What is Diplomatic Passport India?

A diplomatic passport is special type of passport issued only to certain individuals. It is mainly given to diplomats and government officials who travel abroad for official government work. If you are government officer and need to travel abroad for duty, you can apply for Indian diplomatic passport. In this blog, we will discuss diplomatic passport, eligibility, benefits, and its application process.

Diplomatic passport

Diplomatic passport allows its holder to travel internationally for official government work with certain privileges. It helps diplomats and authorised government officials cross international borders with fewer formalities compared to ordinary passport holders.

• Issued to select individuals: Mainly diplomats and senior government officers.
• Color difference: In India, the official passport is white, while the diplomatic passport is maroon with the words “Diplomatic Passport” printed on the cover.
• Purpose: Helps officials carry out government duties abroad with recognition and privileges.

Who gets diplomatic passport in India

Only some individuals are eligible to apply for diplomatic passport in India. The eligible applicants are –

1. Officers of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS – Branch A) travelling abroad on official duty
2. Selected officers of the Indian Foreign Service (Branch B) and officers of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) travelling abroad for official work
3. Dependent family members (parents, spouse, sons, daughters, or official hostess) traveling abroad with eligible diplomatic passport holders, recognized by the Ministry of External Affairs.
4. Family members mentioned above, if traveling abroad for education or other approved purposes.
5. Individuals holding diplomatic status.
6. Officials deputed by the Government of India for overseas assignments.

How to get Indian diplomatic passport

Application for diplomatic and official passports are accepted at the PSP Division, Patiala House, New Delhi. Here is how to apply for diplomatic passport.

1. Register yourself through the Passport Seva Online portal.
2. Log in using your Login ID and password.
3. Click on “Apply for Diplomatic / Official Passport.”
4. Fill in application form with correct details such as your name and family information.
5. After submitting the form, take printout using the “View/Print Submitted Form” option.
6. Carry printed application form with all required documents when visiting the Consular Office.

Documents required to apply for a diplomatic passport

Make sure all the required documents are arranged properly. Applicants need to submit copies of the following documents:

1. An official identity card
2. Submit the official letter from the forwarding officer
3. Submit a political clearance certificate
4. Head of office’s certificate
5. Original diplomatic passport (if it is under the safe custody of ministry of external affairs, carry the original surrender certificate or safe certificate)
6. Diplomats who are going to retire in less than 6 months from the date of application have to submit undertaking from their office (this specifies that they will surrender the diplomatic passport in the office after their return from that official tour)

Note- The documents are to be submitted in the following order:

1. Printed clear copy of the filled application form
2. Political clearance certificate
3. Copy of the identity card
4. Certificate issued by the office’s head
5. Request letter from the forwarding officer
6. Other necessary documents

Benefits of Diplomatic passport India

A diplomatic passport leads to special status to its holders. They receive a wonderful tension free experience while travelling to overseas. Some of the major advantages of having diplomatic passport are:

1. Special treatment while travelling and separated airport channels
2. No delays while boarding due to time- consuming passengers
3. Special treatment upon reaching overseas
4. No visa fees

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