Diplomatic Passport in India
- Author :
- TATA AIG Team
- ●
- Last Updated On :
- 23/05/2025
A diplomatic passport in India allows government officials to travel internationally for official duties. The Ministry of External Affairs issues this special passport. It grants privileges like visa exemptions and faster immigration processing.
A diplomatic passport differs from an ordinary passport in terms of usage and benefits. The red-coloured cover distinguishes it from regular blue passports. Further, the diplomatic passport holders in India need to follow specific rules and responsibilities while travelling. Let’s find out who can apply for diplomatic passport in India.
Understanding Diplomatic Passport Meaning in India
The diplomatic passport is a special travel document issued to Indian government officials travelling abroad for official purposes. Only designated government officials, diplomats, and certain government representatives qualify for this document. Unlike regular passports, it has a red cover and is strictly for diplomatic use. This passport ensures smooth international travel for official assignments.
Read More: Types of Passports in India
Who Gets a Diplomatic Passport in India?
The diplomatic passport in India is issued to the selected government officials who need to visit other countries for their official work. Diplomatic passport holders in India can use this document to travel abroad as long as they are on official duty.
Diplomatic Passport Eligibility Criteria
Officers working under the Branch A of the Foreign Services of India.
Selected officers working under Branch B of the Foreign Services of India.
Officers who are employed with the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)
The son, daughter, official hostess, spouse, or parents of any eligible officials recognised by the Ministry of External Affairs.
An individual who is employed in any diplomatic position in the country.
An Indian official designated by the Indian government to visit other countries on official missions.
List of Diplomatic Passport Holders in India
Who has diplomatic passport in India? In India, diplomatic passports are issued to individuals serving in official capacities that involve international representation. These passports
Diplomats and Ambassadors: Personnel serving in the Indian embassies and diplomatic missions. These include ambassadors, consuls, and diplomatic staff.
High-Ranking Government Officials: This includes Indian ministers and senior bureaucrats involved in international relations.
Representatives to International Organisations: Personnel representing India in international events and organisations.
Why are Diplomatic Passports Important?
Diplomatic passports ensure smooth international travel for government officials on official duty. They provide visa exemptions, priority immigration, and legal protection under international laws. Diplomatic passport holders in India represent India in foreign countries. They ensure seamless diplomatic communication, strengthen international relations, and uphold national interests during global engagements.
How to Apply for a Diplomatic Passport in India
Steps to Follow to Apply for a Diplomatic Passport in India
Register Online: Go to the Passport Seva Kendra website and click on "Register Now" to create an account.
Log In: Use your newly created credentials to log in to the portal.
Fill Application Form: Click on the "Apply for Diplomatic/Official Passport" option. Complete the form with accurate personal and official details.
Print Application: After submission, use the "View/Print Submitted Form" link to print your completed application.
Gather Required Documents: Collect the necessary documents for submission.
Submit Application: Bring the printed application form and all required documents to the local passport offices or the CVC division at Patiala House, New Delhi.
Receive Diplomatic Passport: The officials will initiate the verification process before issuing the diplomatic passport.
Fees for Diplomatic Passport
Applying for a diplomatic passport in India incurs no application fee, as the government issues them exclusively for official purposes.
Processing Time for Diplomatic Passport
The processing time for an Indian diplomatic passport is generally 3 to 5 working days after application submission. This expedited processing ensures that officials can undertake urgent government duties without unnecessary delays.
Documents Required for Getting a Diplomatic Passport
Copy of identification document(official)
Copy of the Head of Office Certificate
The official letter that you get from the Forwarding Officer
Current official passport/original diplomatic passport (if any)
Original Certificate of Cancellation(in case safe custody or surrender certificate is cancelled by MEA(Ministry of External Affairs)
Two recent passport-sized photographs with white background
Undertaking that has been issued by the office of the applicant (in case the applicant will retire within 6 months of submission of the application)
Original Safe/Surrender Custody Certificate (in case the original diplomatic official passport is kept with the Indian MEA(Ministry of External Affairs))
Form P1 & P1 (A)
Also Read: Change Passport Name & Passport Address.
Benefits Enjoyed By Diplomatic Passport Holders in India
Visa Exemptions: Holders can enter several countries without a visa, reducing travel formalities.
Priority Immigration Clearance: Faster entry and exit at international airports with dedicated immigration lines.
Diplomatic Immunity: Protection from certain legal actions under international agreements.
Access to Diplomatic Lounges: Exclusive airport lounges are available for comfort and convenience.
Simplified International Travel: Streamlined procedures for official government travel.
Strengthens Diplomatic Presence: Enhances India’s global representation and relations.
Read More: Passport Renewal.
Differences Between Normal and Diplomatic Passports
Here are some of the basic differences between normal and diplomatic passports:
| Parameter | Normal Passport | Diplomatic Passport |
|---|---|---|
| Issuance of the passports | Granted to general citizens. | These are provided to high-ranked Indian government officials. |
| Number of Pages | It has 30-60 pages. | It has 28 pages. |
| Colour | Blue | Maroon |
| Validity | Eligible Adults get a passport with a validity of 10 years. Minors get a validity of 5 years. | The validity of a diplomatic passport can be 5 years or less. |
| Purpose | Used to travel overseas for personal and business purposes. | Used for government-related official foreign trips. |
| Fees | Range from ₹1,500 to ₹5,500 | None |
| Visa Requirements | Visa required for most countries | Diplomatic passport holders in India get visa exemptions in many countries |
| Processing Time | Standard processing (varies by category) | Expedited processing (3-5 working days) |
| Immigration Clearance | Standard immigration lines | Priority immigration clearance |
| Legal Immunity | No immunity from legal actions | Diplomatic immunity under international agreements |
| Special Privileges | No special privileges | Access to diplomatic lounges and priority services |
| Issued By | Ministry of External Affairs | Ministry of External Affairs |
Also Read: What is the Difference Between a Visa and a Passport?
Conclusion
A diplomatic passport in India ensures seamless travel for government officials handling international duties. It offers privileges like visa exemptions and priority immigration and is strictly used for official purposes. However, even diplomatic travellers face risks such as baggage loss, trip delays, or medical emergencies. That is where a comprehensive travel insurance policy becomes essential.
At TATA AIG, we provide travel insurance online to safeguard all travellers, including diplomatic personnel. Our policies cover trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and baggage insurance, ensuring financial protection during unforeseen events. Whether you are a diplomat or a regular traveller, securing a policy is quick and hassle-free. You can buy travel insurance online through our seamless digital platform in just a few clicks.
A diplomatic passport may ease international travel, but it does not eliminate unexpected challenges. With TATA AIG’s travel insurance online, you can travel with confidence, knowing you have a strong financial backup for any travel-related contingencies.
Also Read: Loss of passport Cover In Travel Insurance
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is a diplomatic passport given to IAS?
Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers do not automatically receive a diplomatic passport. However, if they are assigned to official government duties abroad on behalf of the Indian government, they may be issued a diplomatic passport.
Can a diplomatic passport be used for personal travel?
No, a diplomatic passport is strictly for official government travel. A regular passport is required for personal trips.
Can a retired government official keep their diplomatic passport?
No, a diplomatic passport is valid only during official tenure and must be returned after retirement or completion of duty.
What happens if a diplomatic passport is lost or stolen?
The holder must immediately report it to the Ministry of External Affairs and file an FIR at the nearest police station for further processing.
Can a diplomat hold both a diplomatic and an ordinary passport at the same time?
Yes, diplomats can hold both passports, but they must use the diplomatic passport only for official duties and the ordinary passport for personal travel.
Disclaimer / TnC
Your policy is subjected to terms and conditions & inclusions and exclusions mentioned in your policy wording. Please go through the documents carefully.
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