A diplomatic passport is issued to a diplomat or an official travelling overseas for government duties. In this, individuals receive “Type D” passports that come in a maroon cover. It is different from a normal passport with a dark blue cover and applicable for ordinary citizens (including VIP residents).

Want to know more about these official passports? This article will answer all your queries regarding what a diplomatic passport is.

Individuals wondering “who is eligible for a diplomatic passport?” can refer to the following list to understand the requirements -

• Officers from Indian Foreign Services (Branch A) travelling abroad.
• Officers from the Ministry of External Affairs and selected officers from the Indian Foreign Service (Branch B) travelling abroad for official duties.
• When dependent parents, son and daughter, spouse, or official hostess travelling abroad with the eligible official. The Ministry of External Affairs must recognise the dependent status.
• Family members mentioned above can also get a diplomatic passport for educational and other purposes in a different country besides their residential country.
• Individuals holding diplomatic status.
• Officials deputed by the Government of India to travel overseas.

Got your answer for what is a diplomatic passport in India and its eligibility? Now, let’s know how to apply for it.

Application for diplomatic passports is allowed only at the Consular, Passport and Visa, Division, New Delhi. However, you can also apply for a diplomatic passport at your nearest Passport Office.  

If you are looking for how to apply for a diplomatic passport, follow the simple steps -

1. Register yourself on the Passport Seva portal.
2. Once you create an account, log in with your User ID and password.
3. Select the “Apply for Diplomatic/ Official Passport” link.
4. Fill in the form with relevant details like your name, family details etc.
5. Select the “View/ Print Submitted Form” link and take a printout of the application form.
6. Carry this printed application form and other important documents while visiting the Consular Office, New Delhi. Or else, during your visit to the nearest Passport Office.

You need to submit a copy of the following documents -

• Your official identity card.
• Submit an official letter from the Forwarding Officer.
• Head of Office’s certificate.
• Submit a Political Clearance certificate, if any.
• Original diplomatic passport.
• If your original diplomatic passport is under the safe custody of the Ministry of External Affairs, carry the original Safe Custody or Surrender certificate.
• If the Ministry of External Affairs cancels the Safe Custody or Surrender certificate, submit the Original Cancellation certificate.
• Diplomats retiring in less than 6 months from the date of application must submit an undertaking from their office. This specifies that they will surrender the passport to their office after their return from the official tour.

Note: You must submit the documents in the following order -

• A printed copy of the application form
• Political Clearance certificate
• Copy of an identity card
• Certificate issued by the Head of Office
• Request letter from the Forwarding Officer
• Other important documents