why holding a valid passport is essential:

• It enables you to travel for purposes like education, work, tourism, or medical treatment abroad.
• It helps you prove your Indian citizenship in foreign countries, especially during emergencies.
• Many countries require a valid passport even for visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry.
• It may be needed to book international flights, access global financial services, or apply for residency or scholarships overseas.

Without a passport, participating in international activities or receiving diplomatic help outside India becomes extremely difficult.

What are the Different Types of Passports?

Different kinds of Indian passports are:

Blue Passport

This is the most common and widely used passport in India. This passport is issued mainly for personal and professional travel purposes. 

Orange Passport

The orange passport are issued for individuals who have lesser than 10 years of education, as the equire visas for emigration to a foreign country, it is implemented for the protection og indian citizens who want to work abroad, helping them adhere to the emigration regulations. Currently the government is not issuing this colour passport for citizens with Emigration Check Required (ECR) status; instead, they are issued ordinary blue passports with their ECR status noted within.

White Passport

The white passport is a diplomatic passport reserved solely for individuals who are high-ranking officials, diplomats and members of the Indian Foreign Service, representing the Indian government. The white color indicates a symbol of authority and responsibility. 

Diplomatic Passport

The diplomatic passport is owned by top-class government officials and diplomats, holding a high rank in the government. The diplomatic passport represents diplomatic relations which India enjoys with other countries.

What is a Tatkal Passport?

The Tatkal passport scheme allows applicants to get a passport faster than the normal timeline, typically within 1–3 working days after police verification. This facility is available for reissue and fresh applications but not for all cases (e.g., complex documentation or adverse police records).

• Requires additional fee (Rs. 2,000 extra)
• Police verification can be pre- or post-issuance depending on case
• Certain documents like Annexure F and I may be required for Tatkal processing

Documents Required for Passport

The documentation process for a passport is simple and hassle-free. Here are the essential documents you should keep ready for issuing a passport in India:

Eligibility Criteria for Passport Application

You must meet the government’s eligibility criteria like age, gender, documents, nationality, and legal conditions to apply for a passport. 

• Indian citizens who are aged 18 years and above can apply
• Children between 15 and 18 years can apply for a passport with a validity period of 10 years
• For children aged 18 and below, the passport is valid for five years or until they turn 18, whichever comes first.
• A passport, which stays valid until the child is 18 years old, can be applied for by parents.

Passport Processing Time

Passport processing time is how long it will take to obtain your passport after applying. The duration varies by country and application type. Most are processed rapidly, but others take a bit longer. Having an estimated processing time makes booking travel convenient and secure.

Let's explore the application processing time for passports in detail below:

• Dispatching of passports takes place through India Post in terms of speed post
• Dispatched takes place to the mentioned address as per the application form
• For the general application for a passport, the processing time is usually 30 to 45 days
• For Tatkal passports, the processing time of application is seven to fourteen days

The application's delivery status can further be tracked by visiting India's Post Speed post. 

Eligibility Criteria for Availing Passport

Meeting the eligibility criteria for availing of a passport is a simple and easy process. Make sure to go through the requirements before applying for a passport. The following mentions about the eligibility criteria:

• Government officials are eligible for the issuance of white passports
• The general public can apply for a blue passport
• Senior government officials and Indian diplomats can apply for diplomatic passport
• Individuals who have not studied beyond the 10^th standard can apply for an orange passport 

What is the Validity and Expiry of the Passport?

A passport usually has a fixed validity period, after which it expires and further cannot be utilised for travelling. The validity time frame however depends on the age of passport holder and country. Once the passport passes the date of expiry, it should be renewed. 

Here is a detailed overview of the expiry and validity period of the passport:

• A passport consisting of 36 or 60 pages remains valid for 10 years from the date of issuance
• A passport issued by citizens aged 18 years and below remains valid for five years
• Issuance of a passport by minors between 15 and 18 years remains valid for 10 years
• A passport stays valid unless and until the minor reaches 18 years of age

Passport Fees and Payment

The application fee for all kinds of Indian passports is more or less the same. The only difference exists in the scenario under which the application should be made. The table below displays different scenarios for application for a passport along with the applicable fees:

For issuance of a diplomatic or official passport, there are no fees charged because it is the government who issues these two definite kinds of passport to respective VIPs/VVIPs.

Passport Seva Kendra Project

The objective of Passport seva kendra project was initiated by the Ministry of External Affairs to make passport facilities available to every Indian citizen with utmost ease. In pursuit of this aim, the Ministry of External Affairs is set to open contact centres, data centres, disaster recovery centres, and passport service centres all over the country. All Indian languages will be spoken within the confines of such call centres.

Responsibilities have been transferred from Regional Passport Offices to the Passport Service Centres. You can check the authenticity of the Passport Seva Kendra and Regional Passport Office before you proceed with your application.

How to Reschedule/Cancel an Appointment?

Step 1: Go to the official Passport Seva Kendra website and click on ‘Existing User.’

Step 2: Log in with your username, password, and other required details.

Step 3: Select ‘Submitted Applications/Saved Applications.’

Step 4: Choose between rescheduling or canceling your passport appointment.

Step 5: To reschedule, select a preferred date and click on ‘Book Appointment.’

How to Submit Applications Manually?

For the manual submission of the passport application form, make sure to bring a self-attested copy of the documents along with the duly filled form to the passport office. Place any of your colour photos sized 4.5 cm by 3.5 cm against a white background and follow the below procedure for completion:

Step 1: Submit the application form along with the required fees.

Step 2: The DPC counter employees will verify your application before accepting the payment.

Step 3: Pay the fees via Demand Draft (DD).

Step 4: Receive the Acknowledgement Slip with a file number.

Step 5: Use the ‘Track Application Status’ link to check your file status.

This process remains the same for all Non-Resident Indians (NRIs). They can proceed with passport application through online mode at many Indian posts. This service is also associated with a wide variety of passport-related services that include issuance of any new passport, re-issuance of passport and children's passport. 

Passport Issuing Authorities and Collection Centres

Passport Customer Care 

For queries related to passport applications, appointments, and status:

• Passport Seva Helpline: 1800-258-1800 (Toll-free)
• Email: customercare@passportindia.gov.in
• Website: www.passportindia.gov.in
• Working Hours: 8 AM to 10 PM (Mon–Sat), Closed on Sundays and National Holidays

A passport in India is a travel document that allows an individual to cross borders between international territories. It is mandatory to have a valid passport in case of tourism, business travel, or dignitary visits. Renewing your passport on time and keeping it safe will help you avoid travel complications. 

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1. Difference Between Regional Passport Office (RPO) and Passport Seva Kendra (PSK)