What is ECNR in Passport?

ECNR (Emigration Check Not Required) is a seal or endorsement on passports that indicates the passport holder does not need to undergo immigration checks by the authorities.

It certifies that the passport holder has met certain criteria that permit them to travel overseas without emigration checks before every journey.

The ECR passport is where the travellers need to go through the emigration check. It is basically an orange passport introduced in 2018. This type of passport is issued to individuals who do not have the necessary educational qualifications required by the official.

It is generally issued to individuals who want to work in countries like Indonesia, Iran, etc. and does not necessarily require qualification.

Also Read: Indian Passport With New Look: From Blue To Orange

Individuals often wonder how to check ECNR in passport or ECR in passport. The process is very simple; to know, just simply check the second page of the issued passport. If the passport mentions "Emigration Check Required", then your passport is under the ECR category.

However, if there is no such mention, it means your passport falls under the ECNR category. The passports that are issued after 2007 without a specific notation generally come under the ECNR passport category.

Here is a list of individuals who are eligible to get ECNR on passports:

• Diplomatic or government passport holders.
• Gazetted government officials, their spouses and dependent children.
• Individual taxpayers, their spouses and children.
• Graduates and diploma holders from recognised polytechnics.
• Matriculation certificate holders.
• Individuals with permanent residence or immigration visas for the UK, USA and Australia.
• Nurses with diploma degrees recognised under the Indian Nursing Council Act 1947.
• Individuals above the age of 50 years.
• Minors who are below 18 years of age.
• Individuals who spent 3 years or more abroad.

• Step 1: Visit the official Passport Sewa website.
• Step 2: On the homepage, click to create a new profile on the website.
• Step 3: After you have created your profile, apply for a fresh passport.
• Step 4: The ECNR option is on the application form. Click on it and fill in the required information carefully.
• Step 5: Next, you need to upload a set of documents which are listed on the site. Upload them all carefully for the verification procedure.
• Step 6: Now, submit the form and proceed with the application fee payment.
• Step 7: After paying the application fee successfully, download the payment receipt for further processing.
• Step 8: Next, you need to schedule an appointment with your nearest Passport Seva Kendra.
• Step 9: Visit the Passport Seva Kendra with your payment receipt, the original and photocopies of the required documents for the verification process.
• Step 10: Once the verification is completed, you will receive your passport.

While applying to clear ECNR passport eligibility, you need to submit certain documents. These documents are different for every individual according to the categories under which they fall. Here is the list of documents for each category of applicants:

Gazetted Government Servant

• Prior Intimation Letter as per Annexure H.
• Identity Certificate as per Annexure A.
• No Objection Certificate as per Annexure G.

Spouse of a Gazetted Government Servant

• An attested copy of the issued marriage certificate.

• Identity Certificate as per Annexure A.

  Dependent Child of a Gazetted Government Servant

• Passport copy of the government servant.

• Birth Certificate issued by any office authorised to issue Birth Certificate or by Registrar of Births and Deaths Municipal Authority.

• School leaving certificate or Secondary School leaving certificate or certificate of recognised boards from the last attended school.

Individuals Above 50 Years of Age

• Birth Certificates issued by the Municipal Authority or any office authorised to issue Birth and Death Certificates.
• School leaving certificate, secondary school leaving certificate, or certificate of recognised boards from the last attended school or any other recognised educational institution.

Matriculation Certificate Holder

• Certificate to show your enrollment of educational qualifications in matriculation.

Income Tax Payer

• Proof of assessment of income tax and actual payment of income tax for the past year.
• An Income Tax return statement for the past year stamped by income tax authorities with a copy of the PAN card is also required.
• Tax proof of payment supported by additional documents.
• Proof of assessment of income tax and actual payment of income tax for the last year.

Spouse of Income Tax Payer

• Submit an attested copy of the marriage certificate issued by the Marriage Registrar.
• The spouse's name must be endorsed in the applicant's passport.

Children (under 18 years of age)

• Birth Certificate

Also Read: Documents Required for Passport

If you have ECNR status on your passport, then it will offer several advantages such as:

No Emigration Clearance

Having an ECNR passport image is beneficial as there is no requirement to get clearance from the Protector of Emigrants (POE). That allows you to fly directly to certain countries without getting processed again.

Faster Immigration Process

Having an ECNR passport means you would not have to go through this additional paperwork and security clearance at the airport. This passport facilitates a faster and easier immigration process at the airport.

Securing Jobs Abroad

Many foreign companies ask to show proof of ECNR along with hiring. Thus, someone with ECNR status is already prepared to take up job offers outside India without further waiting for government clearances, etc.

Increased Travel Flexibility

ECNR status offers more travel flexibility, particularly for individuals who want to explore global career opportunities, travel for leisure, or visit relatives abroad without additional complications.

Various countries require the ECNR status on passports if travellers want to enter the country. These countries are:

Also Read: ECR vs Non-ECR Passport

Individuals who want to convert their ECR passport into an ECNR passport need to follow a specific procedure. Here is how they can convert a passport.

Step 1: Gather the Required Documents

Gather all the requested documents, such as educational qualifications and address proof, as mentioned on the official website, to apply for an ECNR passport.

Step 2: Fill Out Application Form

After gathering all the documents, visit the official Passport Seva website. Fill out the passport application form correctly and submit all the documents in the requested size and format.

Step 3: Pay the Passport Fees

After you finish submitting the documents, you will need to pay the passport fees through your choice of payment method, such as a credit/debit card. After you submit the fees, upload the acknowledgement receipt.

Step 4: Schedule an Appointment

Next, you need to book an appointment in the Passport Seva Kendras in your area. If PSK is not available, you can also book an appointment in POPSK (Post Office Passport Seva Kendras).

Step 5: Documents Verification and Biometrics

On an appointment date, go to the Passport Seva Kendra with all your documents. The official will verify all the documents, and they will also collect the biometrics such as fingerprints and photographs of the applicant.

Step 6: Police Clearance Certificate

After that, the official will forward the application for a Police Clearance Certificate. The police authority will verify the person's identity and check whether the police record is clean.

Step 7: Get Your Passport

After issuing the Police Clearance Certificate, the authority will send the passport. The new ECNR passport will be sent to the applicant's mentioned address.

• Original ECR passport.
• Proof of educational qualification records such as graduation certificate, high school certificate, etc.
• Proof of address such as Aadhar card, electricity bills, rental agreement, etc.
• Two recent passport-size photographs.
• Any other additional documents required by the authorities.

If you have already applied for an ECNR passport or you want to know the exact status, then you need to follow below steps:

• Step 1: To track the status of your passport application, visit the official Passport Seva website.
• Step 2: Click on the “ Track Application Status” section.
• Step 3: Fill out the passport application file number and date of birth.
• Step 4: Hit the “Track Status” button.
• Step 5: The exact status of the passport application will appear on the screen.

• When applying for an ECNR passport, make sure you have all the required documents.
• Carry all the required original documents along with photocopies to the passport centre.
• Before submitting the passport application form, thoroughly check the details filled out, as incorrect information may lead to delays and rejections.
• If you encounter any issues while filling out the application form, you can contact the passport helpline numbers for support and assistance.

The ECNR passport image is essential for eligible Indian travellers who want to travel freely in other countries without worrying about emigration clearance. This kind of passport is issued to individuals or professionals who have educational qualifications.

Furthermore, the ECNR status of passports also opens new career and job opportunities for many travellers. Hence, it is crucial to know about the ECNR passport.

In addition to having an ECNR passport, travellers should consider buying an international travel insurance plan. With travel insurance online, you can financially protect yourself against various trip-related emergencies. These include covered expenses due to delay in receiving your checked-in luggage from the airport and cost of non-refundable ticket costs from missed or connecting flights if your trip gets cancelled.

TATA AIG offers travel insurance plans that are customised to your travel requirements. For instance, we offer student travel insurance plans curated for young individuals studying abroad. The plans come with various benefits, like study interruption coverage, compassionate visits and more.

Likewise, we have senior citizen health insurance plans designed for individuals over 60. These plans offer comprehensive protection based on senior citizens' healthcare needs. Buy travel insurance today from our website and enjoy worry-free trips with us!

Also Read: Why is Insurance Mandatory for ECR Passport Holders?

Can a minor applicant apply for an ECNR passport?

Yes, minor applicants can also apply for ECNR passports under special conditions, such as if dependents or parents of minors are income taxpayers, diploma holders or graduates.

How much time does it take to get an ECNR passport?

Getting an ECNR passport typically takes 7 to 21 working days, depending on document verification and whether you apply under the normal or Tatkal scheme. Delays may occur if additional checks or approvals are required.

What is the cost of an ECNR passport in India?

If you want to obtain an ECNR endorsement on your passport, then you need to pay ₹300 to the authorities. However, if you want to apply for a fresh passport under the normal scheme is ₹1,500.