In India, a diplomatic passport is a unique travel document issued to individuals representing the Government of India abroad. This passport accompanies some privileges and benefits over and above ordinary passports. The purpose of this passport is to facilitate the international travel of government officials.
What is a Diplomatic Passport in India?
The diplomatic passport issued in India is a unique document accorded to government officials, diplomats, and other representatives of the country who are expected to maintain and promote good international relations. Unlike an ordinary passport, it renders higher levels of immunity, privileges, and respect to its holder when travelling abroad. It bears the holder's official role and status in diplomacy.
These passports are usually dark maroon-coloured and are a testimony to the authority and responsibility of an individual in handling India's affairs with the rest of the world. They are issued with the sanction of the Union Ministry of External Affairs. A diplomatic passport, rather than being just a travelling document, is a sign of assurance that its holder is to be trusted with conducting official functions on behalf of their nation.
While this passport assures the holder easy travel abroad, it will equally ensure that its bearer is accorded the due diplomatic courtesies and protections while overseas.
Diplomatic Passport Eligibility Requirements
A diplomatic passport in India is issued only to the official categories listed below:
- Diplomats: Officers serving in the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and individuals assigned with the duties of serving in Indian embassies or missions abroad.
- Dignitaries of Government: Top-ranking officials, including ministers and secretary-level officers, travelling on official diplomatic missions.
- Delegates of the President and Vice President: Those accompanying the President or the Vice President of India during their visits to foreign countries.
- Special Envoys: Such persons, whether government-sponsored or otherwise, who are appointed for specific assignments outside India on diplomatic missions or international negotiations.
The diplomatic passport is issued under stringent regulations to ensure that only those who are formally mandated to represent India internationally are granted it. This ensures the integrity and purpose of the diplomatic passport remain intact.
How to Apply for a Diplomatic Passport
Application for diplomatic passports in India follows a different process compared to ordinary passports. First, it requires an official recommendation from the concerned department or government ministry routed through the MEA. The recommendation should be in a form that will approve the requirement of a diplomatic passport on the applicant's behalf.
Following this, the applicant has to fill in the application form for a diplomatic passport, stating the purpose of travel and the official capacity in which they will be travelling. The application is then sent for verification and approval, whereby the MEA clears it after conducting background checks involving various departments.
A diplomatic passport is issued once the applicant's eligibility is proved. This process is expedited because of the official nature of the travel involved. The streamlined procedure ensures that this passport is issued in the shortest time possible to those going abroad on official duties.
Documents Required to Get a Diplomatic Passport
Documents needed for a diplomatic passport include proof of eligibility and the official status of the applicant, such as:
Official Letter of Recommendation:
An official letter issued from the concerned government department or ministry validating and recommending the need for a diplomatic passport.
Completed Application Form:
This application form generally includes personal details, one's official designation, and the purpose and destination of one's intended travel.
Proof of Identity and Address:
Government-issued ID, including Aadhaar, PAN card, or voter ID, and residence proof, be it a utility bill or rent agreement.
Photographs:
Recent passport-sized photographs as per the specification provided by the Ministry of External Affairs.
NOC:
If the applicant already possesses an ordinary passport, a No Objection Certificate from the concerned ministry or department is required.
Letter of Appointment/Official Order:
In the case of diplomats and officials, it should be an appointment letter or official order clearly stating the designation and purpose of the person's diplomatic mission.
Travel-Supporting Documents:
Any other documents that may be deemed necessary to complement the need for a diplomatic passport invitation by a foreign government or organisation.
Diplomatic Passport Benefits
A diplomatic passport is associated with a lot of privileges while travelling and living abroad.
These are:
Diplomatic Immunity:
Holders of diplomatic passports are immune from prosecution under the host country's laws in terms of international conventions such as the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
Visa Privileges:
Most countries exempt visa formalities or provide easier visas to visa seekers with diplomatic passports, hence passing across frontiers with ease.
Expedited Processing:
They usually enjoy the benefits of fast-track processing at airports, which means separate queues at immigration and customs.
Diplomatic Services:
During emergencies, the holder can have quicker access to consular services, including all forms of help from Indian Embassies and Consulates.
Tax Exemptions:
In other instances, holders of diplomatic passports are also accorded tax exemptions on some specific goods and services in foreign countries.
Higher Respect and Recognition:
The diplomatic passport reflects the official status of the holder and is thus acknowledged with more respect and recognition internationally.
The above-listed benefits of diplomatic passport outline the immunity and conveniences that its holder receives internationally.
Difference Between a Diplomatic and a Normal Passport
The difference between a diplomatic passport and an ordinary passport is summarised thus:
Purpose:
While an ordinary passport is issued for general travel to be undertaken by any person for tourism, business, or private purposes, a diplomatic passport is issued on official diplomatic missions.
Eligibility:
Diplomatic passports are issued to government officials, diplomats, and other categories of individuals representing India abroad, whereas ordinary passports are issued to all Indian citizens.
Privileges:
Diplomatic passport holders are privileged and enjoy increased immunity, expedited treatment, and visa facilitation than ordinary passport holders.
Validity:
Diplomatic passports may be issued for a shorter duration, say the duration of a particular diplomatic mission, while valid ordinary passports are generally issued for 10 years.
Colour and Design:
Diplomatic passports are in dark maroon and read "Diplomatic" on the front cover. An ordinary passport is a navy blue colour, and there are no special mentions.
Pages:
A diplomatic passport consists of 28 pages, whereas an ordinary passport has 30-60 pages.
Government involvement:
For diplomatic passports, the government is highly involved. For ordinary passports, the government has low involvement.
Documents Required for an Ordinary Passport While Holding a Diplomatic Passport
If a diplomatic passport holder in India needs an ordinary passport, the following documents are required:
No Objection Certificate:
A certificate from the concerned Ministry of External Affairs or Department of Government to the effect that it has no objection to the issue of an ordinary passport.
Application Form:
Standard application form for an ordinary passport, with full particulars of the applicant and their official designation duly filled in.
Identity Proof:
Identity proof in the form of valid identity documents, e.g., Aadhaar, PAN card, voter ID.
Address Proof:
Address proof, e.g., utility bill, rent agreement, as per requirements of a Diplomatic Passport.
Copy of the Diplomatic Passport:
A photocopy, along with the original, of the diplomatic passport with a declaration stating the reason for which an ordinary passport is required, including if the reason is for personal travel.
Appointment Letter/Official Order:
If the applicant is still in service on diplomatic status, a letter or order indicating the current status of the applicant.
Supporting Documents for Personal Travel:
Hotel reservations, tickets, or invitation letters from individuals for personal travel.
A diplomatic passport holder must disclose of possessing such a passport at the time of applying for an ordinary passport. Failure to do so can attract a penalty of INR 500.
Conclusion
For governmental service holders, including diplomats, an Indian diplomatic passport is a very significant document. Those eligible for this passport must know the prerequisites for acquiring one and its benefits, especially when travelling abroad. Also, having travel insurance is essential for peace of mind and coverage for medical expenses or other travel-related contingencies.