How will you know if your passport offers a faster immigration clearance feature or a visa-free travel facility?

For that, you have to acquire a little bit of knowledge about different types of Indian passports and their respective significance.

An average person is not even aware that there are several kinds of passports. However, just like different visas, people also require different types of this document, based on their occupation.

Let’s find out all about these different passports in India!

Blue Passport

Also known as type P passport, this one is issued to the general population of India, planning to set out for leisure or business trips to foreign countries. The blue colour helps to differentiate it from other passports with official status.

Uses: General public use this passport to travel for leisure or business purposes.

Benefits: This type of passport helps foreign authorities distinguish between general public and government officials.

White Passport

These types of passports are issued to only Indian Government officials who are travelling outside the country for official purposes. These officers include those working at the IAS and Indian Police Service Department.

Uses: Government officials use this passport for travelling abroad for official work.

Benefits: White passports make it easier for immigration officials to identify Government officers and treat them accordingly.

Diplomatic Passport

This is for Government officials and diplomats who are travelling to foreign countries for work. Diplomatic passports are for any Government representative planning a foreign trip except those having a white passport.

Uses: Indian diplomats and senior government officials use this passport during foreign tours where they represent India.

Benefits: Among the extensive range of perks available for maroon passport holders, a visa-free travel facility (for travelling abroad) is the most useful one. No matter how long they decide to stay in a foreign country, they will not need a visa for foreign trips. Further, they can enjoy a faster immigration process with this passport.

On top of that, immigration is easier for people with these types of Indian passports than general passport holders.

Orange Passport

The Government launched orange-coloured passports back in 2018, which will not contain the address page. These types of passports are designed mainly for people not having education beyond class 10. These people fall  under the ECR category.

Uses: Individuals who have not studied beyond class 10 can use this passport for flying abroad.

Benefits: The main purpose of introducing a different type of passport was to ensure uneducated citizens' safety when travelling abroad. With this system, the ECR verification and emigration procedure will be faster as well.

Each of the passport types mentioned above has a different purpose and  is issued to eligible persons. Here is a list of all the eligible individuals,

• Blue Passport - General public
• White Passport - Government officials
• Diplomatic Passport - Indian diplomats and senior government officials
• Orange Passport - Individuals who have not studied beyond class 10.

Now that you are aware of the eligibility requirements, let’s learn about the application process for different types of passports.

Use the below-mentioned steps to apply for a passport online -

• Step 1: Visit the online portal of Passport Seva and log in using your existing ID and password. Those visiting the site for the first time need to register themselves first.
• Step 2: Now, select ‘Fresh Passport/Passport Reissue’ and fill in the application form. 
• Step 3: Next, click on ‘Upload e-Form’ to submit.
• Step 4: Now, click on ‘Pay and Schedule Appointment’ to make payment and fix an appointment.

You can also print out the payment receipt containing your appointment or reference number by clicking on 'Print Application Receipt'.

Upon completing this process, visit the Passport Seva Kendra or Regional Passport Office where you have booked an appointment. Make sure to carry all documents required for verification.

After that, you will need to go through police verification. Here, they will assess all the information provided in your form and visit the address mentioned there.

Availing a new passport can be difficult and time-consuming if you do not have all the documents ready with you. Read on to know about the documents required for passport application process.

To avoid unnecessary hassle, make sure to keep the following documents handy -

• Address proof (Aadhaar card, electricity bill, rent agreement, telephone/post-paid mobile bill, your bank account passbook, spouse's passport copy, etc.)
• Date of birth proof (Birth certificate, school transfer/leaving certificate, PAN card, voter ID card, etc.)

Apart from documents, individuals need to learn about the validity and expiry of a passport. Read along!

Your passport will be valid for only 10 years, notwithstanding its type. Therefore, you should make it a point to renew it within that period. With easy access to the internet, the renewal process of different types of Indian passports can be done online.

Make sure to drop the application before it expires. Otherwise, you will have to apply for ‘Reissue of Passport’ and also go through fresh police verification if expiration exceeds 3 years.