Individuals aged 65 years and above can apply for a passport for the senior citizen category. It is a crucial identity and travel document for senior citizens travelling abroad. To obtain a passport, applicants must first meet the eligibility criteria established by the authorities.

The Ministry of External Affairs introduced a special scheme for senior citizens, effective 24 June 2017. Under this scheme, senior citizens are eligible for a 10% discount on the applicable passport fee for all new passport applications.

Passport Seva Kendras (PSK) and Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSK) also offer dedicated counters for senior citizens to ensure a smoother and faster process. The counters will also prioritise senior applicants and assist them with document submission, biometric collection, and other formalities, making their visit easier.

Also Read: Types of Passports in India

Travel Opportunities

One of the key benefits of a passport for senior citizens in India is that it provides them with travel opportunities. Having a passport is essential for seniors, whether they wish to travel around the world with their partner or visit their children who live overseas.

Proof of Identity

The passport application for senior citizens also serves as proof of identity and citizenship. For senior citizens who do not have any other form of identification, such as a driving licence, a passport will serve as an official document for identification and nationality.

Assistance in Emergency Situations

Another benefit of having a passport for senior citizens is that it provides them with assistance in the event of an emergency. If a senior citizen faces an emergency while travelling, having a passport can help consular services locate them and provide assistance if necessary.

Travel Benefits

Many countries like Spain and Italy offer discounts and assistance to senior citizens who visit their country. Senior citizens can also receive benefits such as reduced airfare, accommodations, or entry fees to attractions through a passport.

To apply for a passport for senior citizens in India, applicants need to meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Applicants must be citizens of India.

• The age criteria for citizens from all over India is 65 years old, while for Jammu and Kashmir applicants, women must be at least 60 years old, and men must be at least 65 years old.

• Jammu and Kashmir applicants must currently reside in the state of Jammu and Kashmir.

• Other state applicants must provide valid documentation for identity, date of birth and address.

• Applicants should not have any pending criminal cases or records against them while obtaining a passport.

The process of passport application for senior citizens is simple and consists of various steps. Here is how you can apply for a passport under the senior citizen category.

Step 1: Create an Account

To begin, visit the official Passport Seva website and click on the “New User Registration” button. Fill out the requested details, such as your name, date of birth, and email address, to create an account.

Step 2: Fill Out Online Application

After creating an account, sign in with the username and password. Then, log in and complete the application form for senior citizens. Ensure that you fill out the form with accurate information.

Step 3: Upload Documents

After filling out the passport application for senior citizens, upload all the requested documents. Submit all the required scanned copies of the document in the format requested.

Step 4: Pay Passport Application Fees

Once the documents have been uploaded to the website, pay the passport fee for senior citizens. You can make the payment using a credit or debit card, online banking or other e-payment services. After a successful payment, generate a payment receipt.

Step 5: Book An Appointment

After making a payment for a passport application for senior citizens, book an appointment in the Passport Seva Kendras in your area based on your availability. Senior citizens can also visit the passport office directly without any prior booking.

Step 6: Attend an Appointment

After booking an appointment, attend the appointment on the scheduled date and time with the original documents. The official will verify the passport application information and documents with the originals.

Step 7: Provide Biometric Data

The official would also collect biometric data from applicants, including photographs and fingerprints. A photograph of the applicant will be taken at the passport office or a passport photo station.

Step 8: Police Clearance Certificate

Once the document verification and biometrics are done, the passport officer forwards the application for police clearance.

This ensures that the candidate has no severe criminal record or other unresolved legitimate issues that would hinder the issuance of the identification.

Step 9: Receive Passport

After obtaining the police clearance and approval for the application, the printing process begins. The passport is printed, containing all the required information, including a unique passport number. Once the passport has been printed, it is dispatched to the applicant's home.

Here is the list of documents applicants need to submit when applying for a passport for senior citizens.

• Proof of identity such as an Aadhar card, voter ID, etc.

• Proof of address, such as utility bills, rent agreements, etc.

• Two passport-size photographs of size 4.5 x 3.5 cm on a white background.

• Proof of age, such as a birth certificate, school leaving certificate, etc.

• Marriage certificate in case of name change.

• Any additional documents are required by the passport official.

Also Read: Documents Required for Passport

The passport has a validity period; after its expiry, applicants need to renew it. Furthermore, if the applicant’s passport has been lost or stolen, they must also apply for a new one. The process of reissuing passports for senior citizens in India involves various steps:

Step 1: Visit the official Passport Seva website and log in to your account.

Step 2: Click on the “Fresh or Re-issue of Passport” tab.

Step 3: Fill out the passport application form and upload all the required documents.

Step 4: After uploading the documents, pay the passport renewal or re-issue fees.

Step 5: Book an appointment at the Passport Seva Kendra for document verification and biometric capture.

Step 6: Once that is done, authorities will forward the application for a police clearance certificate.

Step 7: After obtaining a police clearance certificate, a passport is dispatched and the applicant will receive the mentioned address.

Also Read: How to Renew Indian Passport?

The list of documents the applicant needs to provide for the re-issue of their passport in India is:

• Original expired passport booklet.

• Copy of the first and last page of the expired passport.

• Proof of identity such as an Aadhar card, voter ID, etc

• Proof of address, such as utility bills, etc

• Any additional documents are required by the official.

If you have applied for a passport but have not received it, then you can also check the status of your passport application. Here are the steps to follow to check your passport status.

Step 1: Visit the official Passport Seva website.

Step 2: Click on the “Track Application Status” button.

Step 3: This will direct you to a new tab where you need to enter your passport application number, date of birth, and captcha code.

Step 4: After entering all the information, click on the “Submit” button.

Step 5: The exact status of your passport application will appear on the screen.

Also Read: Passport Fees in India

• It is recommended that you arrive at the Passport Seva Kendra or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra at least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time.

• Senior citizens are allowed to bring one person from their family while visiting a Passport Seva Kendra or a Post Office Passport Seva Kendra.

• Weapons, sharp objects and other harmful objects are strictly prohibited inside the Passport Office or Passport Seva Kendras.

• Senior citizens applying under the Tatkal scheme should be aware that their application processing at the Passport Office may take approximately 2 hours.

Obtaining a passport is very important for senior citizens. A visa, which is generally required for admission into most countries, must be obtained through a valid passport. Additionally, a passport serves as proof of nationality in another country. This is why applying for a passport for senior citizens in India before the travel schedule is an essential part of the process.

In addition to this, senior citizens should also consider investing in international travel insurance to safeguard their financial assets. Travel insurance online offers coverage against various unforeseen emergencies, such as medical emergencies, baggage loss, etc.

At TATA AIG, we provide tailored senior citizen travel insurance policies catering to their specific healthcare and travel requirements. Whether it is medical treatment, lost baggage, or trip cancellations, our travel insurance acts as a financial safety net, allowing senior citizens to enjoy their travels with confidence.

We ensure that in the event of an emergency, you receive top-notch assistance from our team, regardless of your location. Secure your travel plans, visit the TATA AIG website and buy travel insurance online today.