Types of Indian Passports

Types of Indian Passports in 2024

While surfing various countries’ immigration websites, you may have come across a list of entry requirements for Indians. A passport, visa and travel insurance plans are among the most important documents for international travel.

While the Blue Indian passport is the most recognised travel document, many Indians are issued different types of Indian passports based on their eligibility. Some of these passports come with visa-free/visa-on-arrival facilities and even easier immigration clearance. Let’s take a look at the various types of Indian passports issued by the Indian government:

Blue Passport

Also known as the type P passport, this is the most commonly issued passport in India. The meaning of ‘P’ here is personal, which is for Indian citizens travelling abroad for personal reasons ranging from studies, business or purely leisure.

Overseas immigration authorities or customs view this passport holder as an ordinary Indian citizen who does not hold any official or government designation in India. While this is the most issued passport in India, it has slower immigration clearance compared to official and diplomatic passports. The features of both of these passports have been discussed in later sections.

Orange Passport

A recent addition to the different types of Indian passports, the orange Indian passport was launched in 2018. It is specially designed for individuals who have not completed education beyond the tenth (X) class. These passport holders also fall under the ECR category, i.e., Emigration check required.

ECR indicates that they must undergo an immigration check every time they travel abroad. Indians holding orange passports must also fulfil all the immigration requirements as per the immigration officials of that country.

This passport was primarily introduced to protect the rights of these Indians who could face security issues while visiting or working in another country. Back then, a lot of vulnerable Indians with less education were victims of overseas workplace exploitation. This passport is launched sans the address page and ensures their protection abroad.

Talking about protection, another very crucial document necessary for safety abroad is a travel insurance policy. Any Indian with international travel insurance can avail of benefits in case of financial emergencies ranging from medical expenses to baggage theft. Thus, it is very important to buy trip insurance as soon as documentation related to passport, ticket and visa work has been taken of.

Maroon Passport

You may have come across different immigration websites mentioning ‘a diplomatic or official passport’ and how people holding this passport don’t need a visa to visit that particular country.

Also known as the diplomatic passport of India, the maroon passport is only issued to government officials travelling internationally on official business. These Indians hold diplomatic status in the country and are free to travel to many countries visa-free.

This passport is coloured deep maroon and is immediately recognised by the immigration authorities. They are also not required to apply for any visas, no matter the length of their trip. This means a quick and easy immigration process.- Compared to other passports, the maroon passport has a host of benefits which is not available for general passport holders.

White Passport

Issued by the Indian government, the white passport is the most powerful Indian passport only issued to Indian government officials.

Only individuals going abroad for official purposes or those representing the Indian government are provided with a white passport. This white passport is immediately recognised at customs or immigration authorities, which accelerates their travel formalities. Some examples of white passport holders include Indian Administration Authorities and Indian Police Department (IAS & IPS), who travel abroad for Indian representation.

Eligibility Requirements for Different Indian Passports

Each types of Indian passport is issued to different individuals based on their eligibility. This has been briefly shared below:

• Orange Passport: Individuals who have only studied until class 10
• Blue Passport: General public travelling abroad for personal reasons
• White Passport: Senior government officials and Indian diplomats
• Maroon Passport: Government officials