General information about Indian passport
Indian Passport ServicesPlease visithttps://visa.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/india/uk/passport-services/english/#issuance-or-renewal-of-indian-passportbefore completing the online application form for the latest passport application instructions and procedures
Question - How to apply for passport renewal/new passport/lost and damaged passport?
The Indian Passport/Indian Passport Surrender service is outsourced to VFS (UK) and the application has to be completed online and submitted at one of the centres. Please press:https://www.passportindia.gov.in/AppOnlineProject/welcomeLink
For more information, please contact:paspoort.london@mea.gov.in
Question - What is reissuing a passport after the full validity of the passport has expired?
Full passports are valid for ten years (five years for minors). The expiry date is always written on all passports. A passport holder can apply for a new issue of his/her passport one year before the expiry date of the passport or after the final expiry date of the passport.
Question - Can one apply for machine readable passport with normal validity of 10 years to replace a passport with 20 years validity or to replace a handwritten passport as this causes difficulties in obtaining a visa for many countries whose authorities oppose a passport with 20 years validity or a handwritten passport ;
Yes. It is in the best interest of the applicant to obtain a new 10-year passport as the Government of India has waived the issue of 20-year passport and handwritten passport as per the existing rules. Follow the same procedure as for reissuing a passport after it has expired.
Question – What should be the validity of a passport on the date of travel?
At least 06 months.
Question - How can I check the status of my passport application?
Send an e-mail to the Public Response Teaminf.london@mea.gov.inif the application is made to HCI London.
Question - If I send an email asking about the status of my application, what information should I provide first?
When emailing the Public Response Team, be sure to include details such as your full name, the center where you applied, your passport number, ARN or GBRL number, date of birth. This helps us identify your case more quickly. Please note that you may be asked for more information by mail.
Question - What are the normal processing times?
Processing times vary for different categories.
Question - What passport services are offered by HCI London through the Indian Visa & Consular Application Center in the UK?
The following services are offered:
• Reissue/renewal of passport after expiry of full validity of passport or exhaustion of pages or change of name/surname/signature or change/addition/deletion of spouse's name or change of address.
• Reissue of short validity passport in case of emergency/no valid visa.
• Issuance of a new passport in place of a lost/stolen/damaged passport.
• Issuance of a first passport to a newborn child.
Question - What is the procedure to follow to issue the first passport for a newborn child in the UK?
The birth of the child must be registered with HCI London as a prelude to applying for an Indian passport. A passport application can be made after obtaining the birth certificate from HCI London or the respective consulates, depending on the jurisdiction.
Question - How long can the passport be submitted for reissue before the expiry date?
The passport can be reissued up to one year before the expiry date.
Question - Can I request extra pages in my passport/extra booklet?
There is no option to add more pages or use an extra booklet. Applicants must apply for a new passport due to page exhaustion.
Question - Can my child (minor) travel on my passport?
All minors must have a separate passport. The old practice of including a child's name in the passport of one parent has been abolished.
Question - Do parents also have to sign the application for a new passport for a newborn child?
Yes. Both parents must sign that the newborn child's details on the application are correct and that the parents are responsible for their correctness.
Question - What are the requirements for adding the fingerprint of a newborn child to the application form?
Yes. Necessary. Reserved space is provided for this. A left thumb impression for a male child and a right thumb impression for a female child should be added in this designated place.
Question - Can the applicant request amendment or modification of the personal details in his passport at the time of re-issuance of his passport?
Yes. However, the applicant must clearly state in the appropriate place that they wish to change one or more personal details. It is worth noting that changes are not normally allowed unless credible evidence is provided to support the requested change of status. In addition, in some cases (such as a name change), the High Commission and its respective consulates may also want to know the purpose of the change request. Some personal data require special documents proving that the mandatory procedure has been followed. For more information, visit the relevant links.
Question - Can a UK address appear on an Indian passport?
Usually UK address is not allowed in Indian passport. However, only in exceptional cases where the applicant proves that he/she does not have a permanent address in India and in addition has an indefinite leave to remain in the UK, can the applicant show his/her UK address in his/her address. her Indian passport. If necessary, the High Commission and its respective consulates may require the applicant to affidavit that he has no permanent address in India.
Question - Is it mandatory to have police verification when reissuing passport?
Yes. As per the current guidelines, it is mandatory to have police verification in all cases of re-issuance of passport. So all the applicants are advised to provide their complete address in India for police authorities to go for verification. An incorrect address may cause a delay in the issuance of the passport.
Question - How do I change my old photo/add my new photo to the current changed look?
In this case, a new passport must be issued to provide this service. The application form is the same as the general passport application form.
Question - Is there only one application form for all passport services?
And.
Question – What should I do if I need an emergency passport reissue or passport service?
You can apply to Tatkal service. The processing time for a tatkal application is approximately 3-5 working days. Please note that tatkal application is not guaranteed as all applications are subject to checks and procedures.
Question - Which passport services are covered under Tatkal scheme?
Reissue of passport on expiry or up to one year before expiry (with valid visa), reissue of passport when pages run out and lost/stolen/damaged passports in relation to occasional visitors to the UK, subject to availability of current passport entry in our database. Tatkal service is provided in emergency situations (family death, medical emergency, etc.) on presentation of supporting documents, copy of confirmed travel ticket and a written request from the applicant explaining the emergency. Discretion rests with the High Commission and its respective consulates. Applicants must bring the emergency proof along with other valid documents. Processing time is 2-3 working days, subject to proof of emergency or if the Passport Officer is satisfied of the emergency during the interview with the applicant.
Question - Does the name on the visa document/sticker or residence permit match the name on the passport?
Yes. Otherwise, a passport with a short period of validity will be issued in cases where there are minor differences between the name on the passport and the name on the visa/residence permit. Passports of normal validity are issued only after the applicant presents the appropriate documents.
Question - Is it true that a passport will not be issued if there is a big difference between the name on the passport and the name on the visa/residence permit?
Yes. If this is the case, the applicant is asked to correct/clarify the anomaly. Any further service will be extended only after correction/clarification.
Question - What documents are accepted as proof of identity/citizenship (if required)?
You can submit one or more of the following documents:
(a) Copy of Indian Passport
(b) Damaged passport in original
(c) Photo IDs issued in India such as Driving License, Voter ID, Ration Card or PAN Card, Aadhaar Card,
(d) Letter from employer confirming applicant's identity
(e) Letter of recommendation from two Indian nationals residing in UK
(f) For students, a certificate issued by the relevant education/training institution. And
(g) For short-term visitors/tourists to the UK, documents such as airline tickets, boarding passes, itinerary and copy of Visa.
Question - Do photocopies of original documents need to be attested by the applicant?
Yes. All original documents must be accompanied by self-attested photocopies. Original documents must be submitted for verification at the time of application or sent by post if the application is sent by post.
Question - What is the validity of a passport?
A new passport is renewed when the old passport has completed its 10-year validity (for adults and over 15 years) and 5 years (for minors: under 15 years) from the date of issue or when a new booklet is required recording changes in basic data such as name, appearance, change of date of birth etc. or when all pages have been used.
Question - Can I keep my Indian passport for travel after acquiring foreign citizenship?
While acquiring foreign citizenship, the Indian passport must be submitted to the nearest Indian Visa Application Center and Consular Office. It will then be returned to the owner upon cancellation. Using an Indian passport to travel to India after acquiring foreign citizenship is an offense punishable under the Passport Act, 1967. Once you acquire foreign citizenship, you are no longer an Indian citizen and need an Indian visa to visit India.
Question - What is a Short Validity Passport (SVP) and under what conditions is such a passport reissued?
An SVP is often issued directly by the Indian High Commission or its respective consulates, to fulfill certain requirements, especially when an applicant has not met certain conditions for the issuance of passports with full validity in the first instance. Typically, an SVP is issued for a period of six months to two years. For example, SVPs are often issued to applicants whose Indian citizenship has been definitively established but who do not have valid landing rights/residence permits and yet their circumstances strongly suggest that such landing rights/residence permits can be obtained from the relevant UK authorities Basilio. Apart from facilitating these Indian nationals to obtain landing rights/residence permits in the UK, short-stay passports are also issued to Indian nationals under certain other circumstances to facilitate their travel to India.
Question - How can you use the Short Validity Passport (SVP) to Full Validity Passport (FVP) reissue service?
Follow the same procedure as for reissuing a passport after it has expired. The reissuance of such short-term passports is subject to the applicant using the validity of their passport to meet conditions that could not be met at the time of the SVP issue. For example, an SVP issued pending a positive police verification report from India can be upgraded to an FVP after receiving such a report. Another example could be that an SVP issued to facilitate the granting of valid visa/residence rights by the relevant UK authorities could be converted to an FVP when the applicant acquires such rights.
Question - Is it necessary to have valid UK visa/residence rights to apply for a replacement passport instead of a lost/stolen or damaged passport?
This is a basic requirement depending on the circumstances of each individual case. The applicant must satisfy the Passport Officer that the granting of an SVP would facilitate the acquisition of landing clearance/rights of residence in the UK.
Question - How long will it take to get a replacement passport instead of a lost one?
Issuance of replacement passports for lost ones would require different periods of time as situations vary greatly. It is difficult to establish a standard time standard for this service. Normally, in cases where the photocopy of the lost passport or the relevant details of the lost passport are available and easily traceable in the database of the High Commission and its respective consulates, the time required to replace the passports can be 2-3 weeks . In other cases where such data is not available or cannot be easily verified by checking our database records, more time will be required. In the latter cases, personal details, including the applicant's photograph, are often sent to the original passport issuing authority in India or abroad to verify the identity of the missing passport details. Such cases would obviously require more time as police verification is required. Therefore, applicants should calculate their own time frame before inquiring about the status of their pending applications.
Question - What if the local UK police do not register the loss of the Indian passport?
A self-attested statement with the date and time and the name of the police station visited and which refused registration can be provided. The High Commission and its respective consulates would accept such statements in lieu of a police report. However, police reports are now available.
Question - What procedure should be followed and what documents should be attached to the application for obtaining a new passport instead of a damaged one?
The procedure followed in this case is largely the same as that followed in the case of the procedure to issue a replacement passport in place of a lost/stolen passport. The only difference is that applicants do not need to report damaged passports to the police.
Question - How do I apply for an Emergency Certificate (EC) or Travel Document/Voluntary Departure?
The application form is the same form intended for passport services. The procedure followed is the same as for issuing a new passport in place of a lost/stolen/damaged passport, for details visit the link:https://www.passportindia.gov.in/AppOnlineProject/welcomeLink
Question - Will my passport fees be refunded if I choose to return my application?
Fees after payment are non-refundable.
Question – What are the current rules regarding the extension of passport facilities to asylum seekers and their families.
In order to relax the existing rules, the Government of India has decided to extend passport facilities to all asylum seekers who have applied for asylum (pending or rejected or accepted) as long as they have not acquired a foreign passport/citizenship. Therefore, all the interested parties are requested to apply for the passport as per established procedure i.e. fill the online application form, submit it to VFS along with all documents and required fees etc.
Question – What are the current rules regarding extension of passport facilities to persons who do not yet have their residence permit/visa or their visa has expired or overstayed.
All such persons are advised to apply for the passport as per established procedure i.e. fill up the online application form, submit it to VFS along with all the required documents and fees etc.
Q: What documents are required for a name change.
For change of name, the applicant (male and female) must provide: (i) clippings from two local newspapers or the Gazette notification of the concerned State Government (in India), as the case may be; (ii) at least two government/school documents (such as PAN, Aadhar, Voter ID, Driving Licence, BRP, School/University ID, etc.) issued (in India or UK) in the desired/applied amended name to establish a statement that the applicant has actually change his name and iii) deed of change of name;https://www.vfsglobal.com/india/uk/pdf/change_of_name_270215.pdf
Question: In case of an emergency, where to contact?:
For any emergency, please contact:
Public Response Unit, High Commission of India, London
Email adress:inf.london@mea.gov.in&Info.london@mea.gov.in(pl don't send mail to both ids).
Emails must clearly state 1) name; 2) Passport number ? 3) Nationality. 4) Address. E-mail and no. telephone. 5) Emergency services are requested. 6) Reasons for seeking emergency services in detail along with documents (if any)
*****
FAQs
How do I write my passport details? ›
- Writing- All the details should be filled in capital letters with 1 letter in one box the writing should be clear and leave a space to separate two words.
- Name- your name should be written very clearly with one letter in one box as instructed i.e. given name or surname. ...
- Pen- Never use an ink pen.
A:If you find any mistake/error in the particulars printed in the passport booklet as per the application form submitted, please visit Consulate and return the passport for necessary rectification. Any additional fees required to be paid would depend solely on merit of the case as decided by the Consulate.
Is police verification required for Indian passport renewal in USA? ›Police Verification (PV) will not occur if you have submitted the passport renewal application from the US before or within three years after the expiry of your old passport. However, it is required if: The passport application is submitted three years after the expiry of your old passport.
How will VFS return my passport? ›All passports are returned via VFS offered courier service or using your own pre-paid labels. In certain emergency situations, the Embassy/Consulate may allow picking of passports directly only with prior arrangements.
What are the main details of passport? ›A passport certifies the personal identity and nationality of its holder. It is typical for passports to contain the full name, photograph, place and date of birth, signature, and the expiration date of the passport.
What is the meaning of passport details? ›: a formal document issued by an authorized official of a country to one of its citizens that is usually necessary for exit from and reentry into the country, that allows the citizen to travel in a foreign country in accordance with visa requirements, and that requests protection for the citizen while abroad.
What is the processing time for Indian passport renewal in USA? ›Your Indian passport renewal will take 3-6 weeks if the last passport was issued in India. You can get a new passport in 10 days if your last passport was issued by the Indian Embassy in the USA. You can apply for renewal 1 year or 365 days before expiry.
Can we edit Indian passport application form after submission? ›➢ After submission online, no changes can be made. In case of an error, please fill a new online application form.
Is birth certificate required for Indian passport renewal in USA? ›Copy of both parents' first and last page of valid Indian passport (self-attested copy); Both parents' valid visa status in the U.S. (notarized color copy); Birth certificate (copy); Annexure C- In case of single parent/guardian/adoption (notarized color copy);
How much does it cost to renew Indian passport in USA? ›Passport Validity | Booklet Pages | Passport Fee |
---|---|---|
10 years | Ordinary Booklet – 36 pages | $ 75.00 |
10 years | Jumbo Booklet – 60 pages | $ 100.00 |
Can I renew my Indian passport in USA before it expires? ›
You can apply for a re-issue of passport up to 1 year before the expiry and not earlier. However, in case of any change of personal particulars, lost/damaged, Exhaustion of pages you may apply for re-issue of passport.
Can I travel while waiting for my passport? ›You cannot travel while your U.S. passport application is still in pending or in process. The only way you can get a passport issued sooner is by applying in person at a regional agency. These agencies require an appointment.
What do immigration officers see when they scan your passport? ›Any criminal history you have. Your citizenship status. Employment information. Your phone numbers.
How long is a US passport valid for travel to India with OCI? ›The Indian government grants five-year visas for the foreign spouses of OCI cardholders. However, they have to provide a passport that has a minimum validity of six months. If you are an OCI cardholder and your passport does not have the minimum validity, you will need a new passport to apply for an India visa.
Does immigration know your travel history? ›Yes! If you travel to a US state like Texas, among many others, US immigration can tell when you entered or left. If you leave the US by air, the US processes passport details via a special system called APIS. This system was created to enhance border security.
What are the 6 contents of the passport? ›- Identity document.
- Biometrical photograph.
- Total passport fee.
- Old passport (only for the ones with one)
- Letter of consent for under 18.
You can correct your passport if there is a data or printing error. A data error may include an issue with your name, gender, or place of birth. A printing error may include data is missing on the biographical page, discoloration, or crooked printing.
How do I check my passport data? ›You can call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 or 1-888-874-7793 (TDD/TTY) to check on your status. The center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Eastern Time, excluding federal holidays. You can use the automated system to check your passport information 24 hours a day.
What is passport number India? ›What is a Passport Reference Number? Passport Reference Number is the 12 digit unique number that is allotted to the passport applicants against the application submitted by them. This number is in the combination of alphanumeric and is a system generated number.
How can I check my passport history online? ›To view your U.S. travel history, go to the CBP website and click on the “View Travel History” tab. In the next window, you will be required to read and accept terms of the website by clicking "Consent & Continue". You will need to provide: First (Given) Name – as it appears on the passport/visa.
How long takes to get Indian passport? ›
Normal Applications: Thirty (30) working days from the date of receiving the application at the Consulate. Please note above timelines are subjected to 'CLEAR' Police Verification Report. Any adverse report by concerned police authority may result in extension of above timelines.
How long is Indian passport valid for US visa? ›1 How long does my passport have to be valid in order to apply for a U. S. visa? You must possess a passport valid for travel to the United States with a validity date at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States (unless country-specific agreements provide exemptions).
What if my Indian passport is expired and I am in USA? ›What happens if my Indian passport expires in the U.S.? If your Indian passport expires in the U.S., you have to immediately apply for a passport renewal with VFS Global.
What if I made a mistake on my Indian passport application form? ›However, if you find any mistake/error in the particulars printed in the passport booklet as per the application form submitted, please return the passport for necessary rectification at Regional Passport Office concerned.
Can I cancel my passport application and apply again in India? ›Appointment rescheduling/cancellation for an application are allowed up to three times only within a year of the first appointment date. Visit to a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK)/Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK):
Is birth certificate mandatory for passport application in India? ›In the past when a birth certificate was mandatorily required for obtaining a passport in India, however now the government has amended numerous provisions for the convenience of citizens in order to simplify all legal processes, particularly those related to passports.
What are address proof documents for Indian passport renewal in USA? ›List of acceptable documents: | |
---|---|
1 | Water Bill |
2 | Telephone (landline or post paid mobile bill) |
3 | Electricity bill |
4 | Income Tax Assessment Order |
Proof of Residence in the US
Notarized photocopy of the residential proof of the applicant such as Home Mortgage Bill, Utility bills, State ID, Driver's License, or Rental Lease Agreement. For applicants above the age of 60 who do not have the above documents, a copy of State ID can be submitted.
The photograph should be in colour and of the size of 2 inch x 2 inch 51 mm x 51 mm . The photo‐print should be clear and with a continuous‐tone quality. It should have full face, front view, eyes open. Photo should present full head from top of hair to bottom of chin.
What documents are needed for Indian passport renewal? ›3 CURRENT ORIGINAL INDIAN PASSPORT AND COPY Along with the most recent original Indian Passport, please Include copies of the first five and last two pages of your current Indian passport.
Can I renew my Indian passport in Tatkal in USA? ›
'Tatkal' service is an 'Emergency' service which applicants can avail of for any type of passport service and it is subject to approval from the Consulates of India in USA.
How much is passport renewal for 10 years in USA? ›Qualifying adult passport renewal applicants may pay the $130 passport renewal fee online via U.S. or international credit or debit card, electronic funds transfer from a U.S. based bank account, Amazon Pay, or PayPal. Instructions for DS-82 Processing by Mail and Online Fee Payment – for U.S.
Can I travel to USA if my Indian passport expires in 6 months? ›As a general rule, passports must be valid for six months beyond the date the traveler will exit the United States.
Can I leave the US without a passport? ›U.S. nationals, including dual nationals, must use a U.S. passport to enter and leave the United States. Dual nationals may also be required by the foreign country to use its passport to enter and leave that country.
How long can you stay out of the US with a passport? ›With a valid U.S. passport, you can stay up to 90 days for tourism or business during any 180-day period. Do not overstay!
Can you fly in the US without a passport? ›You must present an acceptable ID, such as a valid passport, state-issued enhanced driver's license or U.S. military ID, to fly within the U.S. You will not be allowed to fly if your identity cannot be verified. Review the complete list of acceptable identification.
What is the US passport number format? ›What is an alphanumeric passport number? The passport number in the NGP book begins with a letter, followed by eight numbers.
What is the data format in passport? ›Passport booklets have an identity page containing the identity data. This page is in the TD3 size of 125 × 88 mm (4.92 × 3.46 in). The data of the machine-readable zone consists of two rows of 44 characters each. The only characters used are A–Z, 0–9 and the filler character <.
What do numbers at bottom of passport mean? ›What is a passport number? Passports issued in the United States of America are all computer generated. Your passport number is a nine digit number that identifies the issuing passport office as well as your unique series of numbers that connect to your passport application.
What is the format of passport number in India? ›The passport reference number is a 12 digit unique code that is the combination of alphabets and numerals. The composition of the Passport Reference Number is detailed below, The first four digits of the Passport Reference Number represent the city or the place from where the application is made.
How many digits are there in passport number in India? ›
The 12-digit Passport Reference File Number will not repeat itself.
What is the book number of Indian passport? ›Indian passports do not have a passport book number. Country/Authority that issued passport: This should be the country you are a citizen of even though you may have received your passport while you were in another country.
What is passport type in India? ›Regular passport | White Passport | ECR Holders |
---|---|---|
Cover is navy blue This is for regular travel Leisure or business-related trips | Cover is white It is issued to Indian Government officials who travel abroad for official purposes | This has an orange jacket This is provided to the ECR holder |
You may fill out these forms using an online Form Filler or by downloading a PDF of the application. The Form Filler tool is a shared resource for four of our forms. You may see a different form than you expected (for example, a DS-11 instead of a DS-82).
What is a data format standard? ›Format - The format or “serialization format” is the syntax, encoding, and file format or media type for storing or transmitting your data. On the web, formats are associated with standardized media type identifiers, like application/json . Common data formats include JSON, CSV, and XML.
Which form to fill for US passport? ›You can fill out the following forms:
Application for a U.S. Passport (DS-11) Renewal Application (DS-82) Data Corrections, Name Changes, and Limited-Validity Passports (DS-5504)
#10 –*** Names of parents of applicant – first & middle and then last name (mother's name must be her maiden name), date of birth of parents and place of birth. Also indicate male/female and whether or not they are citizens of the U.S. This information is required even if the parents are deceased.
What form do I fill out for new US passport? ›You can apply for a passport book, a passport card, or both documents using Form DS-11.
What are the two lines at the bottom of a passport? ›The Machine Readable Zone (MRZ for short) is the 2 lines of text at the bottom of the passport. If you look at your passport, the first line of the MRZ has a 3 letter abbreviation for your country, followed by your name (all separated by “<“).
What is first line of passport? ›The so-called first-line verification is a list of checks that happen quickly, within a few seconds. It also verifies the document's genuineness with relatively high confidence. This is usually done automatically by passport reader devices or manually by the border control personnel.
What are 9 numbers from passport? ›
Every U.S. passport book has a unique, 9-digit identifying number, called a passport book number. It can be found in the upper right-hand corner of the second page of the passport.