The Indian passport, issued by the Ministry of External Affairs through the Passport Seva system, is an essential travel document for Indian citizens. As of 2026, the Indian passport ranks 68th on the Atlys Passport Index with a mobility score of 72. Indian citizens can access 72 destinations without applying for a visa in advance, split into 30 fully visa free entries and 42 visa on arrival destinations. The remaining 126 destinations require an advance visa.
With improving bilateral relations and a growing global footprint, Indian travellers today enjoy significantly enhanced mobility across South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean. India has also introduced E-passports with embedded chips to improve security and streamline immigration procedures. Whether you're travelling for tourism, business, education, or visiting family, an Indian passport provides global access with the right documentation and planning.
For full details, refer to the Indian Passport Guide, which outlines visa free and visa on arrival destinations, passport validity rules, ECR and ECNR categories, biometric passport features, and essential travel tips for Indian citizens.
How Long is an Indian Passport Valid?
An Indian passport is generally valid for 10 years for adults aged 18 and above, and 5 years or until the age of 18, whichever is earlier, for minors. It can be renewed or reissued upon expiry. Tatkaal (expedited) and Short Validity Passports (SVP) are also available for urgent needs.
What Does an Indian Passport Look Like?
The standard Ordinary Indian passport features a navy blue cover with the Emblem of India centred. It bears inscriptions in Hindi and English, stating "REPUBLIC OF INDIA" and "PASSPORT."
Different types of Indian passports include:
Ordinary Passport (Navy Blue): for general public use
Official Passport (White): for government officials on official assignments
Diplomatic Passport (Maroon): for diplomats and high ranking officials
The new Indian E-passports, launched in 2024, include an RFID chip and biometric security features for enhanced protection and easier border crossings.
Inside the Info Page of an Indian Passport
The biodata page of an Indian passport contains key identification and security information in both Hindi and English, designed to meet international ICAO standards. Passports issued after 2013 include digital security features and a ghost image of the holder.
Key fields include:
Passport Type (P / S / D)
Country Code (IND)
Passport Number
Surname and Given Names
Nationality (भारतीय / INDIAN)
Date of Birth
Sex
Place of Birth
Date of Issue and Expiry
Place of Issue (RPO location)
Photograph and Ghost Image
Holder's Signature
Machine Readable Zone (MRZ)
Indian passports also carry a formal note requesting international authorities to allow the bearer to travel freely and receive necessary protection, issued in the name of the President of India.