Importance of a Passport ?
A passport holds immense importance in the lives of individuals, and for travel and various other aspects of life.
Here are some pointers the importance of a passport:
International Travel: A passport is the primary document of identification and travel document for crossing international borders.
Proof of Citizenship: A passport serves as concrete proof of one’s citizenship in their country.
Visa Application: Maximum countries require a valid passport for visa applications. It is a fundamental document when seeking permission to enter foreign country for any purpose.
Legal Documentation: It can serve as a primary identification document for legal purposes, adopting a child, including getting married, or handling legal matters in a foreign country.
Insurance and Healthcare: A passport can be used as an identification document for accessing healthcare services and insurance coverage in a foreign country.
What are the Types of Passports in India?
In India, there are various types of passports Let’s explore the different types of passports in India:
1-Blue Passport (Type P Passport)
The ordinary passport, also known as a Type P passport, These passports are navy blue color and are primarily intended for personal trips, educational, business, vacation, employment, and foreign travel. the standard passport issued to regular Indian citizens who intend to travel foreign for various purposes such as business or leisure.
2-White Passport
The White Passport stands out as a significant authority. This passport is exclusively reserved for Indian government officials for official foreign travel. These passports are white cover serves as a formal visual cue for immigration officials and customs, enabling them to promptly identify government officials and treat them with the required formality.
3-Official or Diplomatic Passport
Official or Diplomatic Passport is granted to diplomats and government personnel traveling foreign for official duties. These passports are exclusively available for the individuals representing the government .
4- Orange Passport
The introduction of the orange-colored passport A significant transformation occurred in the issuance of Indian passports. Those who have not completed their education above 10th(Class) standard.
How to Apply for a Passport Online?
These steps to log in to the Passport Seva website:
Step 1: Visit the official website of Passport Seva and Click on the ‘APPLY’.
Step 2: If you are an Existing user, you can login using the user ID and password.
Step 3: If you are a first time user, you will have to Register and Create an Account.
Follow the steps to registration :
Step 4: Click on ‘Register Now’ For Register.
Step 5: Enter the login ID & password. Enter the captchas code and click on ‘Register’.
Choosing the Application Type
After logging in, you will have to choose services :
- Fresh passport/Passport reissue
- Diplomatic passport /official passport
- Police Clearance Certificate
- Identity Certificate
These following documents for online passport application:
- Age proof : Birth Certificate, Aadhar Card, Permanent Account Number (PAN) card, or Voter card ID.
- Address proof : Aadhar card, Utility bill or rent agreement
Fees Charged for Passport Application
Given below are the list of fees charged for various passport based services:
| Type of Service | Fee (in Rs.) | Extra fee for Tatkaal Service (in Rs.) |
| For Fresh passport (containing 36 pages) with 10 years of validity | 1,500 | 2,000 |
| Re-issuance of passport (containing 36 pages) with ten years of validity | 1,500 | 2,000 |
| Fresh passport (having 60 pages) with 10 years of validity | 2,000 | 2,000 |
| Re-issuance of passport (having 60 pages) with 10 years of validity | 2,000 | 2,000 |
| Re-issuance or fresh of passport people below 18 years of Age | 1,000 | 2,000 |
| Passport replacement (having 36 pages) due to damaged or stolen passport | 3,000 | 2,000 |
| Passport Replacement (having 60 pages) due to Damaged or Stolen passport | 3,500 | 2,000 |
| Passport replacement (having 36 pages) to alter personal information | 1,500 | 2,000 |
| Passport replacement (having 60 pages) to alter personal information | 2,000 | 2,000 |
| Passport replacement (having 36 pages) for children to alter personal information | 1,000 | 2,000 |
Eligibility Criteria for Passport Application
The following eligibility criteria to apply for a passport in India:
- An applicant should be the citizen of India.
- An Applicants aged at least 18 years of age or above should submit a passport application form.
- The minors can also apply for a passport in India. They can apply for a passport with 10 years of validity.
Validity of a Passport
Here’s you know about the validity of a passport:
- A Normal passport containing 36 or 60 pages have 10 years of validity from its date of issuance.
- A passport for minors has 5 years of validity or until the minor reaches 18 years of age, whichever occurs earlier.
- A passport for minors who are aged between 15 years and 18 years have 10 years of validity.
How to Track Passport Application Status?
The following steps to track passport application status:
- Visit the home page of the Passport Seva platform.
- Locate and Click on the ‘Track Application Status’.
- You will be redirected to a new page.
- where you need to add details such as ‘Application Type’, File Number’ and ‘Date of Birth’.
- Finally Click on the ‘Track Status’ button to track your application status.
