Types of Passports in India

Blue Passport (Ordinary/Type P)

The blue passport, the most commonly issued type of passport in India, serves as the primary travel document for citizens engaging in international travel. Whether planning leisure trips, business visits, or overseas education, this passport is essential and often required for securing travel insurance policy coverage.

Eligibility Criteria

Any Indian citizen can apply for a blue passport, subject to verification of their identity, citizenship and address proof. The process requires standard documentation, including identity proof, address verification and birth certificates.

This type of passport in India has the most straightforward eligibility requirements compared to other variants.

Validity Period

For adults (age 18 and above), the blue passport remains valid for 10 years from the date of issue. Minors under 18 receive passports valid for 5 years. The validity period is crucial when planning long-term overseas travel insurance coverage or extended stays abroad.

White Passport (Official/Type S)

White passports signify official government travel, issued specifically for public servants travelling on official duties. This distinct type of passport in India ensures diplomatic courtesy and expedited processing at international borders.

Eligible Government Officials

Recipients include central and state government employees, public sector undertaking officials and staff of government-owned institutions travelling on official assignments. Parliamentary staff and select academic officials on government missions also qualify.

Special Privileges

White passport holders often receive priority processing at immigration counters and may access certain diplomatic facilities. However, these privileges are limited to official travel periods and don't extend to personal trips.

Application Process Differences

Unlike blue passports, white passport applications require additional documentation proving official status and travel purposes, along with authorisation from the respective government department.

Maroon Passport (Diplomatic)

Reserved for India's highest-ranking officials, including the President, Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers, diplomatic officers and their immediate family members. This elite category of passport in India represents diplomatic status internationally.

Special Benefits and Privileges

Holders enjoy extensive privileges, including visa-free travel to many countries, access to diplomatic lounges and priority processing. These benefits facilitate smooth diplomatic missions and international relations.

Diplomatic Immunity Aspects

The passport grants varying degrees of diplomatic immunity under the Vienna Convention, protecting holders from prosecution in foreign countries while performing official duties.

Eligibility Criteria

Strict eligibility requirements limit these passports to top government officials and accredited diplomats. Family members' eligibility depends on specific diplomatic assignments and positions.

Orange Passport (ECR)

This passport is no longer issued in India. Originally introduced in 2018, the orange passport specifically caters to emigrants requiring additional protection. This type of passport in India helps regulate and safeguard overseas workers, particularly in sectors requiring emigration clearance.

Target Demographic

Primarily designed for individuals without completing higher secondary education seeking employment abroad, especially in ECR (Emigration Check Required) countries. This passport type often correlates with specific overseas travel insurance requirements.

Special Features

Contains dedicated pages for employment contracts, employer details and emergency contacts. The distinctive orange colour enables quick identification at immigration checkpoints, facilitating proper verification.

ECR and ECNR Passport Difference

ECR requires emigration checks to work in certain countries, while ECNR passports don’t. Orange passports were originally used to indicate ECR status. Today, normal passport holders in India are all issued blue passports. The ECR and ECNR status is verified using the person’s passport details. A person may have either ECR or ECNR (Emigration Check Not Required) status, depending on their educational qualifications and intended purpose of travel.

ePassports

ePassports represent India's move toward more secure travel documents using modern technology. These passports contain an electronic microprocessor chip embedded in the cover page, storing crucial information, including:

• Biometric data of the passport holder

• Digital signature

• Facial recognition data

• All information printed on the passport's data page

The chip technology makes it nearly impossible to forge these passports and allows for quick verification at immigration checkpoints. India began rolling out these next-generation passports to enhance security and align with international standards for travel documents.

ePassports are gradually being introduced alongside traditional passport types and will eventually become the standard format for all Indian passports.

To obtain a fresh passport or re-issue an existing one, applicants must complete the passport application form, which can be submitted online or offline. Passport offices in India no longer entertain walk-in appointments unless you have special permission or if it is an emergency.

Applicants may visit the Passport Office, Passport Seva Kendra (PSK), or District Passport Cell (DPC) for offline submissions.

Below are detailed steps to apply for different passports in India online:

Step 1: Visit the online portal of "Passport Seva" and click on the "New User Registration" link displayed on the homepage to initiate the registration process.

Step 2: Log in to the Passport Seva website using your Registered ID.

Step 3: Based on your requirement, select the "Apply for Passport/Re-issue of Passport" option from the portal.

Step 4: Complete the passport application form by providing all the necessary details, then click on the "Submit" option to proceed.

Step 5: Proceed to the "Pay and Schedule Appointment" link after submitting the application.

Note: Online payment is mandatory for booking an appointment at the Passport Seva Kendra.

Payment options available include:

• Credit/Debit card (Visa/MasterCard)

• Internet Banking (SBI, SBI-associate Banks, and Other Banks)

• SBI Challan

Step 6: Upon successful payment, click on the "Print Application Receipt" link.

Note: The payment receipt contains the Application Reference Number (ARN).

Step 7: On the scheduled date, visit the Passport Office with all the original documents as per the requirements.

Also Read: Passport Renewal – A Complete Guide

Typically, different passport categories or types of passports require different sets of documents.

However, here's a general overview to help you navigate the process:

Common Documents for All Passports:

Application Form: Duly filled and signed online application form.

Photographs: Photographs will be clicked by the officials present at the Passport Seva Kendra during your appointment.

Proof of Address: One document from any of the following categories:

• Ration Card

• Electricity Bill

• Water Bill

• Telephone Bill

• Bank Account Statement

• Aadhaar Card with address

• Voter ID Card

• Rent Agreement (notarised)

• Letter from Employer (with address proof)

• Proof of Date of Birth: One document from the following categories:

• Birth Certificate

• School Leaving Certificate

• PAN Card

• Aadhaar Card (with DOB)

• Election Photo Identity Card (EPIC) issued by ECI

• Proof of Identity: One document from any of the following categories:

• Voter ID Card (EPIC)

• PAN Card

• Aadhaar Card

• Driving Licence

• Photo Passbook of Bank Account

• Government Photo Identity Card

• Admit Card issued by University/College/School

Additional Documents for Specific Passports:

• Orange Passport (Emigration Check Required Passport):

• Educational certificates proving qualification below the 10th standard.

• White Passport (Official Passport):

• Maroon Passport (Diplomatic Passport):

• Appointment letter or identity card issued by the Ministry of External Affairs.

Important Notes

All fees are non-refundable and subject to change. Please use the Passport Fee Calculator to get the most up-to-date fees before payment.

• (*) Applies to minors aged 15-18 years wanting 10-year validity

• 10% discount for fresh applications for:

• Minors below 8 years

• Senior citizens (above 60 years)

• Tatkaal fees are additional to regular fees

First, ensure all documents submitted are genuine and match across records to avoid verification delays.

Keep track of your passport's expiration date, as many countries require at least six months' validity beyond your planned stay.

Be mindful that any damage to your passport, even minor, can lead to travel complications or denial of entry.

If you're travelling to ECR countries, verify your passport's ECR/ECNR status before booking tickets.

Report lost or stolen passports immediately to prevent potential misuse and maintain a copy of your passport's bio-data page in a secure location.

Understanding the different types of passports in India is essential for international travellers. Whether you choose a standard blue passport or require specialised variants like white, maroon, or orange passports, securing travel insurance online is crucial.

As you plan your journey, consider your overseas travel insurance needs carefully, ensuring your coverage aligns with your destination requirements and travel duration.

Before your journey begins, compare international travel insurance costs and select a comprehensive travel insurance policy that suits your needs.

We at TATA AIG offer extensive coverage options, including coverage for passport loss during your trip. Our competitive rates and 24/7 global assistance make us an ideal choice for Indian travellers seeking dependable insurance protection.

Who gets a VIP passport in India?

VIP passports (maroon diplomatic passports) are issued to high-ranking government officials like the President, Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers and diplomatic officers. Among the types of passports in India, this is the most exclusive category.

What are ECR and non-ECR in an Indian passport?

ECR (Emigration Check Required) applies to those with education below 10th grade, while ECNR (Emigration Check Not Required) is for those above. The orange passport in India specifically indicates ECR status for additional protection of migrant workers.

What is the meaning of a 36 and 60-page passport?

The 36-page passport is standard for occasional travellers, while the 60-page variant is designed for frequent travellers who need more space for visa stamps and immigration marks. Both are available for ECR and ECNR passport holders.