Types of Passports in India

Regular Indian nationals who want to travel abroad for either business or leisure are issued a common passport, which is also referred to as passport type P. These passports are navy blue in colour and are issued for business trips, vacations, and educational trips.

Therefore, the vast majority of Indians hold this passport. Its primary goal is to assist foreign authorities in distinguishing between ordinary citizens and government officials. 

The blue colour makes it easier to determine the official status of a visitor. Such passports include the traveller's name, date of birth, and photographs. It contains additional important identity information that is required for immigration. This has a simple and modern design. 

White Passport

A white passport is considered the most powerful passport of all. It is only available to individuals working for the government of India. A white passport is a passport of ‘Type S,’ where S indicates service.

The application process for this passport is different from that of a standard blue passport. Besides the usual rules and regulations, those who hold a white passport also have some special privileges. 

Diplomatic Passport

A diplomatic passport is issued to diplomats and government employees travelling internationally on official business.

This implies that only government officials are eligible to obtain official passports. The diplomat passport comes with a white cover.

Diplomatic and senior government officials are given a maroon passport. It is critical to know the difference between maroon and white passports. 

Diplomatic passports are issued to any government representative planning an international trip who does not already have a white passport. They are designated for those working for the Indian Administrative Services and the Indian Police Service.

Maron passport holders get a host of benefits during their travel. One of the main advantages is that they do not require a visa when travelling abroad. 

They will not be asked about their visa status regardless of the duration they wish to spend overseas. Furthermore, these officials go through immigration much faster than regular passport holders. 

Orange Passport

The passports issued to Indian nationals underwent significant changes in 2018. The government announced the discontinuation of printing the address page on Indian passports and introduced orange-coloured passports.

In terms of appearance, the new passport looks completely different. They come with easy-to-read pages and a sleek design. The stamp-based passport was introduced for enhancing the safety of citizens with a low level of education. 

This passport helps immigration and foreign personnel to identify individuals who did not complete higher education than the 10th grade. Orange passports are designed to protect people who are seeking work abroad from being taken advantage of or scammed.

This transition will also significantly speed up the ECR verification and emigration process. The name of the traveller's father and the permanent address will not be mentioned on the last page of an orange passport. Individuals holding this type of passport must follow strict immigration rules. 

Benefits and Uses of Different Types of Indian Passports

The benefits of having an Indian passport are listed below: 

1. The identity of the passport holder's citizenship is generally determined by their passport. 

1. It serves as proof of identity and residence.  
2. The passport holder's international travel information is recorded here. 
3. Access to 60 countries and territories without a visa or with visa-on-arrival.  
4. You are eligible for a range of international internships and exchange programmes. 
5. While travelling internationally, you can ask for consular assistance from Indian embassies and consulates. 

1. For a temporary stay in a foreign country, a visa is issued and stamped in the passport book.