Different Types of Passports in India, their Colours & Eligibility Criteria

The different types of passports are mainly distinguishable by the color of their covers.

This classification not only streamlines the process of identification at international borders but also aligns with the global standards of passport issuance, ensuring Indian citizens are adequately equipped for their overseas endeavours, whether for work, diplomatic missions, or leisure.

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

1. Blue Passport for Common Citizens

Also known as type P passport, this is the ordinary passport and is issued to the general population of India. These can be used by regular individuals for leisure, business, or educational trips to foreign countries.

The blue colour differentiates 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.

2. White Passport for Indian Government officials

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.

3. Maroon Passport for Diplomats

A diplomatic passport is issued to diplomats and eligible government officials for international travel and assignments. It is maroon in colour.

The maroon colour differentiates it from regular or official passports, symbolizing the holder's high-ranking position and duty to represent their country abroad.

It is a powerful tool facilitating diplomatic missions and fostering international relations.

• Uses: This passport signifies the bearer's diplomatic status, granting them special privileges and immunities under international laws, such as expedited processing at borders
• 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.

4. Orange Passport for Less Educated & Ignorant

The Orange Passport was an initiative by the Indian government to distinguish passports of less educated citizens, particularly those requiring emigration clearance for travel to a group of specified countries.

Aimed at streamlining the process and enhancing the safety of Indian workers abroad, the Government launched orange-coloured passports back in 2018, which does not contain the address page.

These types of passports are designed mainly for people not having education beyond class 10. Besides, 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.

Note that your passport will help verify your citizenship and its usage is not just limited to international trips. You can make use of this document for various reasons, from school enrolment and registration to obtaining a driver’s licence, and so on! 

So, before going ahead, it is advisable to know different types of passports in India and the eligibility parameters you need to meet to acquire them.

You can refer the below-mentioned steps to apply for a passport in India 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 passport 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 for your passport. 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. 

Passport application fees differs across different categories like for minors, adults, for 36-page booklet or a 60-page booklet. It is higher for the tatkal passports. Let's have a look at the passport application fees under different categories:

Your passport will be valid for only 10 years, notwithstanding its type. However, the passports issued to minors below 15 years are valid for just 5 years or till they turn 18. For minors between 15 -18 years, they can apply a passport valid for 10 years or till they turn 18.

You should make it a point to renew your passport within the validity period. With easy access to the internet, the renewal process of different types of Indian passports can be done online.

The diversity of passports in India reflects the country's commitment to fulfilling the varied travel needs of its citizens, at the same time, catering to security and international cooperation.

It is important to understand the different types of passports and their distinct importance so that you are better aware and can navigate international borders more smoothly.