Types of Passports in India (Ordinary, Official, Diplomatic)
Types of Passports in India (Ordinary, Official, Diplomatic)
Types of Passports Issued in India
India issues different types of passports depending on the purpose of travel and the status of the applicant. The three primary passport categories are Ordinary passports for general citizens, Official passports for government employees traveling for official duties, and Diplomatic passports for diplomats and high-ranking government officials.
Understanding the different passport types helps applicants identify which passport category applies to them and the privileges associated with each.
How Many Types of Passports Are There in India?
The Government of India issues three main types of passports to its citizens. Each passport type is designed for a specific category of traveler depending on their role, official status, or the purpose of their travel.
These passports are color-coded to make them easily distinguishable at immigration checkpoints worldwide.
Ordinary Passport (Type P)
The Ordinary Passport is the most commonly issued passport in India. It is provided to Indian citizens for personal travel purposes such as tourism, education, employment, or business trips.
Cover Color: Dark Blue
Issued to: General citizens
Designation: "P" stands for Personal.
Ordinary passport holders may need to follow the passport renewal process once their passport expires to maintain a valid travel document.
Official Passport (Type S)
Official passports are issued to individuals traveling abroad on official government assignments. This category is generally reserved for government officials or individuals representing the Indian government for specific official duties.
Cover Color: White
Issued to: Government employees on duty
Designation: "S" stands for Service.
These passports are strictly for official travel and do not replace the individual's ordinary passport for personal trips.
Diplomatic Passport (Type D)
Diplomatic passports are issued to Indian diplomats and high-ranking government officials who represent India internationally. This includes ambassadors, high-level government representatives, and members of the Indian Foreign Service.
Cover Color: Maroon
Issued to: Diplomats and top-tier officials
Designation: "D" stands for Diplomatic.
Diplomatic passports provide certain privileges and immunities under international diplomatic agreements, such as faster immigration processing.
Who Can Apply for an Ordinary Passport?
The vast majority of Indian citizens apply for the Ordinary Passport category. Anyone who meets the standard eligibility requirements can apply for this passport through the Passport Seva portal.
Applicants must submit the correct documents required for passport applications during the process. Furthermore, ordinary passport applications may require passport police verification before issuance to confirm the applicant's identity and residence.
What are the three types of passports in India?
India issues three passport types: Ordinary passports for citizens, Official passports for government officials on duty, and Diplomatic passports for diplomats and high-ranking representatives.
Which passport is issued to normal citizens?
Ordinary passports are issued to Indian citizens for travel purposes such as tourism, business, education, or employment.
What is a diplomatic passport?
A diplomatic passport is issued to diplomats and certain government officials traveling abroad on diplomatic assignments.
Can citizens apply for diplomatic passports?
No. Diplomatic passports are issued only to eligible government officials representing India internationally.