Passports, Various Types and Requirements, Procedure to apply for Passports

Passport is an official travel document issued by a government that certifies the identity and nationality of its holder. It allows individuals to travel internationally and serves as proof of citizenship when crossing borders. Passports contain personal details such as the holder’s name, photograph, date of birth, and passport number. They also include visa pages for recording entry and exit stamps or visas required for travel to certain countries. Passports are essential for legal travel and are subject to renewal after a specific period, typically ranging from 5 to 10 years, depending on the issuing country.

Passport Types and Requirements:

In India, passports are issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and are categorized into different types based on the purpose of travel and the applicant’s status.

Ordinary Passport (Type P)

 This is the most common type of passport, issued to Indian citizens for ordinary travel purposes such as tourism, business, and education.

• Cover Color: Navy blue.
• Eligibility: Any Indian citizen.
• Validity: Typically issued for 10 years (for adults), with a shorter validity of 5 years for minors under 18.
• Requirements:
  • Proof of identity (Aadhaar card, voter ID, etc.).
  • Proof of address (utility bills, bank statement).
  • Date of birth proof (birth certificate, educational certificate).
  • Recent passport-sized photographs.
  • Payment of applicable fees (depending on age and passport validity).

Diplomatic Passport (Type D)

This passport is issued to Indian diplomats and officials representing the country abroad. It grants special privileges and immunity under international law.

• Cover Color: Maroon.
• Eligibility: Senior government officials, members of parliament, and diplomatic staff.
• Validity: Typically issued for 5 years.
• Requirements:
  • Official government authorization.
  • Proof of appointment or diplomatic position.
  • Personal and professional details.
  • Supporting documents as per the government’s internal procedures.

Official Passport (Type S)

Issued to individuals traveling abroad on official government business, but who are not diplomats (e.g., government employees, public sector representatives).

• Cover Color: White.
• Eligibility: Government employees and individuals traveling on behalf of the Indian government.
• Validity: Depends on the duration of the official mission or assignment.
• Requirements:
  • Government-issued authorization.
  • Proof of official assignment abroad.
  • Personal details and supporting documents.

Emergency Certificate (EC)

This is a one-time travel document issued to Indian citizens stranded abroad without valid travel documents, allowing them to return to India.

• Eligibility: Indian citizens abroad without a passport (due to loss, theft, or expiry) requiring emergency travel back to India.
• Requirements:
  • Proof of identity and Indian citizenship.
  • Statement of the circumstances leading to the need for the emergency certificate.
  • Police report (in case of stolen or lost passport).
  • Relevant embassy approvals.

General Passport Requirements in India:

• Proof of Citizenship: Applicants must provide documents proving their Indian citizenship, such as Aadhaar card, voter ID, or PAN card.
• Age Requirements: Minors under 18 years of age require parental or legal guardian consent, and their passports are issued for 5 years or until they turn 18, whichever comes first.
• Application Process: Applications can be made online through the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) website. Applicants must fill out the form, pay the fees, and schedule an appointment for biometric data collection and document verification.
• Police Verification: For most applicants, a police verification process is mandatory to ensure the authenticity of the information provided.
• Renewal: Passports must be renewed upon expiry, and individuals can apply for re-issuance of the passport before the expiration date.

Fees Structure (As of 2023):

• Ordinary Passport: INR 1,500 for 36 pages (valid for 10 years for adults).
• Tatkal Service: For expedited processing, an additional fee of INR 2,000 is charged.
• Other Fees: The fee structure may vary for minors, senior citizens, and specific circumstances.

Procedure to apply for Passports:

1. Create an Account on Passport Seva Website:

• Visit the Official Website: Go to the official Passport Seva website.
• Register an Account: Click on “New User Registration” to create an account. Provide your details like name, email ID, date of birth, and other necessary information. You’ll receive a confirmation email.
• Login to Your Account: After registering, log in using your credentials (login ID and password).

2. Fill Out the Passport Application Form:

• Choose Type of Application: Select between a fresh passport or passport renewal/reissue.
• Download the Application Form: You can either:
  • Fill the form online, or
  • Download the form in PDF format, fill it offline, and upload it later.
• Fill in Personal Details: Complete the form with details like name, date of birth, address, and identification marks. Make sure to provide accurate and correct information.
• Passport Type and Validity: Choose between a 36-page or 60-page booklet, and select the desired validity period (5 or 10 years).
• Supporting Documents: Upload scanned copies of required documents (proof of identity, address, date of birth, etc.).

3. Pay the Application Fee:

• Standard Fee: The fee for a regular passport application is INR 1,500 for a 36-page booklet (valid for 10 years).
• Tatkal Service Fee: For urgent issuance, an additional fee of INR 2,000 applies.
• Payment Methods: You can pay the fee online through credit/debit cards, net banking, or through a challan at a bank.

4. Book an Appointment at Passport Seva Kendra (PSK):

• Schedule an Appointment: Once the form is submitted and payment is made, book an appointment at the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) for document verification.
• Choose Date and Time: Select a convenient date and time slot for your visit.
• Appointment Confirmation: After booking, you’ll receive an Appointment Reference Number (ARN) and a confirmation receipt.

5. Visit Passport Seva Kendra (PSK):

• Carry Original Documents: On the day of your appointment, bring the originals of all the documents you uploaded, along with the appointment confirmation receipt.
• Document Verification: At the PSK, your documents will be verified by officials to ensure their authenticity.
• Biometrics and Photograph: Your fingerprints and photograph will be taken for the passport. You don’t need to bring passport-sized photographs, as these are captured at the center.

6. Police Verification:

• Verification Process: After the PSK visit, a police officer will visit your residence to verify your details. They may ask for original documents and a few personal references.
• Verification Report: Once the police report is submitted, it plays a key role in determining the issuance of the passport.

7. Track Application Status:

• Online Tracking: You can track your passport application status by logging into your account on the Passport Seva portal. Enter your Application Reference Number (ARN) to view updates.
• SMS Updates: You can opt for SMS updates at the time of application to get real-time information about the status.

8. Passport Dispatch and Delivery:

• Processing Time: After police verification and approval, the passport is printed and dispatched. The normal processing time for a standard application is 20-30 working days, while the Tatkal application is processed within 1-7 days.
• Delivery: The passport is delivered to the applicant’s address via registered post. You can track the delivery through the consignment number provided.

Documents Required for Passport Application

The documents required vary depending on the applicant’s status (adult, minor, senior citizen) and the type of passport (fresh, renewal, Tatkal).

1. Proof of Identity:

   • Aadhaar Card
   • Voter ID
   • PAN Card

2. Proof of Address:

   • Utility bills (electricity, water, etc.)
   • Rental agreement
   • Bank statement/passbook

3. Proof of Date of Birth:

   • Birth certificate
   • School leaving certificate
   • PAN Card

4. Additional Documents (if applicable):

   • Marriage certificate (if applying post-marriage).
   • Affidavit (for name change or other discrepancies).
   • Parents’ passport details (for minors).