Different Types of Passports Issued to Indian Citizens

When you are planning an international trip, whether for business, tourism, education, medical or any other purpose, there are certain documents you have to submit to the travel agency for visa processing. And, you know that passport is the one mandatory document to travel abroad, but what you may not be knowing is that there are four types of passports that the Government of India issues to its citizens. Each passport type holds a specific meaning and has its own benefits.

Therefore, before applying for a passport, it is important that you get familiar with all kinds of Passports and which one you are eligible for.  

Types of Passports

Ordinary - P - Type of Passport

Type P Passport is the ordinary passport given to general Indian citizens who plan to travel abroad for business or leisure holidays. It is navy blue in color and primarily used for personal travels such as educational, business, holiday, work visits, etc. As a result, it is clear that the vast majority of Indians carry this general-purpose or ordinary passport.

The blue color aids in determining the traveler's official status and enables foreign authorities to distinguish between ordinary citizens and government employees. This ordinary passport includes traveler's name, date of birth, and a photograph. It also includes other essential identity information required to carry out the immigration process with a simple and sleek design.

Official or Diplomatic Passport

Obvious of the name, this passport is issued to government officials and diplomats who often travel to foreign nations for government-related work. This implies that only government officials can obtain official or diplomatic Passports. Official Passport has a white cover, while passports for diplomats and high-ranking government personnel are maroon in color. The white Passport should not be mistaken for the maroon Passport. The latter is for government officials planning an international trip on behalf of the country. Maroon, on the other hand, is reserved for employees of the Indian Police Service and the Indian Administrative Services (IAS).

Maroon passport holders can plan international travel more easily. Furthermore, they are given distinctive treatment than general passport users. In addition to special treatment, maroon passport holders are entitled to a variety of benefits; they do not need a visa with flight ticket booking for foreign travel, regardless of how long they are going to stay in the country. Furthermore, the immigration procedure for these officers is much quicker than for those with general passports.  

White Passport

White Passports are thought to be the most powerful of all. White passports are only available to Indian government employees. It is issued to the holder traveling overseas on official business so that immigration and customs officers can recognize government officials and treat them suitably.

Orange Passport

In 2018, there was a significant shift in the passports given to Indian citizens. The government of India introduced orange-colored Passports with no address page in them. Orange Passport is designed mainly for people with no education beyond class 10. The new Passport appears totally different from what we have been using for the past few years. With a sleek design and clean pages, this passport appears quite interesting. The Ministry of External Affairs has made it obligatory for ECR residents to possess a passport bearing the orange stamp. The primary goal of introducing the stamp-based Passport is to guarantee the protection of uneducated people. Essentially, these passports are intended to safeguard individuals from being exploited in foreign nations while looking for work.

Furthermore, this change will expedite the ECR verification and emigration process. It is intended to assist immigration and foreign staff in identifying Indians who have not completed secondary education. The last sheet of this Passport is missing, also the father's name and permanent address of the passport holder. Unqualified travelers are classified as ECRs and are eligible for the orange Passport with a distinctive stamp. Orange Passport bearers are subject to a separate immigration factor.

What is ECR and ENCR Passport?

ENCR Passports are issued to Indian citizens who plan to travel to a foreign nation for employment purposes. ECR passport, on the other hand, was issued prior to January 2007; and does not have any notation. Passports issued after January 2007 are classified as ENCR, which means an emigration check is not needed and it is only issued to those who have not completed the 10th standard.

Bottom Line

Traveling abroad requires an authentic passport which could be any one of the above based on your category. However, for flight booking and visa, you have just one best travel agency i.e. WMTC. We can help you with cheap flight ticket booking and easy visa processing regardless of the passport you carry.