What are the different types of Passports, and which one is right for you?

There are several types of passports available, but you must know the kind of passport you have if you want a quick immigration service feature or even a visa-free service. To understand the different types of passports, you first have to get your hands on the basic data about various types of passports available in India and their importance. Experts say that a layman is generally not even aware of the different types of passports. But you must know that passports are available in different types, and they are similar to visas based on your occupation.

You are on the right page if you are curious to know about the types of passports available in India. Generally, every citizen in India holds a passport because it is one of the most crucial documents. Besides being an important document that you need to carry while you are traveling passport also works as a valid proof of identity. The passport is issued under the passport act 1967, and the Government of India offers different types of passports to the citizens of the country depending on their passport eligibility criteria.

Basics about Indian passport

In simple terms, you can say that a passport is a crucial document that you have to take while you are traveling abroad. The passport will feature all the details about the sex, nationality, name, or even birth date besides the birthplace and your identity. In layman’s terms, a passport is ideally a common document of travel that certifies your identity and nationality as an individual. The majority of the features of any passport are the same irrespective of the country it is issued in. Even if the passports serve various purposes, the features are similar.

How many types of the passport are available in India?

You can take a look at passports available by scrolling down

Blue passport

It is the normal passport or even the P-type passport that is issued to everyone in India; if you are planning to visit countries abroad for work or even for travel purposes, then you should apply for a blue passport. The blue color makes this passport unique from other types of passports featuring the official status. The general or the P passport is mainly used for business or leisure purposes travel. The best part about having this type of passport is that you can easily distinguish yourself from the government or general officials.

This passport is one of the most commonly issued passport countries. Navy blue is the cover of the passport. Not only just the ordinary citizens of the country, but even VIPs are issued similar passports. Or regular or the type P passport mainly showcases that it’s a personal passport. Generally, this type of passport has around 36 or 60 pages. You must know that when you are issued this passport, you cannot avail of any special perks.

White passport

The white passport is only issued to the Government of India officials. These officials mainly travel abroad for government work. The officials who can carry the white passport include people working in the police service department of India or the IAS department.

The government experts can use this passport while they are traveling away from their home country for any official work. The best part about having a white passport is that you can easily complete your immigration process because the immigration experts will identify you as a government officer and also give you special treatment; hence these are the benefits of a passport.

These national employees mainly represent the government, and they are on the duty of the nation. You need to know that these passports are not issued to general people who are traveling for business or any oversea assignments. People who are reliant completely on foreign service officials can get this passport.

Maroon passport

The passport is mainly issued to people who are officials from the Government of India or even the diplomats traveling to abroad countries for some work. The diplomatic passports are perfect for all the government representatives looking forward to traveling abroad. The passport is not issued to anybody who already has a white passport. The Indian diplomats or even the government officials at the superior levels can use the passport while they are on a foreign tour representing the country.

Besides all the amazing benefits available for the diplomatic passport, the best benefit here is a visa-free travel service while they are traveling abroad. No matter how long you decide to stay in any nation, you will not need any visa for your foreign trip. Additionally, you can also enjoy a seamless immigration process provided you have a diplomatic passport.

Well, you can say that a diplomatic passport is one of the most prestigious passport types to have in India. The elite kind of passport in India is not available to everybody. Only the top-ranking government individuals can have this passport, and if you fall into it, then nothing like it. But at the same time, you must remember that even if you have a diplomatic passport, you cannot have diplomatic immunity.

Orange passport

In 2018 the Indian government came up with the orange passport. The orange passport is unique because it does not have an address book page. This type of passport is only available for people who do not have the education criteria after class 10. The main idea of this passport first assures that such people can also travel safely even if they are uneducated. If you do not have an education level above class 10, then you must have this passport. This passport helps you travel abroad, and also you can use it as ID proof in school enrolment or even get a private license.

Before choosing the passport, you need to understand which passport should apply for.

How can you apply for a new Indian passport?

You can easily apply for a new passport in India by following the steps mentioned down.

• Firstly you have to choose between offline and online applications. For an online application, you need to submit your application online and get an appointment from the designated passport office. And you have to be present personally. Don’t forget to carry your mandatory documents.
• You can get your passport directly from the chosen authority, where you have to submit the application form also directly and carry your proof of work documents and passport size photograph, etc.

When you visit the passport office, you have to get all the documents that are self-attested by you because the experts here will check them. It takes around five to six weeks for a passport to be issued to you, but if you have an emergency, then you can apply for the tatkal passport. The best part about the digital passport is that you do not have to go for verification by the police.

Essential documents you need to submit while applying for a new passport in India

• You have to ensure that you have some important documents in your hand while you’re applying for a new passport in India so that there is no hassle.
• You have to submit some proof as to your address. You can submit your rent agreement, electricity bill, your bank account passbook, or even the passport copy of your spouse.
• You have to give something as proof of your birth date like your certificate of birth, transfer certificate from school, or leaving certificate voter ID pan card.

What are the validity criteria for an Indian passport?

In respect of the type of passport you have in India, you need to know that your passport is valid for ten years. Hence you need to ensure that you renew your passport in the given timeline. The renewal process is different for all passports considering the easy access to the Internet. You need to ensure that you apply for a new passport even before it expires. Otherwise, you have to apply for the passport reissued. This will happen if your passport is expired for more than three years.

Hence these are the different types of passports available in India. Choose the one that aligns with your needs and requirements before choosing any passport-type to ensure that you are eligible for the same.

FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)

Is the passport different for all types of passports?

It is respective of the type of passport you are applying you don’t have to stress about the passport fee at all. It is because the passport fee is the same for all, but if you go for the tatkal passport then you have to pay some extra money.

How can you choose your passport type?

Your eligibility criteria define your passport type.