Know the Types of Indian Passport

A passport is known to be an important document that recognizes an individual as the citizen of the country. Without this document a person is not permitted to travel abroad as this is of considerable value without which a person cannot prove his or her identity during his or her foreign stay. Apart from using it as an important document during foreign trips, this also works as the most validated identify proof for any personal or official purpose.

In India, there are various criteria based on which different types of passports are issued by the national government. These are issued mainly depending on the nature of profession of an individual. Indian passports are mainly divided into three essential types, namely ordinary passport, official passport, and diplomatic passport.

Ordinary Passport

Ordinary Indian passport is also known as regular passport with a Navy Blue cover. This is a normal types issued by national government to the citizens of the country for vacations or any kind of business trips. All the Indian citizens apply for this kind for their personal identification and travel evidence during entry and exit from the country.

Official Passport

Official Indian passport is the one that is issued to government officials of the country. This kind has a White cover and only Indians representing the government of the country can apply for this type. These are often issued to employees of Reserve Bank of India, State Bank of India, Nationalized Banks, and other corporations undertaken by the governments. Members from inter-government organizations or agencies validated and authorized by the Government of India also enjoy the privilege of official passport. Along with the officials the benefits of White cover passport can also be enjoyed by their family members. The type is an indication that the government will pay for their passages in and out of the country.

Diplomatic Passport

Diplomatic Indian passport has a Maroon cover. It is issued to Indian diplomats, ministers and top ranking government officials. The kind is used for officers who travel abroad for official reasons and is on Indian Mission. Their trip is paid by the government and they are permitted free travel along with their dependants like wife, husband, son, or daughter. Officers from Indian Foreign Service, Ministry of External Affairs, and Department of the Government of India are all issued the White cover passport. Such persons are granted the diplomatic passport because of the position they hold or because of any kind of foreign mission.

Passport Status of any type of Indian passport can be checked online.