Passport Office in Visakhapatnam

Established in 1997, the Passport Office in Visakhapatnam operates under the aegis of the Ministry of External Affairs as a subsidiary office overseen by the Central Passport Organisation. Passport issuance falls within the purview of the Indian constitution and is delegated to the Ministry of External Affairs.

The inception of the first five Regional Passport Offices in Bombay, Calcutta, Delhi, Madras, and Nagpur dates back to 1954, prompting the establishment of a distinct entity, the Central Passport and Emigration Organisation, in 1959, operating as a subordinate office under the Ministry of External Affairs.

Presently, the nation boasts a total of 37 passport offices, with the creation of the passport office in Visakhapatnam marking a significant development in 1997. Encompassing multiple districts, this regional passport office serves residents in its jurisdiction, including Visakhapatnam, by issuing Indian passports. Along with this, the passport office Visakhapatnam also provides various ancillary services such as police clearance certificates, passport detail modifications, and passport re-issue/renewal.

Below are the 12 districts encompassed by the Regional Passport Office Visakhapatnam:

• Alluri Sitharama Raju

• East Godavari

• Yanam

• West Godavari

• Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema

• Eluru

• Anakapalli

• Srikakulam

• Parvathipuram Manyam

• Vizianagaram

• Kakinada

• Visakhapatnam

Additionally, the regional passport office in Visakhapatnam has 42 officers and staff members. Here is a list of the top 5 in order of hierarchy:

• Passport Officer

• Dy. Passport Officer

• Assistant Passport Officer

• Sr. Superintendent

• Superintendent

Below are the details concerning the regional PSK Visakhapatnam address and passport office Visakhapatnam contact number, along with its weekly opening and closing hours:

Address: Passport Office, Beside Rythu Bazar, Marripalem Vuda Layout, NAD Post, Visakhapatnam 530 009, AP.

Visakhapatnam passport office timings: Monday to Friday- 09:15 AM to 17:45 PM.

National Call Centre/Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS): 1800-258-1800

Below is supplementary contact information for the regional passport office in Visakhapatnam should you have any specific queries about the regional passport officer or the grievance cell officer’s address.

Details About The Regional Passport Officer:

A Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) office functions as a satellite branch of a regional passport office, serving as a primary service provider responsible for processing passport applications. While PSKs handle initial processing, the ultimate decision on passport approval rests with the regional passport office.

Much like Regional Passport Offices (RPOs), PSK offices in Visakhapatnam process fresh passport applications submitted through the Passport Seva Visakhapatnam website. Additionally, they offer ancillary services such as passport detail modifications, the issuance of diplomatic and official passports, and Identity certificates.

The Passport Seva Kendra offices in Visakhapatnam streamline application procedures, ensuring prompt passport issuance and related services with transparency. They collaborate with the state police for applicant verification and utilise India Post for passport delivery, ensuring efficiency throughout the process.

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Any Indian citizen is eligible to submit a passport application. Thanks to the online Passport Seva Visakhapatnam portal, the application process is accessible from anywhere. In Visakhapatnam, there are two primary methods of application:** online or offline/in-person. The fee for a fresh passport amounts to ₹1,500, while a passport re-issue incurs a cost of ₹2,000.

Furthermore, individuals have the option to apply under either the Regular or Tatkal scheme. Although the procedures for both schemes remain identical, waiting times and costs vary. The table provides more information regarding the fee structure.

Online Passport Application Process In Visakhapatnam

The preferred method for most individuals applying for a passport is through the online application process due to its convenience and accessibility. Here is a detailed guide on how to apply for a new passport or re-issue in Visakhapatnam:**

Step 01: Visit the official website of Passport Seva Kendra Visakhapatnam. .

Step 02: Click on the “New User Registration” option located on the left side of the homepage.

Step 03: Fill in all required fields with relevant details, ensuring you provide a valid email ID and active phone number,

Step 04: After completing the registration form, click on “Register:**. You will promptly receive an email for confirmation on your registered email ID, which you must verify by clicking the provided link.

Step 05: Once your account is verified, log in using your registered login ID.

Step 06: Click on “Apply for New Passport/Re-Issue of Passport”.

Step 07: You can fill out the application form online for faster processing. However, if you prefer, you can download the E-form from the homepage and fill it offline. After completing the form, click “Validate and Save” to generate an XML file for uploading on the website.

Step 08: Upload the completed application form onto the website by clicking the “Upload E-form” link.

Step 09: Upload the completed application form and click "Submit" then you will be quickly redirected to the payment page for you to pay the application fee.

Step 10: Choose from the various payment methods available, such as Net banking, SBI challan, UPI, Debit, and Credit Card,

Step 11: Once the payment is processed, book your passport appointment Visakhapatnam at the nearest PSK Visakhapatnam.

Step 12: Download and print your application receipt containing the Application Reference Number (ARN), which you’ll need for the in-person interview.

Step 13: Attend your scheduled interview at the PSK office on the appointed date and time, bringing along your application receipt and all necessary documents.

Step 14: After successful verification and police verification, your passport will be then dispatched to your address via speed post.

If necessary, you can reschedule your passport appointment in Visakhapatnam up to two times. However, it's advisable to attend on the chosen date to avoid complications. If you exceed the maximum rescheduling limit, you'll need to re-register for a new account, repeat the application process again, and pay the fee one more time.

Offline Passport Application Process In Visakhapatnam

You also have the option to opt for an offline or in-person passport application through a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) office or Regional Passport Office (RPO) in Visakhapatnam. Here's a guide on how to proceed:**

Step 01: Visit a PSK office or RPO to purchase an application form. Other than this, you can download the form from the Passport Seva Visakhapatnam website. It's recommended to download the form if you have access to a computer, as it eliminates the need to purchase one on-site.

Step 02: Complete the form and submit it to the PSK office along with the required supporting documents and application fee.

Step 03: Upon processing your payment, you will be assigned a file number or Application Reference Number (ARN). This ARN will serve as your identification during the verification processes at the RPO or PSK office in Visakhapatnam.

Step 04: Schedule a passport appointment Visakhapatnam for your in-person interview. Subsequently, the process will follow the same **Steps as outlined for the online application process.

Step 05: After document verification and successful completion of the police verification process, your passport will be issued to you.

Documents Needed to Apply for a Passport in Visakhapatnam

Below are the documents required for verification when applying for a new/fresh passport under different categories:**

Mandatory Documents for Verification:

• Proof of Address

• Proof of Age

• Below are the additional documents required based on applicant category:**

• For Minors (Below 18 years of age):**

• Proof Of Present Address

• Proof Of Date of Birth

• Annexure D declaration affirming the minor's details filled in the application form

• Note:** If the applicant is a minor, a present address proof document in the parent's name is acceptable. Parents should carry their passports to PSK or POPSK and attest their child’s documents.

• For Adults (Above 18 and below 65 years of age, except J&K residents):**

• Proof Of Present Address

• Proof Of Date of Birth

• Non-ECR category document proof (if applicable):** Non-ECR category documents include HSC and SSLC mark sheets/ graduation certifications from a recognised educational board and a bachelor's degree (if available) from a recognised university.

• For Senior Citizens (Above 65 years of age, except J&K residents):**

• Proof Of Present Address

• Proof Of Date of Birth

Here are the acceptable documents for each category of applicants:**

Proof of Address:

• Photo Passbook of a running bank account

• Water bill

• Election Photo ID card

• Landline or Postpaid mobile bill

• Proof of Gas Connection

• Election Commission Photo ID card

• Spouse's passport copy

• Certificate from Employer

• Income Tax Assessment Order

• Aadhaar card

• Electricity Bill

• Rent agreement

Proof of Age (Date of Birth):

• School leaving/Matriculation Certificate

• Driving Licence

• PAN Card

• Election Commission Photo ID card

• Aadhaar card or E-Aadhaar

• Birth certificate issued by authorised authority

• Declaration from the Head of the Orphanage/Child Care Home

• Policy Bonds issued by Life Insurance Corporations/Companies

• Extract of the service record or Pay Pension Order for government servants

After completing the police verification process, the passport office will notify you via SMS or email that your passport has been dispatched. Additionally, you can monitor the progress and status of your application on the Passport Seva website.

Remember to retain your application receipt containing the Application Reference Number (ARN) for this purpose. Once dispatched, you will receive another SMS notification. You can track your passport using the provided consignment number, either through SMS or on the official website of the postal service utilised by the PSK Visakhapatnam.

In contrast to earlier procedures, the passport application and dispatch process has undergone significant streamlining for enhanced speed and efficiency. This transformation primarily stems from the government's digitisation efforts, transitioning the process online for improved accessibility and simplicity.

Notably, the once lengthy police verification process has been condensed to merely a week. However, given its recent introduction, the implementation of online police verification across all metropolitan cities may require additional time.

This pilot project is underway to ensure the widespread availability of this streamlined process in the near future. On average, obtaining a passport in Visakhapatnam now takes approximately 30 to 45 days, encompassing the application procedure, in-person PSK interview, police verification, and postal service delivery time.

As a crucial outpost of the Regional Passport Office (RPO), Visakhapatnam PSK serves as a vital link between the citizens of Visakhapatnam and the broader global community. The city hosts numerous Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) offices alongside a Regional Passport Office, ensuring applicants benefit from a streamlined and transparent passport application process.

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