India offers several types of passports , which are essential documents validating the citizenship of Indian nationals under the Passport Act of 1967. The Ministry of External Affairs issues passports in the country. With an Indian passport, travellers can visit numerous countries either visa-free or through visa-on-arrival arrangements.
Indian passports come in various forms, from the standard navy blue passport to more advanced e-passports . Indian passports are categorised into two main groups: digital or online ‘e-passports’ and physical, offline passports. Within the physical passport category, there are five types, each tailored to specific citizenship statuses, diplomatic roles, or educational backgrounds.
Different passport colours are used to distinguish these types, streamlining immigration and security processes. Below is the list of different types of Indian passports .
What is a passport?
A passport is a travel document issued by the government that certifies the nationality of the holder. It allows individuals to travel internationally, serving as proof of citizenship. Passports typically contain personal information such as the holder’s names, date of birth, photograph, and nationality, along with a unique passport number.
The Indian passport is issued by the Ministry of External Affairs to the Indian citizens for the purpose of international travel and stands as proof of Indian citizenship as per the Passports Act (1967).
Types of Indian passports
Different Indian passports
Ordinary or Type P passport (navy blue)
The navy blue passport is the most commonly issued type, intended for regular citizens for general travel, such as business, tourism, or education. Any Indian can apply for this passport through the regular application process. It is valid for five years for minors under 18 and ten years for adults. It is also known as a ‘Type P’ passport, where ‘P’ stands for personal.
Official or Type S passport (white)
The White passport is issued to government officials, bureaucrats, and others travelling abroad for official diplomatic work. It is meant for officials who don't hold full diplomatic status. This passport is typically valid for the duration of the official assignment. It is a ‘Type S’ passport, where ‘S’ stands for service.
Diplomatic passport (maroon)
The maroon passport is issued to high ranking government officials like diplomats, consuls, and members of the Indian Foreign Service. This passport grants diplomatic immunity and privileges, including smoother customs and immigration processes abroad. It is issued to the diplomat and their family members.
Emergency certificate (grey)
The Grey Emergency certificate is issued to Indian citizens living overseas who have lost their original passport or had it stolen. It is a temporary document, not a full passport, and allows them to travel back to India in emergencies. This certificate is issued by the Indian embassy and consulates and is valid for a single journey.
Immigration passport (orange)
The orange immigration passport is issued to individuals who have not completed their formal education and seek employment overseas. It is available to adults over 50 or minors above 18 who do not meet specific educational requirements.
Online or e-passports
E-passports, also known as biometric passports, contain an electronic chip that holds the information of the passport holder, including biometric data such as fingerprints and iris scans, along with other relevant information. India introduced e-passports to enhance the security of its travel documents. These passports are tamper-proof with embedded security features.
Common FAQs
What are the different types of passports in India?
India offers five types of passports, including the ordinary (navy blue), official (white), diplomatic (maroon), emergency certificate (grey), and immigration passport (orange). Additionally, India issues e-passports, which contain biometric data for enhanced security.
What is an ordinary passport in India?
The ordinary passport, or "Type P" passport, is navy blue and issued to regular citizens for general travel purposes such as business, tourism, or education. It is valid for five years for minors and ten years for adults.
What is the difference between a diplomatic passport and an official passport?
Diplomatic passports (maroon) are issued to high-ranking officials like diplomats and consuls, granting diplomatic immunity and privileges. Official passports (white) are given to government officials and bureaucrats for official travel but do not provide full diplomatic status.
What is an emergency certificate, and when is it used?
The grey emergency certificate is a temporary travel document issued to Indian citizens living abroad who have lost their passport or had it stolen. It allows them to return to India in emergencies and is valid for a single journey.
What is an e-passport in India?
An e-passport, or biometric passport, contains an electronic chip with the passport holder's information, including fingerprints and iris scans. It is designed to enhance security and prevent tampering.
Indian passports come in various forms, from the standard navy blue passport to more advanced e-passports . Indian passports are categorised into two main groups: digital or online ‘e-passports’ and physical, offline passports. Within the physical passport category, there are five types, each tailored to specific citizenship statuses, diplomatic roles, or educational backgrounds.
Different passport colours are used to distinguish these types, streamlining immigration and security processes. Below is the list of different types of Indian passports .
What is a passport?
A passport is a travel document issued by the government that certifies the nationality of the holder. It allows individuals to travel internationally, serving as proof of citizenship. Passports typically contain personal information such as the holder’s names, date of birth, photograph, and nationality, along with a unique passport number.
The Indian passport is issued by the Ministry of External Affairs to the Indian citizens for the purpose of international travel and stands as proof of Indian citizenship as per the Passports Act (1967).
Types of Indian passports
Different Indian passports
Ordinary or Type P passport (navy blue)
The navy blue passport is the most commonly issued type, intended for regular citizens for general travel, such as business, tourism, or education. Any Indian can apply for this passport through the regular application process. It is valid for five years for minors under 18 and ten years for adults. It is also known as a ‘Type P’ passport, where ‘P’ stands for personal.
Official or Type S passport (white)
The White passport is issued to government officials, bureaucrats, and others travelling abroad for official diplomatic work. It is meant for officials who don't hold full diplomatic status. This passport is typically valid for the duration of the official assignment. It is a ‘Type S’ passport, where ‘S’ stands for service.
Diplomatic passport (maroon)
The maroon passport is issued to high ranking government officials like diplomats, consuls, and members of the Indian Foreign Service. This passport grants diplomatic immunity and privileges, including smoother customs and immigration processes abroad. It is issued to the diplomat and their family members.
Emergency certificate (grey)
The Grey Emergency certificate is issued to Indian citizens living overseas who have lost their original passport or had it stolen. It is a temporary document, not a full passport, and allows them to travel back to India in emergencies. This certificate is issued by the Indian embassy and consulates and is valid for a single journey.
Immigration passport (orange)
The orange immigration passport is issued to individuals who have not completed their formal education and seek employment overseas. It is available to adults over 50 or minors above 18 who do not meet specific educational requirements.
Online or e-passports
E-passports, also known as biometric passports, contain an electronic chip that holds the information of the passport holder, including biometric data such as fingerprints and iris scans, along with other relevant information. India introduced e-passports to enhance the security of its travel documents. These passports are tamper-proof with embedded security features.
Common FAQs
What are the different types of passports in India?
India offers five types of passports, including the ordinary (navy blue), official (white), diplomatic (maroon), emergency certificate (grey), and immigration passport (orange). Additionally, India issues e-passports, which contain biometric data for enhanced security.
What is an ordinary passport in India?
The ordinary passport, or "Type P" passport, is navy blue and issued to regular citizens for general travel purposes such as business, tourism, or education. It is valid for five years for minors and ten years for adults.
What is the difference between a diplomatic passport and an official passport?
Diplomatic passports (maroon) are issued to high-ranking officials like diplomats and consuls, granting diplomatic immunity and privileges. Official passports (white) are given to government officials and bureaucrats for official travel but do not provide full diplomatic status.
What is an emergency certificate, and when is it used?
The grey emergency certificate is a temporary travel document issued to Indian citizens living abroad who have lost their passport or had it stolen. It allows them to return to India in emergencies and is valid for a single journey.
What is an e-passport in India?
An e-passport, or biometric passport, contains an electronic chip with the passport holder's information, including fingerprints and iris scans. It is designed to enhance security and prevent tampering.
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