What is Indian Passport and Types of Indian Passports

What is Indian Passport and Types of Indian Passports

Details About Passport

Passport: A passport is a document issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (in most cases) of any country, using which the holder can travel internationally. Also, the passport is proof that the holder of the passport is a citizen of the same country that issues the passport.

Indian Passport: An Indian Passport is issued by the Indian Government’s Ministry of External Affairs to Indian Citizens for International travel purpose. As per the Passport Act-1967, a passport allows Indian citizens to travel abroad and serves as proof of Indian citizenship. In India, Passports are issued by "The Passport Seva" unit which issues passports to eligible Indian citizens. The Passport Seva Unit is a part of the Ministry of External Affairs and works as a central passport organization in India. There are more than 90 Passport Seva Kendras situated across India.

Content of a Passport: All the information on the passport printed in Hindi as well as in English. As shown in the photo below-

Every passport contains a note or Passport Note in Hindi and English, from the Indian President, addressing the authorities of other countries –

“इसके द्वारा, भारत गणराज्य के राष्ट्रपति के नाम पर, उन सब से जिनका इस बात से सरोकार हो, यह प्रार्थना एवं अपेक्षा की जाती है कि वे वाहक को बिना रोक-टोक, स्वतंत्रतापूर्वक आने-जाने दें, और उसे हर प्रकार की ऐसी सहायता और सुरक्षा प्रदान करें जिसकी उसे आवश्यकता हो । “

भारत गणराज्य के राष्ट्रपति के आदेश से

“These are to request and require in the Name of the President of the Republic of India all those whom it may concern to allow the bearer to pass freely without let or hindrance, and to afford him or her, every assistance and protection of which he or she may stand in need.”

By order of the President of the Republic of India

Types of Passports in India:

Passport Seva Kendra issues three types of Indian Passport to Indian citizens. These are as follows-

Ordinary Passport – An Ordinary Passport is of Dark Blue Colour. These passports are issued to the general public of India for general travel such as vacation, business tours or study purpose. This passport is a “Type P” passport, here P stands for Personal.

Diplomatic Passport – A Diplomate Passport is of Maroon Colour. These passports are issued to the Indian Diplomats, Members of Parliament, Members of Union Council of Ministers, and some High-Ranking Government Officials. If the request is made then can be issued to high-ranking state-level officials for official travelling.  This passport is a “Type D” passport, here D stands for Diplomatic.

Official Passport - An Official Passport is of White Colour. These passports are issued to the individual on official business representing the Indian Government. This passport is a “Type S” passport, here S stands for Service.

If required then Tatkaal passport and Short Validity Passport (SVP) are also issued, these are ordinary passport which can be used once.

Documents required for Indian Passport

Identity Proof - Aadhar Card,Voter Id Card,PAN Card,Driving License,Government ID Card.These all are necessary identity proof. For evidence of identity, only one documents is needed from the above documents.

Address Proof - Aadhar Card,Driving License,Rent agreement.These all are necessary Address proof. For evidence of Address, only one documents is needed from the above documents.

Date of Birth Proof - Birth Certificate,School Leaving Certificate.These all are necessary Date of Birth proof. For evidence of Date of Birth, only one documents is needed from the above documents.

Photographs - 4 Colorful Photographs,2x2 inch is needed for passport.

Source: Passport Seva (passportindia.gov.in)