Diplomatic Passport in India

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.

Who Can Get a Diplomatic Passport?

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.

How to Get a Diplomatic Passport?

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 -

Register yourself on the Passport Seva portal.
Once you create an account, log in with your User ID and password.
Select the “Apply for Diplomatic/ Official Passport” link.
Fill in the form with relevant details like your name, family details etc.
Select the “View/ Print Submitted Form” link and take a printout of the application form.
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.

Documents Required for Diplomatic Passport:

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

What Is the Difference Between Ordinary and Diplomatic Passports?

Here’s what you need to know about the difference between the two -

Parameters	Normal Passport	Tatkal Passport
Meaning	This passport is issued to general citizens, including VIP individuals. The passport booklet comes with 30-60 pages.	It is issued to high-rank officials. The booklet has only 28 pages.
Validity	Adults – 10 years Minors – 5 years	Issued for 5 years or less than that.
Usage	This passport is used for personal or business travels. There is no government involvement in it.	Officials use this passport to travel abroad for the official duty of the Government of India.

Thus, this is all about what a diplomatic passport is and its associated details. A diplomatic passport holder comes with a host of benefits. One such is that this passport holder does not pay taxes on income from countries outside the host country. To enjoy such benefits, apply for a diplomatic passport. Check the eligibility and application procedure before you apply for the same.