Eligibility Requirements

These passports are issued to specific categories of Indian citizens who represent the Government of India in an official capacity.

•	Officers of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and other Central Services deputed abroad on official assignments.
•	Members of Parliament (MPs) undertaking official visits.
•	Officials working in Indian Missions/Posts abroad.
•	Other government officials authorized by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

Eligibility is strictly determined by the Government of India.

Required Documents

Applications for Official and Diplomatic passports are usually initiated and processed through the respective Ministries/Departments of the Government of India. Individuals generally do not apply directly.

Document	Details
Official Request Letter	From the concerned Ministry/Department/Organization.
Identity Certificate (IC)	As per the prescribed format.
Passport Application Form	Duly filled and attested.
Photographs	As per the standard passport photo specifications.
Other Supporting Documents	As required by the MEA.

Specific documentation requirements are communicated to the concerned departments by the Ministry of External Affairs.

Emergency Certificate & Other Travel Documents

The Government of India also issues other travel documents in specific situations.

•	Emergency Certificate (EC): Issued to Indian nationals who do not possess a valid passport and need to return to India in an emergency.
•	Identity Certificate (IC): May be issued in specific cases to Indian nationals for travel abroad when a regular passport cannot be issued.

Required Documents (Emergency Certificate - Indicative)

The required documents for an Emergency Certificate can vary depending on the situation. Generally, the following may be required:

Document	Details
Application Form	Duly filled application form.
Proof of Indian Nationality	Any document indicating Indian citizenship (e.g., copy of old passport, Aadhaar card, Voter ID).
Photographs	As per the standard passport photo specifications.
Police Report (if applicable)	In case of lost/stolen passport.
Other Supporting Documents	As required by the Indian Mission/Post.

Please contact the nearest Indian Embassy/Consulate for specific requirements for Emergency Certificates or other travel documents.

Photo Specifications

Requirement	Details
Size	35mm x 45mm
Background	Light-colored (preferably white)
Face Appearance	Full face view, eyes open, neutral expression
Recency	Not older than 6 months
Guidelines	Refer to the standard passport photo guidelines on the Passport Seva website.

Submission Process

Applications for Emergency Certificates and other travel documents are submitted to the nearest Indian Embassy or Consulate.

Method	Details
In-Person Submission	Visit the Indian Embassy/Consulate with the required documents.
Online Application (if available)	Check the website of the specific Indian Embassy/Consulate for online application facilities.

Contact the respective Indian Mission for detailed submission procedures.

Processing Details

Processing times for Emergency Certificates and other travel documents vary depending on the specific case and the Indian Mission/Post.

Document Type	Approximate Timeframe	Fee (if applicable)
Emergency Certificate	Varies (usually expedited)	Varies
Identity Certificate	Varies	Varies

Please inquire with the concerned Indian Embassy/Consulate for specific processing times and fees.

Application Support

Support Channel	Contact Information
Nearest Indian Embassy/Consulate	Locate details on the website of the Ministry of External Affairs, India.
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Website	mea.gov.in
Passport Seva Portal (for general queries)	passportindia.gov.in
Passport Seva Call Centre	Toll-Free: 1800-258-1800