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!
What Are the Different Types of Indian Passports with Colour?
The different types of passports distinguish individuals by the type of travel they are permitted to undertake with that passport.
The below table clearly shows the various types of passports and the category of people who are assigned each of them:
| Type of Passport | Category of People Assigned |
|---|---|
| Blue (Ordinary) | Any Indian Citizen by birth, descent, neutralisation or naturalisation. |
| White | Indian Govt. Officials, IAS Officers, Indian Police Service Department Officials |
| Maroon (Diplomatic) | Indian Foreign Services officials, officers from ministry of external affairs, dependents including parents, spouse, children, official hostess travelling with the official, officials with diplomatic status, officials on Indian government-related business |
| Orange | Those who have not studied beyond 10th standard. |
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.
Eligibility Criteria & Requirements for Different Types of Passports in India
Each of the passport types mentioned above has a different purpose and is issued to eligible persons. The table below clearly indicates the different types of passports and their eligible group:
| Types of Passport | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Blue | Any Indian Citizen by birth, descent, neutralisation or naturalisation. |
| White | Indian Govt. Officials, IAS Officers, Indian Police Service Department Officials |
| Maroon | Indian Foreign Services officials, officers from ministry of external affairs, dependents including parents, spouse, children, official hostess travelling with the official, officials with diplomatic status, officials on Indian government-related business. |
| Orange | Those who have not studied beyond 10th standard. |
Now that you are aware of the eligibility requirements, let’s learn about the application process for different types of passports.
How to Apply for a New Passport in India?
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.
What is the Passport Application Fees in India?
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:
1. For a Fresh Application of a Passport
| Age of the Applicant | Number of Pages in the Booklet | Passport Validity | Normal Passport Fees | Tatkal Passport Fees |
| Below 15 Years | 36 | 5 Years | ₹ 1,000 | ₹ 3,000 |
| Aged 15 to 18 years | 36 | 10 years | ₹ 1,500 | ₹ 3,500 |
| Aged 15 to 18 years | 60 | 10 years | ₹ 2,000 | ₹ 4,000 |
| 18 years or older | 36 | 10 years | ₹ 1,500 | ₹ 3,500 |
| 18 years or older | 60 | 10 years | ₹ 2,000 | ₹ 4,000 |
2. For Re-Issue or Renewal of Passport
| Age of the Applicant | Number of Pages in the Booklet | Passport Validity | Normal Passport Fees | Tatkal Passport Fees |
| Below 15 Years | 36 | 5 Years | ₹ 1,000 | ₹ 3,000 |
| Aged 15 to 18 years | 36 | 10 years | ₹ 1,500 | ₹ 3,500 |
| Aged 15 to 18 years | 60 | 10 years | ₹ 2,000 | ₹ 4,000 |
| 18 years or older | 36 | 10 years | ₹ 1,500 | ₹ 3,500 |
| 18 years or older | 60 | 10 years | ₹ 2,000 | ₹ 4,000 |
Read on to know about the documents required for passport application process.
Documents Required for Applying a New Passport in India
The passport application process in India has become hassle free in the recent years.
If you submit the correct documents, you can expect to receive your passport within 30-45 days in the normal category and within 1-3 days in the tatkal category.
Here are the major required documents for passport:
| Documents Category | Adults | Minors |
| Identity Proof | Any of the mentioned documents – Aadhaar card, voter card, PAN card, driving licence | Aadhaar card, parent’s passport copy attested by them or by self |
| Address Proof | Any of the mentioned documents – Aadhaar card, voter card, PAN card, driving licence, electricity bill, utility bill, rent agreement, utility bill, landline bill, mobile bill, gas connection proof, passbook of running a bank account, a certificate from the employer on company letterhead (should be a reputed company) | Parent's present address proof including passbook of running a bank account, electricity bill, utility bill, rent agreement, utility bill, landline bill, mobile bill, gas connection proof |
| Age Proof | Any of the mentioned documents – Birth certificate issued by the municipal corporation, declaration given by any orphanage on official letterhead confirming the date of birth of the applicant, school leaving certificate, policy bond issued by the Public Life Insurance company where the date of birth of the policyholder is mentioned | Birth certificate issued by the municipal corporation, declaration given by any orphanage on official letterhead confirming the date of birth of the applicant, school leaving certificate, mark sheet of secondary or higher secondary, policy bond issued by the Public Life Insurance company where the date of birth of the policyholder is mentioned |
| Other documents | Income tax assessment order, educational certificate, spouse passport copy (first and last page of passport where applicant's name as the spouse is mentioned) | Annexure C/D as applicable, photo if minor is below 4 years of age, parents' passport copy showing spouse name endorsed or marriage certificate of parents, any other document as applicable according to parents’ marital status. |
While the above documents are the basic requirements for every category of applicant, a few additional documents are required for the official/diplomatic passports:
- Applicant ID card
- Certificate issued by head of office
- Official Request Letter from forwarding officer
- Political/PMO clearance certificate, if applicable
Apart from documents, individuals need to learn about the validity and expiry of a passport. Read along!
What is the Validity and Expiry of a Passport in India?
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.
FAQs About Different Types of Indian Passports
Does the application fee vary across different types of passports?
No, the price changes depending on the type of passport service you are opting for, and only if you choose between Tatkal and regular service.
Which type of passport should uneducated individuals apply for?
Individuals educated only till 10th grade can apply for an orange passport.
Which is the most common type of passport?
The Blue Passport is the most common passport type. It is also known as the “Regular” or “Tourist” passport.
What is the difference between ECR and ECNR passports?
ECR (Emigration Check Required) and ECNR (Emigration Check Not Required) categorize Indian passports based on the holder's educational qualifications and certain other criteria.
ECR passports are for individuals who may require an emigration check before traveling to certain countries, typically for employment, aimed at protecting less educated workers from exploitation.
ECNR passports, on the other hand, are for those who meet specific criteria, such as having a certain level of education, thereby exempting them from such checks.
Where can I apply for an Indian passport?
You can apply for an Indian passport at the Passport Seva portal. Submit your application, schedule your appointment and visit the passport seva kendra with the required documents.
What is a yellow passport?
Yellow passport is an identity card issued to Tibetans looking for refugee status in India.
Is Aadhar necessary for passport?
No, Aadhar is not necessary for passport. There are other acceptable documents also as address proof and ID proof.
Do we need to carry photocopies of documents while visiting PSK?
Applicants are required to carry original documents along with a self-attested copy of the required documents while visiting PSK for passport processing.
Can a person have multiple passports in India?
No, its not legal to have more than one passport in India.
What is type P passport?
A Type P passport, also known as a "Personal" passport, is issued to individuals for ordinary travel, such as vacations and business trips. It is the most common type of passport and is blue or black in colour.
What is Type D passport?
A Type D passport refers to a diplomatic passport issued to diplomats and eligible government officials for official international travel and assignments. It grants special privileges and immunity. It is maroon in colour.
What is Black passport in India?
In India, black passport is the ordinary passport, also known as type P, also issued in blue colour to ordinary citizens.
What is a Golden Passport? Does India offer a Golden Passport?
A "golden passport" is granted to foreigners. It's a citizenship-by-investment offered by some countries, allowing individuals to acquire a new nationality through significant financial investment.
However, India does not offer a golden passport program, as Indian law does not permit dual citizenship, and thus, Indian citizens cannot obtain a second citizenship without renouncing their Indian nationality.
How much time does it take to obtain an Indian passport?
In India, the processing time for a normal passport is 30-45 days from the date of application. For Tatkal passport, it takes 1-3 days, depending on the requirement of police verification.
Which colour passport is powerful in India?
In India, white passport is considered one of the most powerful since it is issued to high-ranking government officials.
Do IAS officers get white passport?
Yes, IAS officers are issued white passport for their international travels. However, depending on their diplomat status, in case they are in external affairs ministry, or any other status covered under the diplomat category, they might be granted the maroon or diplomatic passport.
Which passport is given to IPS officer?
IPS officers may be granted white or maroon passports based on their diplomat status.