India issues three core passport categories—Ordinary (Blue), Official (White), and Diplomatic (Maroon). Within the ordinary category, you can choose 36 or 60 pages, and there are specific rules for minors, Tatkal (expedited) service, and reissue in case of loss or changes. This page helps you decide which type fits your purpose, how booklet size impacts future travel, and what edge cases to plan for so you avoid mid-journey surprises.
Passports serve two roles: they prove your identity and nationality, and they hold visas/entry stamps used by border control. The category you hold is tied to your purpose of international travel. For nearly all private travel—vacations, business meetings as a private individual, study programs, training, conferences—you will use the Ordinary (Blue) passport. Official (White) and Diplomatic (Maroon) passports are issued through nomination channels for government duty or diplomatic work and are not open to the general public.
The ordinary passport is the standard booklet issued to Indian citizens for everyday international travel. It works for tourism, visiting family, attending trade fairs, private business meetings, or enrolling in study programs abroad. If you’re choosing your first passport or planning frequent trips in the next few years, think beyond “just getting it” and plan for booklet size, validity overlap with upcoming visas, and the likelihood of multiple entries.
Re-issuing because pages run out is avoidable—choose 60 pages if your 3–5 year plan involves heavy travel. Remember, some visas consume an entire page, and frequent immigration stamps add up quickly.
The white-cover passport is issued to eligible government personnel for official travel. It is not a substitute for your ordinary passport. Usage is restricted to duty-related journeys—mixing personal travel on an official passport can cause compliance issues and invite penalties. Issuance flows through nomination by the concerned authority and follows stricter custody and return protocols.
The maroon-cover passport is issued to diplomats and certain high-ranking officials for diplomatic assignments. It is tightly controlled, protocol-bound, and governed by international conventions and host-country rules. Holders enjoy privileges determined by bilateral and multilateral treaties; misuse can have serious consequences.
| Scenario | Recommended Type | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Occasional leisure trips | Ordinary, 36-page | Cost-effective; enough pages for visas/stamps |
| Frequent business/student travel | Ordinary, 60-page | Avoids reissue mid-year due to page exhaustion |
| Govt. assignment abroad | Official (White) | Restricted to duty travel; issued via nomination |
| Diplomatic posting | Diplomatic (Maroon) | For diplomats/high officials as per protocol |
File a police report (FIR) immediately. For loss abroad, contact the nearest Indian Mission for an Emergency Certificate or new passport. Maintain photocopies and a secure digital copy to speed up identity checks. Expect additional verification and fees.
Marriage, divorce, or any name/initial changes require documentary proof (e.g., Gazette, marriage certificate). Ensure all supporting IDs align; mismatches cause queries and delays.
If you run out of visa pages, apply for reissue. Heavy travelers should upgrade to a 60-page booklet at reissue time.
Many countries demand 6+ months validity on arrival. Reissue 6–9 months before expiry if you plan to apply for new visas.
If you’re not a government nominee or diplomat, you should choose the Ordinary (Blue) passport. It covers tourism, private business trips, study, and family visits. Select the booklet size (36 or 60 pages) based on travel frequency.
Apply and schedule at the official Passport Seva Portal. After submitting your application online, book a slot at a PSK/POPSK and carry originals on your appointment day.
No. Official passports are restricted to government duty. For personal trips, you must use your Ordinary passport and comply with the usual visa/entry rules.
Fees depend on booklet size (36/60 pages), service type (Normal/Tatkal), and age category. Always verify the latest charges on the official Passport Fee Calculator.
You’ll apply for a reissued Ordinary passport (unless you are a nominated official/diplomat). File a police report immediately, keep photocopies ready, and follow the reissue process with additional verification as asked.
Diplomatic privileges are subject to host-country agreements. Depending on the posting and treaties, visas or specific notifications may still be required. Protocol compliance is mandatory at all times.