Diplomatic Passport in India

Benefits of a Diplomatic Passport

The holders of diplomatic or official passports are accorded a unique status. They have a trouble-free international travel experience. These are a few of the main advantages of having a diplomatic passport that you should be aware of - 

• Special consideration upon arrival in the foreign country 
• Specific considerations when travelling and distinct airport channels 
• Less expensive or no visa fees
• There are no delays because passenger inspections take a long time during boarding.
• Questions concerning immigration are not a concern 

India has operational visa exemption agreements with a number of countries for holders of diplomatic and official/service passports. The passport categories covered and the permitted period of stay differ from country to country, and the full list is maintained by the Ministry of External Affairs. 

Difference Between Ordinary and Diplomatic Passports

The differences between an ordinary passport and a diplomatic passport are mentioned in the table below: 

Where to Apply for a Diplomatic Passport?

In general, the Consular, Passport and Visa Division (CPV) in New Delhi is the only place that accepts applications for diplomatic passports. You can submit the same application at the passport agency that serves your current address. 

Applicants residing outside the National Capital Region may apply at any Passport Office, which issues these passports subject to clearance by the Consular, Passport and Visa Division.

How to Apply for a Diplomatic Passport? 

Follow the steps given below to apply for a diplomatic passport: 

Step 1: Visit the Passport Seva portal and register yourself. 

Step 2: Log in with your User ID and password. 

Step 3: Choose the option “Apply for Diplomatic/ Official Passport” link. 

Step 4: Fill in the form with relevant details like your name, family details etc. 

Step 5: Choose the “View/ Print Submitted Form” link and take a printout of the application form. 

Step 6: Take this printed application form along with other important documents when visiting the Consular Office, New Delhi. Or else, during your visit to the nearest Passport Office.

After submitting the form, click View > Pay and Schedule Appointment to pay the applicable passport service fee online and book an appointment. Prior payment of the fee is mandatory for booking an appointment at any Passport Seva Kendra.

If the forms and documents are in order, a diplomatic or official passport application is normally processed in three to five working days. 

Documents Required for a Diplomatic Passport

If you satisfy the eligibility criteria as defined above and are approved by the Central Government for a diplomatic passport, you need to submit the following:

• Printed copy of the online application form

• Certificate from the Head of Office and official request letter from the Forwarding Officer, in the formats available on the Passport Seva portal

• Photograph is not required to be pasted on the application form, as it is taken at the Consular, Passport and Visa Division or the Passport Office

• Political/PMO clearance (if applicable)

• Copy of ID of applicant or head of office

• Safe Custody Certificate if the ordinary passport is kept in the safe custody of the applicant's department

• Existing Official/diplomatic passport in original

• If the official/diplomatic passport has already been cancelled under section PV-II, then the cancellation certificate in the original

• Any diplomatic, official or ordinary passport that is about 10 years old or more from the date of issue, for cancellation

• Undertaking from the applicant's office to surrender the diplomatic/official passport immediately after return, for officials retiring within six months of applying

How to Apply for an Ordinary (P) Passport

While still employed, you can apply for an ordinary passport if you have a diplomatic passport and supply the supporting documents required below (listed by document number):

Address Proof

• An employer certificate from a reputable company issued on letterhead, an electricity bill/ water/telephone/ income tax assessment order, a statement of an active bank account (scheduled commercial banks except regional rural banks and local area banks), an election commission ID card, and a gas connection bill are all examples of current address proof. 
• Passport copy of spouse (1st and last page with family details), if the applicant's current address is the same as the one listed in the spouse's passport.
• Passport copy of parents (for minors).

Date of Birth Proof

Birth certificates issued by local authorities or any other authorized entity are required for applicants born on or after 1 October 2023. The applicant's name, birthplace, date of birth, parents' names, sex, registration number, and registration date must all be listed on the birth certificate. If the child's name is missing from the birth certificate, a plain paper statement signed by the parents must be provided. 

• Birth certificate issued by the municipal authority or any other authorized office.
• School leaving certificate (SLC)/Secondary school leaving certificate (SSLC)/certificates from recognized boards and schools.
• Applicants born before 1 October 2023 can also submit a PAN card showing the date of birth, a driving licence issued by the State Transport Department, an Election Photo Identity Card, or a policy bond from LIC or a public company showing the policyholder's date of birth.
• Government servants (and retired government servants) can submit an attested extract of the service record or the Pay Pension Order showing the date of birth.

Surrender Certificate

Proof of surrender or cancellation of diplomatic/official passport.

Alternative to Surrender Certificate

Cancelled passport with a letter explaining why the surrender certificate is not available.

If the applicant is a Government/public sector/statutory body employee, the following documents need to be submitted (listed as per document number):

Identity Certificate

Identity Certificate in original as per Annexure B.

NOC

No Objection Certificate (NOC) as per Annexure M.

Note: If an applicant submits Document 12, Document 2 is not required.

Penalties for Misuse of Diplomatic Passports

The penalty for suppressing information on a previously held diplomatic/official passport while applying for a new ordinary passport is imprisonment of up to two years, a fine of up to Rs.5,000, or both, under the Passports Act, 1967.

Issuance/Reissuance of Official/Diplomatic Passports

You must download the application from the website to obtain an official or diplomatic passport. In general, only the CPV (Consular, Passport and Visa) section located in Patiala House, Delhi, will accept any applications for official passports or diplomatic passports. Additionally, you have the option of going to the passport office connected to your present residential location.
Along with the application form, make sure to submit all the documents mentioned below:

1. Existing ordinary passport Proof or certificate of safe custody at the office
2. For cancellation, the authentic official and diplomatic passport must be presented. If the original diplomatic passport is retained at the External Affairs Ministry, the safe custody certificate must be shown. If the original diplomatic certificate was revoked by the External Affairs Ministry, a cancellation certificate is necessary. 
3. Photocopy of the official ID card.
4. A copy of the certificate that is issued by the Head Office in a format that is enclosed within the new application form for Diplomatic Passport or Official Passport.

The request added by the Forwarding Officer in a format enclosed in Official/Diplomatic application form can be availed on the website of passport services. You must provide the PMO/Political Clearance Certificate, if it is applicable.

Summary

A diplomatic passport in India is issued to people with diplomatic status and to officials deputed by the Government of India for official duty abroad. Eligible applicants register on the Passport Seva portal, fill in and print the application form, pay the fee, book an appointment and submit the documents at the Consular, Passport and Visa Division in New Delhi or at a Passport Office. Check the eligibility and document list on this page before you apply.