If you are planning to apply for passport, it is important to know how many types of passports are there in India. Passports are issued based on the purpose of travel, such as personal trips, government work or diplomatic duties. In this guide, we will explain three main types of Indian passports i.e., Regular, Official and Diplomatic. We will also explain how you can apply for passport.
Indian Passport
A passport is important travel document used for international travel. It proves your identity and nationality. Passport records personal information such as your name, date of birth, place of birth, and photograph. While passports look similar across countries, they are issued for different purposes. In India, there are three main types of passports i.e. Regular, Diplomatic and Official
Types of passport in India
Regular Passport
Regular Passport is the passport issued to ordinary citizens in India. It has navy blue cover. This passport is used for personal travel such as holidays, business trips and other private purposes. Regular passports are Type P passports or P-Type passports, with P denoting personal. Type P Passport is available in booklets of 36 pages or 60 pages. It does not provide any special privileges or benefits to the passport holder.
The Diplomatic Indian Passport
A Diplomatic Passport is one of India’s most prestigious passports which has maroon cover. It is given to Indian diplomats, senior government officials, consuls, and top Indian Foreign Service officers on official duty. Dependents of these officials can also get this passport. Keep in mind, having diplomatic passport does not automatically give diplomatic immunity.
The Official Indian Passport
An Official Passport has white cover and is only for government employees traveling internationally to carry out official duties on behalf of India. These passports are only for people traveling internationally for official state business. They are not for individuals on regular overseas assignments. People who are fully dependent on Indian Foreign Service officials (Branch A & B) can also receive one. Official passport holders do not get any special privileges
How to apply for Indian passport
Here is how can apply for Indian passport:
- Visit passportindia.gov.in and create User ID. Log in.
- Select “Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue.”
- Fill out the form and schedule your appointment.
- Choose your nearest Passport Seva Kendra and time slot. Payment is required before booking.
- Visit PSK at your scheduled time with all required documents.
At the time of submission, your self-attested document copies will be matched with the originals at the Passport Office. Normally, passport is issued in 5 – 6 weeks.
In emergencies, you can apply under the ‘Tatkaal’ scheme. It costs more but speeds up your application. Tatkaal scheme applies in cases such as:
- Minors under 15 years, where police verification is not required
- Duplicate or re-issued passports without change of address
- Government servants with NOC, their spouses or applications with Verification Certificates
Difference Between Passport Renewal and Passport Reissue
FAQs
What are the three types of passports?
3 types of passports are regular, diplomatic, and official.
Is there Type S passport in India?
No, India does not issue Type S passport.
Which passport is ranked No. 1 in the world?
As of the latest Henley Passport Index, the most powerful passport in the world is Singapore
What is a Type P passport in India?
Type P stands for “Personal.” It’s the regular navy blue passport used by ordinary citizens for travel.
Which passport color is the most powerful in India?
The maroon passport is the highest level Indian passport but it’s only for authorized officials.
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