Indian Passport Colours: What They Signify and Who Is Eligible for Each Type
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Did you know that Indian passports come in more than one colour? While most travellers carry the familiar dark blue passport, there are actually a few other variants - each representing a specific purpose or status. The colour of a passport helps immigration and customs officials quickly identify the type of traveller and the purpose of their international journey. Let’s explore the different colours of Indian passports, what they stand for, and who is eligible to receive them.
1. Dark Blue Passport – For General Citizens
This is the most commonly issued Indian passport. Also known as the "ordinary passport," the dark blue variant is meant for regular citizens travelling abroad for personal reasons like tourism, business, education, or visiting family.
2. Maroon Passport – For Diplomats
The maroon passport is reserved for individuals representing India on official diplomatic assignments. This includes diplomats, Indian Foreign Service officers, select Members of Parliament, and senior government officials.
3. White Passport – For Government Officials on Duty
The white passport is specifically issued to Indian government employees travelling abroad on official assignments. These include IAS, IPS, and other high-ranking bureaucrats.
4. Orange Passport – (Discontinued)
Previously issued to individuals who fell under the Emigration Check Required (ECR) category, the orange passport aimed to protect less-educated citizens travelling abroad for work, especially to certain countries known for worker exploitation.
Note: This type of passport was discontinued in 2018. ECR travellers now receive a dark blue passport with an ECR notation inside.
Quick Look: Who Gets What?
Passport Colour Purpose Issued To Key Benefits
The colour-coded Indian passport system plays a significant role in streamlining international travel and ensuring appropriate privileges or checks based on the traveller’s status. Whether you're a tourist, a diplomat, or a government officer, the colour of your passport signals your purpose abroad - making it easier for authorities to manage cross-border movement efficiently.
1. Dark Blue Passport – For General Citizens
This is the most commonly issued Indian passport. Also known as the "ordinary passport," the dark blue variant is meant for regular citizens travelling abroad for personal reasons like tourism, business, education, or visiting family. - Who gets it? Any Indian citizen who meets the basic criteria (including a minimum education of Class 10 or equivalent) can apply.
- Purpose: Personal travel.
- Privileges: Standard access to international travel, but without any diplomatic or official benefits.
2. Maroon Passport – For Diplomats
The maroon passport is reserved for individuals representing India on official diplomatic assignments. This includes diplomats, Indian Foreign Service officers, select Members of Parliament, and senior government officials.- Who gets it? Diplomats and top government officials; occasionally extended to their immediate family members.
- Purpose: Diplomatic missions and government-related international work.
- Privileges: Offers diplomatic immunity, faster visa approvals, and streamlined immigration processes.
3. White Passport – For Government Officials on Duty
The white passport is specifically issued to Indian government employees travelling abroad on official assignments. These include IAS, IPS, and other high-ranking bureaucrats. - Who gets it? Government officials on sanctioned duty outside India.
- Purpose: Official government business abroad.
- Privileges: Eases immigration and customs clearance during official trips; not valid for personal travel.
4. Orange Passport – (Discontinued)
Previously issued to individuals who fell under the Emigration Check Required (ECR) category, the orange passport aimed to protect less-educated citizens travelling abroad for work, especially to certain countries known for worker exploitation.- Who got it? Citizens with education up to Class 10, mostly labourers or low-skilled workers.
- Purpose: Employment in specific ECR-listed countries.
- Privileges: None; in fact, additional emigration checks were required.
Note: This type of passport was discontinued in 2018. ECR travellers now receive a dark blue passport with an ECR notation inside.
Quick Look: Who Gets What?
Passport Colour Purpose Issued To Key Benefits
| Dark Blue | General personal travel | Ordinary Indian citizens | Standard travel rights |
| Maroon | Diplomatic work | Diplomats, senior officials | Diplomatic immunity, special access |
| White | Government duty travel | Indian bureaucrats, officers | Faster official travel processing |
| Orange | (Discontinued) ECR category jobs | Workers with education till Class 10 | Emigration safeguards (now merged) |
The colour-coded Indian passport system plays a significant role in streamlining international travel and ensuring appropriate privileges or checks based on the traveller’s status. Whether you're a tourist, a diplomat, or a government officer, the colour of your passport signals your purpose abroad - making it easier for authorities to manage cross-border movement efficiently.
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