Indian Diplomatic and Official passports are issued to Indian citizens who hold diplomatic status or to the high-ranking government officials who represent India in foreign or travel abroad for government work. The diplomatic passport is also known as type D passport and has a maroon cover, different from a normal passport with a dark blue cover. Here is who gets diplomatic passports, their benefits and how to apply for them.
Diplomatic passport benefits
Diplomatic/ official passport holders enjoy a special status and hassle-free migration procedure. There are several other benefits of availing a diplomatic passport, but they may vary from country to country. Here are a few common benefits that an Indian diplomatic/ official passport holder can enjoy:
- To begin with, official passport holders receive special treatment at the airport and there is a separate airport channel for the migration.
- Diplomatic or official passport holders are not subject to any delays due to passenger checks.
- Diplomatic/ official passport holders enjoy special treatment abroad as well.
- Foreign visa fees are either waived off or quite cheaper.
- They don’t have to respond to immigration inquiries at the airport.
Who can get diplomatic passport in India
The following individuals can get a diplomatic passport in India:
- Officials who have been deputed by the Government of India to travel abroad.
- Individuals who hold diplomatic status, such as officers in the Branch A and Branch B of the IFS and MEA (Ministry of External Affairs).
- Close family members of officers working in the IFS and EAM. In other words, family members of diplomatic passport holders.
How to get a diplomatic passport
Normally diplomatic and official passport applications are processed only at the PSP Division, Patiala House, New Delhi. However, applicants can also apply for a diplomatic/ official passport at the passport office near to your present address.
You can apply for a diplomatic passport online by following the below steps:
- Complete the registration process through the Passport Seva Portal online.
- Fill up the user registration form to create Passport Seva login credentials.
- Now log in to the Passport Seva Portal and the “Apply for Diplomatic/ Official Passport” option.
- Fill in the application form with required details like your name, position, family details, etc.
- Click on the “View/ Print Submitted Form” link and take a printout of the application form.
- Schedule a visit to the Consular Center in New Delhi.
- Ensure you carry all the required documents with the passport application form during your visit to the nearest passport office.
Documents required for diplomatic passport
Eligible applicants who are approved by the Central Government for a diplomatic or official passport need to submit the following documents:
- A printed copy of the diplomatic/ official passport application form
- Form P-1
- Form P-1(A)
- 2 passport size photographs with white background
- PMO/ Political clearance certificate
- Your official identity card
- Safe Custody Certificate, if the ordinary passport is under the safe custody of your department
- Existing original diplomatic/ official passport
- If the official/ diplomatic passport canceled under section PV-II, then submit the original cancellation certificate
Difference between ordinary and diplomatic passport
| Particulars | Normal Passport | Diplomatic Passport |
|---|---|---|
| Issued to | Issued to general citizens, including VIP individuals | Issued to high-ranking government officials, such as IFS and EAM officials |
| Usage | Ordinary Indian citizens can get this passport for personal or business travels, without government involvement in it. | Government officials use this passport to travel abroad for the official duty of the Government of India |
| Booklet | The passport booklet comes with 30-60 pages. | The passport booklet comes with only 28 pages. |
| Validity | – For adults: 10 years – For minors: 5 years | Issued for 5 years or less. |
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FAQs
The following individuals can apply for a diplomatic/ official passport in India:
– Officers in the Branch A and Branch B of the Indian Foreign Services (IFS) and Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) traveling abroad for official duties.
– Officials deputed by the Government of India to travel overseas.
– Family members of the above mentioned diplomatic passport holders.
Register yourself through the Passport Seva Portal online to apply for a diplomatic or official passport in India. Normally diplomatic and official passport applications are accepted only at the PSP Division, Patiala House, New Delhi. However, applicants can also apply for a diplomatic/ official passport at the passport office near to your present address.
Yes, a diplomatic passport holder can apply for an ordinary passport. You need to submit address proof, date of birth proof and surrender certificate.
There is no fee for the application of a diplomatic passport.
