Types of Passport in India

India issues passports based on the applicant's purpose of travel and official designation. Understanding the types of passports helps citizens choose the right one.

There are mainly three different types of passports issued in India. These include the ordinary passport, the official passport, and the diplomatic passport. The ordinary passport, also called a type P passport, is issued to general citizens for travel abroad. The official passport is given to individuals representing the Indian government on official duty. The diplomatic passport is for top government officials and diplomats.

If you are wondering, how many types of passports are there in India? The answer is three. Each passport comes with its own colour and privileges. The Ministry of External Affairs regulates all these passports. These passports serve varied travel needs and reflect the status of the holder.

The Indian government issues three main types of passports, each designed for a specific purpose. Based on your needs, you need to choose the right one from the different types of passport in India.

Ordinary Passport (Type P - Blue Cover)

This is the most common passport category issued to Indian citizens. It is used for general travel such as vacations, study, or business trips. Most people apply for this passport. It has a blue cover and it comes with a validity of 10 years for adult applicants and 5 years for minors.

Diplomatic Passport (Type D - Maroon Cover)

This passport is given to Indian diplomats, top government officials, and people representing India in other countries. It comes with a maroon cover. A diplomatic passport gives special treatment and quicker services at airports and embassies. It is not available for regular citizens.

Official Passport (Type S - White Cover)

This passport is issued to Indian government employees travelling abroad for official work. It has a white cover and is also known as the service passport. Like the diplomatic passport, this is not for general public use.

Please Note: Yellow Passport in India is a Certificate of Identity (CI) with a yellow cover, which is primarily issued to Tibetan refugees residing in the country. This document serves as their official identity card. It allows them to travel internationally and access certain rights as recognised refugees under Indian regulations.

Also Read: What to Do If You Lose Your Passport While Travelling Abroad?

Each passport category has specific eligibility criteria. While most citizens apply for the ordinary passport, the other two are for special roles. Knowing the different types of passport in India ensures you apply for the correct one. It also helps avoid delays or rejections. Always check which passport category you belong to before filling out your application.

In India, passports are classified based on their format—traditional physical passports and electronic passports (ePassports). Both serve as official travel documents issued by the Government of India, but they differ in technology and features.

Physical Passport

A physical passport is the traditional booklet-type document that contains printed personal details, a photograph, and visa pages. It is issued in three main categories—ordinary, diplomatic, and official. It lacks digital security features and is manually verified during immigration checks. Physical passports have been used for decades and are still widely accepted globally.

ePassport (Electronic Passport)

An ePassport is a biometric passport that contains an embedded electronic microchip. This chip securely stores the passport holder's biometric information, such as fingerprints, facial images, and personal details. It follows ICAO standards and offers enhanced security against identity theft and fraud. ePassports allow faster immigration clearance using e-gates and are gradually being introduced in India.

Also Read: What is E-Passport?

Understanding the eligibility criteria is important before starting your Indian Passport application. Each passport type serves a different purpose and has specific requirements.

Ordinary Passport

An ordinary passport is issued to Indian citizens for general travel. It is used for general travel such as tourism, study, business, and personal visits.

Eligibility:

• Any Indian citizen above the age of 18.
• Minors (below 18 years) can apply with parental consent.
• Must possess valid proof of Indian citizenship (e.g., Aadhaar, voter ID, etc.).

Diplomatic Passport

A diplomatic passport is given to Indian diplomats and top-ranking officials for international travel.

Eligibility:

• Members of the Indian Parliament and Legislative Assemblies.
• Indian Foreign Service officers and designated government officials.
• Senior officers working under the central government who are travelling abroad on official duty.
• It must be recommended by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

Official Passport

An official passport is issued to government employees traveling abroad for official work.

Eligibility:

• Central and state government employees.
• Individuals representing the Indian government on official duty.
• Applicants must have approval from the concerned government department.

Read More: Passport Renewal Process

Applying for a fresh passport in India is a simple process. If you are wondering about - where can I apply for an Indian passport? Below is a step-by-step guide to help you through your Indian passport application.

• Step 1: Register Online: Open the official Passport Seva website. Go to "New User Registration" to create a new account. Use your newly created credentials to log in.

• Step 2: Fill in the Application Form: Choose "Apply for Fresh Passport" and fill in the required details accurately. After completing the form, save it and submit it online.

• Step 3: Pay the Passport Application Fees: Pay the passport application fee online using credit/debit cards, internet banking, or through SBI Bank Challan.

• Step 4: Schedule an Appointment: After payment, book an appointment for an interview at a Passport Seva Kendra. Print out the application receipt for reference.

• Step 5: Get Required Documents: Get all the necessary documents like identity and address proof, date of birth, photographs, etc.

• Step 6: Reach the Passport Seva Kendra: Officials will verify your documents during the interview. They will take your fingerprints and photograph.

• Step 7: Police Verification: After your PSK visit, local police will verify your details.

• Step 8: Track Application Status: Use the Passport Seva portal to track your application status. You may also opt for SMS services to receive timely updates.

Also Read: How to Apply for Passport? Online and Offline

Read More: Documents Required for Passport

If you are wondering about - Is the application fee across different types of passports the same? Then the answer is no. Each type of passport application requires a specific fee structure.

Please Note: For the most accurate and updated information, refer to the official Passport Seva website.

Also Read: Indian Passport Fees

Before going on an international trip, follow these below-mentioned factors:

• Passport Validity: Your passport needs to remain valid for six months after the date you plan to return.
• Visa Requirements: Get a visa for the destination country. Apply in advance as processing may take some time.
• Health Precautions: Check the vaccination requirements. Some countries need specific immunisations for entry.
• Be Ready Financially: Inform your bank about your travel plans to prevent any card issues. Also, research currency exchange rates.
• Travel Insurance: Get international travel insurance to cover the loss in case of unexpected incidents.
• Cultural Awareness: Familiarise yourself with local customs, laws, and etiquette. Show respect for their culture.
• Safety Measures: Stay updated on travel advisories and contact your embassy for assistance if there is an emergency.

Read More: Tatkal Passport: Fees, Procedure & Documents Required

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Also Read: Loss of Passport Cover In Travel Insurance

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

In Indian passports, "ECR" stands for "Emigration Check Required," and "non-ECR" (formerly ECNR) stands for "Emigration Check Not Required." Individuals who haven't completed their 10th-grade education receive an ECR passport. It helps in emigration clearance for employment in certain countries. And, those who have passed the 10th grade or meet specific criteria are issued non-ECR passports. This passport category allows them to travel freely without such clearance.

Can I have 3 passports in India?

India does not permit dual or multiple citizenships and holding passports from more than one country is not allowed under Indian law. However, individuals of Indian origin who have acquired foreign citizenship can apply for Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI), which grants them certain privileges in India without conferring full citizenship rights.

How long does it take to get a passport in India?

For an ordinary Indian passport application, it ordinarily takes up to 30 working days once it is verified successfully. Under the Tatkal facility, the passport can be issued in 1–3 working days on submission of all necessary documents and police verification having been cleared or waived off.

Is police verification mandatory for all Indian passport applications?

Yes, new passport applicants generally require police verification. However, in certain Tatkal cases as well as re-issue cases where pre-police verification has already been done, it might not be required. It is at the discretion of the Regional Passport Office to decide based on the documents submitted.