Diplomatic Passport India: Eligibility, Benefits, and How It Works

A diplomatic passport is a special type of passport issued by the government of India. It is also known as the red passport. It is specifically issues to diplomats, high-ranking government officials, and sometimes to their immediate family members. In some cases, these passports come with visa exemptions and diplomatic immunity.

Diplomatic passports are issued to people who are traveling abroad for some diplomatic and official reasons. This passport can not be used for personal travel. Here are the eligible people:

  • Indian Foreign Service officers
  • Ambassadors and High Commissioners
  • Senior bureaucrats going abroad on government assignments
  • Ministers, MPs, and judges traveling for official duties
  • Support staff (in special cases) travelling with the official delegations

The eligible applicants must submit the following documents to apply for a diplomatic passport:

  1. Form P-1 and Form P-1(A)
    • Duly filled and signed by the applicant.
  2. Two Passport-Size Photographs
    • White background.
    • Affixed on the first two pages of the application and attested across by the Head of Office.
  3. Official Identification Document
    • A copy of the applicant's valid government-issued ID.
  4. Head of Office Certificate
    • A certified copy signed by the applicant’s department or office head.
  5. Forwarding Letter
    • An official letter from the Forwarding Officer recommending the issuance of a diplomatic passport.
  6. Existing Diplomatic/Official Passport (if available)
    • Must be submitted in original.
  7. Surrender or Safe Custody Certificate
    • Original certificate if the applicant’s diplomatic passport is already held by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
  8. Cancellation Certificate
    • Required only if the Surrender or Safe Custody Certificate has been cancelled by the MEA.
  9. Undertaking from Applicant’s Office
    • Mandatory if the applicant is due to retire within 6 months of submitting the application.
  10. Political/PMO Clearance
    • Clearance from appropriate authorities (if applicable).

Explore the various types of Indian passports here.

A diplomatic passport comes with various privileges and advantages. Here are the key benefits of a diplomatic passport:

  • Visa-Free Access: Many countries grant visa-free entry or expedited visa processing for people who have diplomatic passport.
  • Diplomatic Immunity: Diplometic passport holders also enjoy limited legal immunity in host countries to prevent the holders from facing certain legal actions.
  • Priority Immigration: They are also given faster clearance at airports and border crossings.
  • Consular Support: it lso cmes with a get dedicated assistance from embassies and consulates outside india.
  • Extended Validity: They can also be issued for a longer period then the regular passports.

How to Apply for a Diplomatic Passport

  • Step 1: Registeration
    Visit the Passport Seva website and create an account.
  • Step 2: Log In
    Log in by using your User ID and password to access your account.
  • Step 3: Application Type
    Click on the "Apply for Diplomatic/Official Passport" option.
  • Step 4: Fill the Diplomatic Passport Application Form
    Fill in the required details, including personal and family information.
  • Step 5: Print
    Select "View/Print Submitted Form" to download and print the completed application.
  • Step 6: Submission
    Bring the printed application form and all required documents to the Consular Office in New Delhi or the nearest Passport Office.

Ordinary passports and Diplomatic Passports are very different from each other. Because an ordinary passport is issued to every citizen of indian, while the diplomatic passport is provided to a certain group of people. It comes with various perks and benefits. Here are the key differences between the Ordinary Passport and a Diplomatic Passport.

Parameter Ordinary Passport (Type P) Diplomatic Passport (Type D)
Eligibility / Issuance Issued to regular Indian citizens for personal, professional, medical, or business travel. Issued to diplomats and high-ranking government officials for official duties abroad.
Purpose Used for foreign travel related to leisure, education, business, or personal matters. Used exclusively for official government-related international travel.
Color Navy blue Maroon
Pages Contains 30 to 60 pages based on applicant's choice. Contains 28 pages.
Validity 10 years for adults, 5 years for minors. Valid for 5 years or less, depending on the tenure of the official duty.
Privileges No special privileges or immunities. Grants diplomatic immunity and special privileges under international law.
Type Classification Type P Type D

Click here to understand the difference between an Ordinary and a Diplomatic Passport.

A diplomatic passport symbolises international responsibility and trust. It is issues to a sertain group of people which are diplomats, senior government officials, and ministers. They enjoy various privileges and perks. It is provided for official purposes only and should not be used for personal travel.

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