Have you ever thought about what different passport colours mean? Indian passports also come in different colours, and each colour has its own meaning. Let’s understand who gets which colour passport and what it stands for.
Whether you are travelling abroad for a holiday or for official work, the colour of your passport says a lot about you. In India, different types of passports are issued based on purpose and status. This colour coding helps immigration officers and makes travel easier.
Types of Passports in India
The Ministry of External Affairs gives passports under the Passport Act of 1967. In India, there are three main types of passports. Each type has its own use and benefits.
The Blue Passport is the most common. It is given to Indian citizens who travel abroad for personal or job reasons. The White Passport is given to government officers when they travel abroad for official work. It shows their role in service and can also be given in emergency cases. The Red Passport is for diplomats who work in embassies and consulates. This passport gives many international benefits and has 28 pages for visas. In recent years, India has also started giving e-passports with electronic chips. These make security stronger and checking at borders faster.
Documents Needed for Passport
To get a blue (ordinary) passport, you need proof of birth like a birth certificate or school leaving certificate, an identity card like Aadhaar, Voter ID, PAN, or Driving License, proof of address like an electricity bill or rent paper, and proof of nationality.
For white or red passports, the papers are different. You need a government identity card, a duty paper from the head of office, a letter from the office, and permission from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). These rules make sure passports are given safely and for the right purpose.