A passport is an official document issued by a government, certifying the holder’s identity and citizenship and entitling them to travel under its protection to and from foreign countries. It serves as a basis of identity and address proof for almost all purposes. Here, we will explore the different aspects of the Indian Passport starting with their types, validity, process of application and every other detail including renewing and reissue through multiple articles and Q&As.
The Indian Passport
The Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India issues the Indian Passport via a network of 37 passport offices across the country and 180 Indian embassies and consulates located abroad. The Indian Passport is an essential travel document for individuals who travel abroad for various purposes. The passport certifies the holders as citizens of India by birth or naturalization as per the Passports Act, 1967.
In India, the Consular, Passport and Visa Division of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India provides passport services through Central Passport Organization (CPO) and its network of passport offices, and Passport Seva Kendras(PSKs).
Indian Passport for NRIs
Non-resident Indians (NRIs) can avail passport and other miscellaneous services through the 185 Indian missions or posts. The Indian Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has mentioned that the passports issued to individuals are machine-readable, as per their guidelines.
Types of Passport issued in India
There are two main types of passports that are issued to individuals by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. They are:
Ordinary Passport: Ordinary passports are issued to normal individuals. These passports are for general purpose which enable the holders to travel to foreign countries on business or holidays.
Official/Diplomatic Passport: Official or Diplomatic passports are issued to people travelling to foreign countries on official duties.
Passport Services for NRIs
Whether you are in India or abroad, services will always be required and at SBNRI, we make sure that you face no trouble when it comes to getting your work done. The extensive learning access through our blog and Youtube Channel enables you to easily understand and go through the various processes.
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A common doubt that troubles NRIs all over the world is whether they should opt for Renewal or Reissue of their Indian Passport as it reaches its expiry date. Let’s focus on the fundamentals: An Ordinary Indian Passport is issued with a validity of 10 years which can be renewed for another 10 years. So, if your passport is nearing its 10 year expiry date, it is suggested that you renew it for another 10 years. Now, you should aim for renewal within 1 year before expiry as your passport must have a validity of at least 6 months for seamless travelling. Now, if your passport has reached its expiry and by any chance you didn’t renew it then in that case you need to apply for reissue of passport.
There are hundreds of passport facilities where you can submit your passport application in New York. These passport offices are located at post offices, courthouses, and other government buildings. Working hours vary office to office and hence it is important to check office timing and possibly book an appointment before visiting the center. Operating hours may be limited. You can book an appointment at 1-877-487-2778.
Passport offices in California are located in local post offices, City Clerk and County Clerk offices, as well as some public libraries. Most of the passport application acceptance facilities require an appointment, so you must call before visiting the center. A new passport application is processed within 4 to 6 weeks. However, you can request expedited service to reduce the processing time to 2 to 3 weeks. Passport applicants who are unable to personally visit a passport office can authorize a third party to submit the application and required documents for them.
A significant number of Indian passport holders live in the UAE for jobs, business and study on a UAE visa. Indians whose passport is about to expire can apply for passport renewal or extension in the UAE. Here you will find complete information about Indian passport renewal in UAE, including passport renewal fee, time, documents required and a lot more.
Indians living in Pune and its neighboring areas can visit a regional passport office in Pune to avail any passport related services, such as passport renewal, new passport application, change in your passport, etc. Applicants need to have a prior appointment online before visiting the PSK/ POPSK. Following is the details of the Regional Passport Office in Pune.
The Indian consulates in the U.K. are in four different locations. These are Birmingham, Edinburgh, Belfast, and Cardiff. This article covers the contact information and services offered by each of the Indian consulates in the U.K. We have also covered the Indian consulates in the United States.
India is a unique and wonderful country to travel in. What about Indians wanting to travel abroad? The number of Indians traveling abroad has increased tremendously. The Indian passport has recently ranked at the 83rd position on the Henley Passport Index. It was ranked 90th in 2021. Japan and Singapore are ranked at the top of the index. Below we take a look at the criteria of this index and the countries one can travel to visa-free and with a visa on arrival on an Indian passport. This will give insight into the Indian passport rank.
Residents of Ahmedabad can apply for a passport by visiting the passport Seva Kendra or the regional passport office in Ahmedabad. At RPO Ahmedabad, you can avail other passport related services including Tatkal passport application, edition in existing passport, and a lot more.
A passport is an essential document for identification purposes. It is crucial for travel purposes. The Indian passport photo has several specifications which need to be followed. In this article, we talk about these photo specifications. We cover the various rules and regulations in place.
The past five years have seen 6 lakh Indians renounce their Indian citizenship. Data from the ministry of external affairs shows that 30% of these Indians are in the United States, Australia and Canada. Indians are taking citizenship in other countries. Dual citizenship is not permitted by India. Upon getting citizenship of another country, you will have to renounce Indian citizenship and your Indian passport. If you are applying for consular visa services or an OCI card, you will have to provide proof of renunciation of Indian citizenship. This can be in the form of a stamp in your Indian passport or a surrender/renunciation certificate. Read on for further details about proof of renunciation of Indian citizenship.
