A Passport is an official document for international travel.
There are two categories or types of passport: the physical and the digital or e-passport.
Depending on your profile, whether you are a government official, diplomat or ordinary citizen, there are different types of passports in India- the Blue, White, or Maroon passport. The orange emigration-type passport is no longer issued.
For urgent travel requirements, you can avail of the Tatkal passport service.
Regardless of your passport type, it is best to buy overseas travel insurance when you travel abroad. Your travel insurance in India will protect you from any financial liability arising from unforeseen events like luggage loss or medical emergencies.
We all know the purpose of a passport – international travel. When you leave India, your passport is proof of identity and citizenship. A passport is a small booklet containing your data, signature and photo.
India has two types of passports: offline or physical and digital or e-passports.
Let us now find out what passport type is, how many types of passports there are in the physical version and more.
How many types of passports are in India?
The government of India primarily issues three different types of passports.
The Blue passport, also known as the ordinary or type P passport, is given to Indian citizens for their travel to countries outside India for business or leisure.
The white passport or the service or S type issued to Indian government officials travelling overseas on official work. What is white passport eligibility in India?
The white passport is issued to senior government officials and members of administrative services travelling overseas on official work. The holder receives specific facilities during immigration checks at the port of arrival.
Maroon or D-type passports are issued to Indian diplomats, Union Council of Ministers, members of parliament, and high–ranking officials on diplomatic duty. In addition, senior-level officials of state governments are also issued D-type passports in specific cases. Maroon passport holders enjoy extensive benefits like visa-free travel to most countries and priority in the immigration process.
The Orange passport is designed to identify and fast-track the immigration process of individuals without formal education (up to class -10 levels) travelling for work outside the country. The ministry decided to stop issuing orange passports in 2018. Such categories of people are now covered under the scope of the blue passport, which is meant for all ordinary citizens.
What is your preferred passport type?
Based on your requirements or functionality, Indian passports can be of three types as below:
a. Regular Physical passport, the Blue type
b. Tatkal passport
Tatkal is a quicker alternative to your regular passport in physical form when paying higher fees. Usually, the applicant can expect the passport within 3 to 4 working days, which is against the usual 30 to 45 days processing time for the regular one (Blue). However, applicants have to provide proof of urgency. You can get complete information from the official passport Seva portal.
c. E-Passport
An e-passport is a regular paper passport with a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip and an antenna embedded. The chip contains the personal particulars and biometric details of the passport holder. Enhanced security is the unique feature of e-passports. Though not commonly used currently, this may be the future of passports. With airports globally switching to digital immigration processes, the use of e-passports will increase.
When planning your next overseas trip, remember that taking out overseas travel insurance is a critical requirement, irrespective of your passport type. Travel insurance covers unexpected financial loss events such as lost baggage, missed flights, and medical emergencies.
All leading insurance service providers in India offer overseas travel insurance. You need to select a plan that syncs best with your travel needs. Future Generali, for example, has plans that provide complete protection and assistance worldwide.
Therefore, your passport protects your identity on your trips abroad, while travel insurance protects you against unforeseen financial liabilities.
How many passport types are in India?
Three main types of passports are issued by the government in India.
· Blue or regular type for ordinary citizens
· White or S-type for Indian government officials travelling abroad on duty
· Maroon or D-type for our diplomats, members of parliament, and senior state government officials travelling on duty
· The fourth type, the Orange passport, is currently not in use.
Tatkal passport is available on payment of higher charges for your urgent travel needs. However, you have to provide proper justifications for the urgency.
While physical passports are commonly used now, with the advancement of digital technology, e-passports will replace the physical variety in the future.
Whatever your type of passport is, it is best to cover your financial liabilities while travelling abroad from unexpected events through travel insurance done in India. Leading insurers like Future Generali have specific plans that protect all your emergencies.
