Diplomatic passports are issued to government officials to facilitate their official trips from India to other parts of the world. They are specifically for high-ranking officials who represent India abroad or travel to foreign countries for government assignments.
Additionally, these passports confer a special status on their holders. Holders enjoy a seamless overseas travel experience and are exempt from standard passenger checks and immigration inquiries. This article details all aspects related to diplomatic passports in India.
What Is a Diplomatic Passport and Its Importance?
A diplomatic passport, also referred to as the Type D passport, differs significantly from a regular passport. It has a maroon/deep red cover with ‘diplomatic passport’ imprinted on it in both Hindi and English, and the Indian emblem printed at its center.
Consequently, it is also known as the red passport in India. Diplomatic passports offer numerous benefits to their holders. Holders receive special treatment throughout their journey and can access separate airport channels. Moreover, travel to foreign countries becomes more economical as it is exempt from certain taxes. This document expedites the immigration process and waives visa fees.
Who Can Obtain a Diplomatic Passport?
Beyond understanding what a diplomatic passport is, it’s crucial to know who is eligible to obtain one. Here are the details:
- Individuals who hold diplomatic status.
- Indian Government-appointed individuals who travel to foreign countries for official business.
- Officers working in Branch A and Branch B of the IFS (Indian Foreign Service).
- Dependent family members of officers employed in the Indian Foreign Service and the Ministry of External Affairs, when accompanying them on official assignments abroad.
- Individuals working for the MEA (Ministry of External Affairs).
How Do You Apply for a Diplomatic Passport?
The Consular, Passport and Visa Division in New Delhi accepts diplomatic passport applications. Alternatively, applications can also be submitted at a local passport office.
Officials can acquire a diplomatic passport in India by following these steps:
Step 1: Go to the Passport Seva Platform and complete the registration process.
Step 2: Use the necessary credentials to create an account and log in.
Step 3: Click on the “Apply for Diplomatic/Official Passport” tab and fill out the application form with details like name, family details, position, etc.
Step 4: Submit the application and select the “View/Print the Submitted Form”.
Step 5: Then, print the application and submit it along with the required documents to the local passport office or consular office.
The concerned authorities will conduct a verification process. Subsequently, the diplomatic passport will be issued.
Also Read: Check Your Passport Application Status
Documents Required for Obtaining a Diplomatic Passport
To obtain a diplomatic passport, the following documents are required:
- Copy of official identification documents.
- Copy of the filled-out application form.
- Current original passport (if available).
- Photocopy of the head of office certificate.
- Original cancellation certificate (required only when the safe custody or surrender certificate has been cancelled by the Ministry of External Affairs).
- Form P1 and P1 (A).
- Original surrender and safe custody certificate (required if the Ministry of External Affairs holds the original diplomatic passport).
- Undertaking generated by the applicant’s office (required if the applicant is retiring within six months of application submission).
- Two passport-sized photographs (white background).
Also Read: Police Verification for Passport
Differences between a regular passport and a diplomatic passport
Refer to the table below to understand the differences between an ordinary passport and a diplomatic passport.
| Ordinary passport | Diplomatic passport |
|---|---|
| It is referred to as a Type P passport, issued to regular Indian citizens for travel abroad for purposes such as leisure, medical, or professional reasons. | A diplomatic passport, also referred to as the Type D passport, is extended to high-ranking officials or diplomats who travel abroad for government duties. |
| It is navy blue in colour. | This passport is maroon in colour. |
| An ordinary passport contains 30 to 60 pages. | A diplomatic passport has 28 pages. |
| For adults, an ordinary passport is valid for 10 years. For minors, the validity is for 5 years. | The validity of a diplomatic passport is 5 years or less. |
Conclusion:
A diplomatic passport serves as an essential tool for Indian government officials and diplomats, designed to facilitate their international travel. Eligible individuals benefit from numerous advantages, such as special treatment upon arrival in foreign countries and expedited passenger checks without delay. To fully leverage these benefits, it is crucial to understand the application process and other related particulars.
Can I apply for an ordinary passport while possessing a diplomatic passport?
How much time does it take for the diplomatic passport and ordinary passport to get processed?
Can IAS officers get a diplomatic passport?
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