Passports in India: Different colours, categories and uses

There are over 190 countries in the world map and every country decides its colour and category of their passport, which happens to be one of the most important identification for travelling abroad. In India, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issues passports which serve as official documents allowing its citizens to travel globally.
There are three colours of passports in India: Dark Blue (Ordinary), Maroon (Diplomatic Passport) and White (Official Passport).
Each colour signifies the holder’s status or purpose of travel. Understanding these can offer useful insights into how international travel is organized for different categories of Indian citizens.

Dark Blue is the most common type of passport which is issued to Indian citizens. It’s an ordinary passport used for regular international travel. So those planning international trips, business trips, or studies, are issued this passport. It is governed under the Passports Act, 1967. There are 36 or 60 pages, depending on the applicant’s travel requirements. This coloured passport is valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for minors or until they turn 18, whichever comes first.

Then there is maroon-coloured passport, which is issued to Indian diplomats or senior government officials. These passports come with several privileges including fast-track immigration, diplomatic immunity and access to several lounges at airports.

The white passport is issued to those representing the Indian government on official duty but who do not come under diplomatic status. This includes lower-ranking officials or government employees on an international trip for work assignments. The white cover clearly distinguishes it from ordinary and diplomatic passports.

ECR (Emigration Check Required): This is applicable to those who have not completed their matriculation (10th grade) or are considered vulnerable to exploitation abroad. They must obtain clearance from the Protector of Emigrants before traveling to certain countries for work.

Non-ECR: Holders of this category do not need emigration clearance and include those with higher education or taxable income. This distinction is stamped or printed inside the passport.