Passport Tracking: How to Track Status Online & Offline?
Passport Tracking: How to Track Status Online & Offline?

People who are fond of travelling must have one important piece of document with them, a passport. If you want to explore the world, it is one of the first things that you will need. And based on the destination country, you might even need international travel insurance. However, the first step is to apply for a passport and get your hands on it quickly.
But the wait for a new passport can make people a bit anxious. If you knew how to track passport status, it would make the entire process much easier and transparent. Well, there are a few ways in which you can do so.
How to check passport application status?
If you are looking for ways how to check passport status, you can do so in any of the following ways.
1. By calling the National call centre to find out the status.
2. By accessing the status on the Passport Seva Portal.
3. By accessing the status on the mPassport Seva app on your phone.
4. By sending a text message “STATUS (File Number)” to 9704 100 100.
To track your passport status, you will need your passport file number handy. By using any of the above methods, you can then track your passport status.
Steps to track passport status online
Tracking your passport status online in India is easy. Just follow the below-mentioned steps:
1. Visit the Official Passport Seva Website:
Open the Passport Seva portal at passportindia.gov.in.
2. Click on 'Track Application Status':
Find & click the "Track Application Status" link on the home page.
3. Enter Required Details:
Enter your passport application number and date of birth. Make sure you enter the details correctly.
4. Submit the Information:
Finally, click on the "Track Status" button, and you can view your present status concerning the passport. It indicates if your passport is under processing, approved, or dispatched.
How to track passport status offline?
If you are wondering how to check passport status offline, there are three different ways in which you can do so.
1. By sending an SMS
A simple way of checking your passport status is to send an SMS and receive its status on your phone, without the need of using the internet. All you need to do is open your messaging app and type in “Status (file number)” and send it to 9704100100. You can even opt for SMS paid service while applying for your passport.
2. By visiting the helpdesk
Another way of knowing the status of your passport status is to visit the Passport Seva Kendra near you and ask them about your file. Alternatively, you can even send them an email about your application status.
3. By calling National Call Centre
The operating hours of the National Call Centre are between 8 am and 10 pm. You can call the toll-free number at 1800 258 1800. Apart from that, the Automated IVRS is available 24/7. Thus, you can find out about your application status even during weekends and non-working hours.
How to track a dispatched passport?
Dispatched passport tracking in India can be done via the following methods-
1. India Post Tracking:
Visit the India Post website and enter the 13-digit tracking number available at the time of dispatch to check the delivery status.
2. SMS Service:
SMS the text in the format 'POST TRACK (tracking number)' to 166 or 51969 to receive the delivery status on your mobile.
3. Passport Seva Portal:
Log in to Passport Seva's website and check the delivery status using the relevant tracking options provided.
4. Customer Care:
Call India Speed Post customer care at 1800 266 6868 for any additional queries or assistance regarding tracking.
5. Local Post Office:
If the tracking details appear dubious or do not show any further updates, visit a nearby post office that may be able to assist you in clarifying the passport situation.
6. Delivery Attempts:
Please keep in mind that for a dispatched article, the delivery is attempted two to three times and the delivery hours are between 9 am to 6 pm.
7. Notifications:
Watch out for the delivery and dispatch status SMS notifications on your mobile.
Thus, following the given procedures will enable you to track your dispatched passport and know its delivery status.
Do you need a travel insurance plan?
Several considerations may determine whether you should get travel insurance online related to your travel plans, personal situations, and risk appetite. Below are some key factors to keep in mind for making a decision:
Reasons to Consider Travel Insurance:
1. Trip Cancellation:
In case you need to cancel your trip for a reason covered under the policy, such as illness or emergency, and if you have incurred non-refundable expenses like flights, hotels, and tours, then travel insurance will cover the expenses.
2. Medical Coverage:
Your health insurance may not cover you overseas. Travel insurance will cover medical emergencies, hospital stays, and medical evacuations.
3. Baggage Protection:
Travel insurance online provides lost, stolen, or damaged luggage coverage, giving you cash to purchase immediate essentials.
4. Travel Delays:
Further, international travel insurance covers your extra expenses incurred due to trip delays caused by weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
5. Emergency Assistance:
Most travel plans offer 24/7 assistance services that help with emergencies such as with concerns regarding lost passports or medical problems.
When You Might Not Need Travel Insurance?
1. Short Domestic Trips:
If you’re travelling in your country for a short time frame with very few nonrefundable expenses, your trip insurance may not be necessary.
2. Coverage Already Exists:
Find out if your credit card or health insurance plan offers sufficient travel coverage, which may obviate the need for travel insurance online.
3. Low-Risk Destination:
Should you be travelling to a low-risk area in terms of health and political scenarios, you may feel comfortable travelling without insurance.
FAQs
1. How can I check my passport status online?
Visit the Passport Seva Website and find the "Track Application Status" option. Then click on that, and you will be directed to a new page. Select Application Type as passport, enter File Number and Date of Birth, and then click on the Track Status.
2. What information do I need for an online passport status check?
You need the 15-digit File Number you will receive during the passport application process and your date of birth to check your online passport status.
3. When can I start checking my passport status online after applying?
After applying, passport status can be checked 14 days onward since the information is updated on the website 14 days after the renewal/application process.
4. Is the online passport status check real-time?
Yes, the online passport status check is in real-time. By either the Passport Seva website or the m Passport App, your passport status will be updated in real time.
5. Can I check the status of my passport renewal online?
Yes, you can check the renewal status of your passport on the website. Alternatively, you can download the m Passport app or check your status on your smartphone.
6. What if the online status remains unchanged or delayed?
In case the online status is constant or delayed, you could consider making an online appointment or visiting the passport office on a given date, along with the requisite documents. You would then be informed about the status of your passport application.
7. Can I check the status of an expedited or urgent passport application online?
Yes, the status of an expedited or urgent passport application could be tracked online through either the Passport Seva Website or the m Passport App.
8. How can I check my passport status offline?
There are several ways to check for passport status offline. They are:
• You can reach a Citisen Service Executive at the National Call Centre by calling 18002581800 from 08.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m. to verify the status of your application. The Automated Interactive Voice Response (IVRS) System operates around the clock, and one can make use of that.
• Send an SMS from your registered mobile number provided in the passport application form with the text: 9704100100 STATUS FILE NUMBER for information regarding you.
9. What information do I need for an offline passport status check?
You will need your registered mobile number along with your 15-digit file number.
10. Can someone else check my passport status offline on my behalf?
If they have your 15-digit file number and the registered number you mention on the passport application, they can check the passport status offline on your behalf.
11. Is the information provided offline the same as online?
Yes, the information is the same, both online and offline.
12. Are there specific hours for checking passport status offline?
The toll-free number is available 24 hours, and you can track the application anytime.
Conclusion
Getting your hands on a new passport can be quite exciting. But the wait for the new passport can be even more agonising. Nevertheless, you can use the steps mentioned above to track the application status of your passport and even track its dispatch. Before you can start using your passport to explore the world, make sure to check out the travel insurance requirement of the country that you are travelling to.
Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.
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