A passport is among the most crucial documents that validate your identity and act as proof of citizenship within the country.
The Ministry of External Affairs of India issues different types of passports, each tailored to a different citizenship status, educational background and diplomatic position. These passport types are usually distinguished by their colours.
In this blog, we will explain the main passport categories in India and provide other useful information.
What Are the Different Types of Passports in India?
There are four main types of passports in India. As mentioned above, these are granted based on your purpose of travel, designation and level of education, among other factors.
Types of Passport in India |
Who Are They For? |
Blue | Any common Indian citizen. |
White | IAS and IPS officers. |
Maroon | Officials from Indian Foreign Services, Ministry of External Affairs, Official Hostess Accompanying the Official, Officials on Diplomatic mission, etc. |
Orange | Indian citizens who have not studied after class 10th. |
Let's discuss each type of passport and its uses.
Blue Passport (P-Type Passport India)
Also known as a P-type passport, it is the most common type of passport granted to normal citizens of India for personal travel purposes. These include travel related to business, work, education and leisure.
The vast majority of Indians have this type of passport. Its main purpose is to help immigration authorities identify ordinary citizens. The deep blue colour makes it easier to determine the visitor's purpose.
White Passport (S-Type Passport India)
This type of passport is issued to higher government officials in India who are travelling out of India for official purposes. These are usually granted to officials like IAS and IPS officers.
Note that the application process for obtaining a white passport is different from that for an ordinary passport. Also, white passport holders enjoy special privileges such as faster immigration checks, etc.
Maroon Passport (Diplomatic Passport India)
It is also a diplomatic passport but is issued to the highest-ranking government officials who are travelling abroad to represent India. It is the most powerful passport that facilitated diplomatic relations and global harmony.
One of the main advantages of maroon passports is that their holders don't require a visa to visit outside the country.
Orange Passport (Emigration Passport)
The Indian government introduced orange passports in 2018 to differentiate between the less educated and less privileged individuals.
It is granted to citizens who have not studied past class 10th and aims to enhance the safety of Indian workers in foreign countries.
In simple words, it allows less educated Indians to work in a foreign country and avoid getting scammed. Since it doesn't have an address page, an orange passport also ensures a smooth and faster immigration procedure.
Eligibility Criteria and Requirements for Different Passport Types in India?
Blue Passport (Personal Passport)
Any Indian citizen can apply for this type of passport. Below are the categories of individuals who are eligible for a Blue passport:
Maroon Passport (Diplomatic Passport India)
Below are the categories of Indian officials who are eligible for a diplomatic passport:
Indian Foreign Services Officers (IFS) (Branch A)
High-ranking Officials from the Ministry of External Affairs and Higher IFS Officials (Branch B)
Dependents of Maroon Passport holders (Spouse, Children, Parents, Official Hostess)
Officials Selected for Government Missions
Government Officials with Diplomatic Status
White Passport (Official Service Passport)
Indian government officials, including IAS and IPS officers, are eligible for a white passport or a service passport.
Orange Passport (Emigration Passport)
Indian citizens who have not studied after the 10th are eligible for an ECR passport. Below are the other requirements:
Individuals who have worked abroad for at least three years.
Adults above 50 years of age.
Minors above 18 years of age.
How to Apply for an Official Passport in India?
The process for obtaining a passport in India can vary based on its type. Here are the simple steps to get a passport in India:
Step 1: Visit the official
Passport Seva website and register as a new user. If you already have an account, then select the "Existing User Login" option.
Step 2: Select the "Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue Passport" option. At this point, make sure to select the right category of passport for which you are applying.
Step 3: Carefully fill in the passport application form online and submit it.
Step 4: Next, select the "Pay and Schedule Appointment" option present on the "View Saved/Submitted Applications" tab.
At this stage, select your preferred location and slot based on your availability. Once done, make the payment online using any payment method of your choice.
Step 5: Now, print the application form and save it. The application reference number (ARN) will be required during your appointment.
Step 6: To complete the formalities, visit your selected Regional Passport Office (RPO) or Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) with your documents and application receipt.
Once your application is submitted, you will have to undergo police verification to complete the process. If everything is done correctly, you will receive your passport within 30-45 days of submitting your application.
What is the Validity of Types of Passports in India?
In the case of adults, the validity of passports is ten years from the date of issuance. For minors, the validity is limited to 5 years or until they complete 18 years of age, whichever is earlier. After which, they can apply for a 10-year validity passport.
It is important to note that a passport becomes inactive as soon as it expires. This means you can not travel abroad with an expired passport.
Doing so can result in serious consequences, including strict legal action. Hence, it is recommended that you renew your passport within one year of its expiry.
Why is it Important to Protect Your Passport with Travel Insurance?
As we have discussed above, a passport is the most important document that acts as an official proof of your identity and citizenship. It is the primary document you need to travel abroad and, hence, should be taken extra care of.
But what if your passport gets lost or stolen during an overseas journey? Of course, you can apply for a duplicate passport. However, the process can be very inconvenient and financially draining. This is where our
international travel insurance plan can help you.
Our overseas travel insurance plans offer
passport insurance coverage along with coverage for other events such as baggage loss, trip cancellations, theft, medical emergencies, and so on.
This means that if your passport gets lost during your trip, we will reimburse the expenses incurred while obtaining a new or duplicate passport.
Travel insurance protects you from the loss of your passport and from financial expenses that may arise due to other unforeseen circumstances during your trip.
For more information on travel insurance, contact us!
Conclusion
There are four different types of passports available in India. These are granted based on the applicants' official status and the purpose of their visit. As mentioned above, a majority of ordinary Indian citizens hold a Blue passport, which allows them to travel abroad for personal reasons such as vacations, work, and education.
On the other hand, Service (White) and Diplomatic (Maroon) passports are granted to higher-ranking government officials visiting abroad to represent their home country. We also have an Orange passport (ECR—Emigration Clearance Required), which is granted to uneducated and less educated individuals interested in travelling abroad for work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the application fee for different types of passports in India?
The passport application fee in India varies depending on numerous factors, such as the applicant's age, number of pages, validity period and whether the passport is applied for under a normal or tatkal quota.
Based on these factors, the application fee for a normal passport ranges from ₹1,000 to ₹2,000. On the other hand, the cost of obtaining a Tatkal passport can range from ₹3,000 to ₹4,000.
Which type of passports are granted to individuals without any formal education?
Orange passports or ECR passports are issued to applicants who have not studied more than class 10th.
What is a yellow Indian passport?
A Yellow passport is granted to Tibetans seeking refugee status in India. It serves as their official identity document in the country.
How much time does it take to obtain an official passport in India?
The time taken to receive a passport depends on various factors, such as the type of passport, the efficiency of PSK or RPO, and normal vs. tatkal service. In general, normal passports are delivered within 30 to 45 working days. On the other hand, tatkal passports can be received in 2 to 5 working days.