What is a Diplomatic/Red Passport & Who Gets One in India?

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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.

A diplomatic passport in India is a special type of passport issued to Indian government officials, diplomats, and individuals on official diplomatic missions. It grants privileges such as visa exemptions, expedited processing at customs and immigration, and diplomatic immunity in host countries.

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

A diplomatic or official passport gives certain dignity to the people holding it. They experience a convenient ride when travelling internationally, and most of the time, they enjoy it. Below are among the most important things you should know about the dignity of a diplomatic passport.

Diplomatic passports offer several benefits to holders, usually government officials or diplomats. These benefits include:

1. Visa Exemptions:

Diplomatic passport holders often enjoy visa exemptions or simplified visa procedures for many countries, allowing for easier and quicker international travel.

2. Expedited Processing:

They receive expedited processing at airports, customs, and immigration checkpoints, reducing wait times and ensuring smoother travel experiences.

3. Immunity and Privileges:

Holders may be granted diplomatic immunity, which protects them from prosecution under the host country’s laws. They may also be granted other privileges, like exemption from taxes or duties.

4. Special Access and Treatment:

They often have access to special diplomatic lounges and receive preferential treatment in various services and facilities.

5. Security:

Diplomatic passport holders may receive additional security and protection from their home country’s embassies and consulates abroad.

6. Official Travel Facilitation:

The passport facilitates official diplomatic missions, making it easier for diplomats to perform their duties abroad.

Yes, India is an exception to this, and you can get an ordinary and diplomatic passport simultaneously. However, you must declare this when applying for the ordinary passport so that you are not penalised ₹500. However, the specific regulations and procedures can vary by country. Here are some key points to consider:

Separate Applications:

You must apply for the ordinary passport separately, following the standard application process for your country.

Purpose of Travel:

Diplomatic passports are typically used for official government business, whereas ordinary passports are used for personal travel. Holding both allows you to distinguish between official and personal trips.

Regulations:

Check the regulations in your country regarding holding multiple passports. Some countries have specific rules about maintaining an ordinary and a diplomatic passport simultaneously.

Expiry and Renewal:

Ensure you keep track of both passports' expiry dates and renewal processes, as they may differ.

Declaration:

When applying for an ordinary passport, you might be required to declare that you already hold a diplomatic passport.

It's best to consult your country's relevant government office or passport-issuing authority to get detailed information on the application process and any specific requirements.