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.
Who is Eligible for a Diplomatic Passport?
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
Documents Required for a Diplomatic Passport
The eligible applicants must submit the following documents to apply for a diplomatic passport:
- Form P-1 and Form P-1(A)
- Duly filled and signed by the applicant.
- Two Passport-Size Photographs
- White background.
- Affixed on the first two pages of the application and attested across by the Head of Office.
- Official Identification Document
- A copy of the applicant's valid government-issued ID.
- Head of Office Certificate
- A certified copy signed by the applicant’s department or office head.
- Forwarding Letter
- An official letter from the Forwarding Officer recommending the issuance of a diplomatic passport.
- Existing Diplomatic/Official Passport (if available)
- Must be submitted in original.
- Surrender or Safe Custody Certificate
- Original certificate if the applicant’s diplomatic passport is already held by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
- Cancellation Certificate
- Required only if the Surrender or Safe Custody Certificate has been cancelled by the MEA.
- Undertaking from Applicant’s Office
- Mandatory if the applicant is due to retire within 6 months of submitting the application.
- Political/PMO Clearance
- Clearance from appropriate authorities (if applicable).
Explore the various types of Indian passports here.
Benefits of a Diplomatic Passport
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
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.
Difference between an Ordinary Passport and a Diplomatic Passport
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.
Click here to understand the difference between an Ordinary and a Diplomatic Passport.
Conclusion
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.