What Are The Different Types Of Passports In India?
What Are The Different Types Of Passports In India?
There are different types of passports available in India. When you wish to travel abroad, along with an overseas travel insurance plan, you also compulsorily require a passport to leave the country. While you may only have seen the dark blue cover on a passport, you would be surprised to know that the Indian passport can have as many as four types of covers. Each cover, in a specific colour, signifies the category of the holder. Take a look at this article to know more about the types of passports and why they are so significant.
List of different types of passports in India
As mentioned above, there are different types of passports available for the citizens of India. They are:
1. Blue passport - People in the general category
2. White passport - Officials employed with the Government of India
3. Maroon passport - Diplomats and senior officials of the Government of India
4. Orange passport - Travelers with a limited educational qualification
As you can see, the different colours signify different categories of people and so it is important to get the correct passport for yourself.
What Are the Eligibility Requirements for Availing Different Types of Passports in India
As there are various types of passports in India, you need to be aware of the eligibility criteria of each, so that you can apply for the correct type of passport and get it easily. Here are the eligibility requirements for the different passport categories in the country:
1. Blue passport
The dark blue passport, also known as the Type P passport, is the most commonly used passport in India. It is for the general public who apply for a passport under the general category.
2. White Passport
The white passport is an elute passport issued to government officials who travel overseas for some specific official work. It is given as an identity that the person is representing India on an official mission. The immigration officers stationed at the airports can identify the dignitaries by looking at their passports and exempting them from several immigration-related formalities.
3. Maroon passport
The maroon passport is another prestigious passport that the diplomats employed by the Indian government can have. It is a purely diplomatic passport issued to government officials who only travel for official reasons. This is a special passport as visas are not required on this passport. A maroon passport holder can travel anywhere in the world, visa-free.
4. Orange passport
This is one of the very new passport types in India. The orange passport has recently been launched by the Indian government and is meant for people with limited education. The orange passport doesn't have an address page. The passport is meant for people who have only studied till class 9 or less. The people with this passport fall under the ECR category. Apart from the mandatory requirement to buy travel insurance online , they have to adhere to some strict immigration guidelines each time they travel abroad. The orange passport has been issued to offer extra protection for the lesser educated and informed travellers of India.
What Are the Essential Documents for Applying for a New Passport in India?
The Ministry of External Affairs, under which the Passport Seva Kendra falls, has worked extremely well to make the issue of passports smooth and easy. The documentation is minimal and very straightforward. However, you need to have all the required documents with you and carry the original as well as photocopies when you go for your passport appointment. Here is a list of what you will require:
1. Address proof
As proof of address, you can submit:
• Aadhar Card
• Utility bill with your name and address on it
• Rent agreement
• Spouse’s passport
• Postpaid mobile bill
2. Age proof
As proof of your age, you can submit:
• Voter’s ID card
• Certificate of Birth
• School leaving certificate
• PAN Card
Once you submit the correct document, along with a duly filled application form, your passport will be issued, provided you clear the police verification process. After that, you just need to buy travel insurance online and get set to travel to the destination of your choice!
What Is the Validity and Expiry of A Passport?
The passport issued by the Indian government has a fixed validity period. Most blue passports are issued for a period of 10 years. The ones issued under the Tatkal category are issued for a period of 5 years. You can travel internationally till the time your passport remains valid. You need to renew the passport before it expires to be able to have constant access to international travel.
The passport expires on the date the validity ends, which is exactly 5 years from the date of issue. You can renew the passport within a period of 1 year before expiry, or within 3 years of expiry. If you leave your passport in an expired state for longer than 3 years, you will have to apply for a fresh passport as the older one will become null and void.
FAQs About Different Types of Indian Passports
1. How to determine which category I fall in?
The passport Seva Portal has all the information regarding the eligibility criteria for each type of passport. Read the guidelines and you will know which category you fall in. Alternatively, you can seek the assistance of a passport agent as well.
2. Are the immigration laws different for different types of passport in India?
Yes, for holders of white and maroon passports, there are more lenient immigration guidelines. For blue passport holders, the standard immigration procedures are in place, while for orange passport holders, there are very strict immigration checks.
3. Can the colour of my passport ever change?
Yes, it is possible for the colour of your passport to change. If you have a blue passport but join a government service as a senior diplomat, the colour of your p[assport can change to white or maroon, depending on your designation. If you have an orange passport and then complete your higher studies, you will be eligible to get a blue passport.
4. How to renew a passport?
It is very simple to renew a passport. You need to make an appointment at the Passport office, carry your documents, submit them along with your biometrics, get the police verification done and your passport will be renewed.
5. Do I need a visa for every country if I have a blue passport?
There are some countries that have a visa-on-arrival agreement with India, so you won't need to apply for a visa in advance when you visit those countries. For other countries, it is mandatory to get your visa before you travel.
Conclusion
Now that you know all about the different types of passports in India, go ahead and make your application if you don't have a passport yet. If you wish to travel abroad for business or for leisure, you will need a valid passport along with an overseas travel insurance policy. So do the needful and get going!
Disclaimer : The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales
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