Indian Passports Come In 4 Colours. Here Is What Each One Means

A passport is our little blue (or sometimes not-so-blue) book that allows us to cross borders, experience different cultures, and move across the world without unnecessary hurdles. For many, it is more than just a travel document; it is a symbol of freedom, identity, and opportunity tucked between its pages. We carry it with pride, knowing it represents where we come from while opening doors to where we want to go. However, not all Indian passports look the same. Beyond the standard design, the colour of the cover carries meaning. If you have ever wondered why, here is a guide to the different types of passports available to Indian citizens.

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Indian Passport Colours And Their Meaning:

1. Blue Passport: The Ordinary Passport

The blue passport, officially known as the Ordinary Passport, is the most common type issued in India. It is given to citizens travelling abroad for leisure, study, work, or business. Millions of Indians hold this passport, which is now also available as an e-passport embedded with a biometric chip to improve security and speed up immigration checks.

Who Is Eligible For A Blue Passport

To apply for a blue or ordinary passport, you must meet one of the following conditions:

• Be a citizen of India by descent

• Be an Indian citizen by birth

• Be a citizen of India by naturalisation

Applications can be made online through the Passport Seva portal. Required documents include proof of identity (such as Aadhaar or PAN), proof of address, and proof of birth, followed by scheduling an appointment at the nearest Passport Seva Kendra. Police verification is usually conducted before issuing this passport.

2. White Passport: For Government Officials

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The white passport is reserved exclusively for government officials, civil servants, and members of the armed forces travelling abroad on official assignments. Its colour indicates an official capacity, often providing the holder with certain privileges such as faster clearance at immigration counters.

Eligibility For A White Passport

Those eligible for a white passport include:

• Indian government officials representing the Indian government

• IAS officials

• Indian Police Service officials

• Other Indian government officials deputed abroad

This passport cannot be applied for in the same way as an ordinary passport. It is issued only when a government employee is deputed overseas. The process requires a forwarding letter from the applicant's department, a duty certificate, and mandatory approval from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). Once cleared, the Ministry of External Affairs issues the passport.

3. Red (Maroon) Passport: The Diplomatic Passport

'Diplomatic Immunity' and the Maroon Passport
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The red or maroon passport is issued to diplomats, senior government officials, and, in some cases, their immediate families. This passport grants significant benefits, including accelerated visa processing and, in some instances, visa-free entry into certain countries. It also represents India's diplomatic presence abroad.

Eligibility Criteria For A Red Passport

Those eligible include:

• Officials holding diplomatic status

• Officers from the Indian Foreign Service (Branch A)

• Officers from the Ministry of External Affairs and some from the Indian Foreign Service (Branch B)

• Officials employed by the Government of India

• Dependents of eligible officials who may work or study abroad

This passport, like the white passport, cannot be directly applied for. It is granted through the Ministry of External Affairs upon recommendation. The application requires government-issued ID, a duty certificate, a forwarding letter, and clearance from the PMO.

4. Orange Passport

The orange passport, which was discontinued in 2018, was meant for citizens under the Emigration Check Required (ECR) category. This usually included people who had not studied beyond class 10 or those travelling to specific countries for overseas employment. The orange cover helped alert immigration authorities to conduct additional checks before departure, offering protection to workers vulnerable to exploitation.

Why Was The Orange Passport Discontinued

The orange passport was scrapped in 2018 after concerns were raised about discrimination and exclusion. Critics argued that the separate colour highlighted education levels and employment status, creating a visible divide between citizens. The government responded by withdrawing the plan, ensuring all passports retained uniform dignity and avoiding possible stigma for workers travelling abroad.

Why Passport Colours Matter

Passport colours are more than just visual details. They help streamline security checks, categorise travel purposes, and assist immigration officers in identifying travellers at a glance. Whether someone is a tourist, a government representative, or a diplomat, the colour communicates it instantly. This system reduces confusion, improves monitoring, and in certain cases, allows privileges in line with international protocols.

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How To Apply For An Indian Passport

While eligibility differs based on passport type, the general application process for Indian passports remains the same. Citizens need to:

1. Register online on the Passport Seva portal.

2. Fill in the application form and pay the required fee.

3. Upload and carry the necessary documents such as Aadhaar, PAN, proof of birth, and proof of address.

4. Schedule an appointment at a Passport Seva Kendra or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra.

5. Undergo police verification before final issuance.

For diplomatic and official passports, applications are processed internally by government departments rather than by the general public.

What Is An E-Passport And How Is It Different

India has started issuing e-passports to strengthen travel security. These carry a microchip embedded in the cover, which stores biometric data, including the holder's personal details and photograph. Unlike traditional passports, e-passports are harder to forge and make clearance faster at immigration counters that support electronic verification. The rollout includes ordinary, diplomatic, and official passports, ensuring Indian citizens can travel more efficiently worldwide.

How Indian Passports Compare To Global Passport Colours

Globally, passport colours are often linked to regional or cultural factors. Many European Union nations use burgundy or red covers, several Muslim-majority countries issue green passports, and some African nations prefer black. India's blue, white, and red system stands out by directly linking colour to travel purpose and government role. This comparison helps highlight how India uses passport colours as a functional tool rather than purely symbolic.

So, the next time you see a different coloured passport, you will know what it represents. Share this with someone who might find it useful.