Passport Color Codes in India (Red, Blue, White)
When you think of an Indian passport, the deep blue booklet probably comes to mind. However, did you know that India issues different passport colors based on the holder’s status and profession? These color distinctions—blue, white, and maroon/red—are not just aesthetic; they carry specific meanings and privileges.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll decode the passport color codes in India, explain who gets which color, and highlight the key differences between them.
Overview: Passport Types and Color Categories in India
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issues Indian passports under four main categories, each denoted by a unique color. These colors help officials quickly identify the status, occupation, or rank of the passport holder.
The primary Indian passport colors are:
| Color | Type of Passport | Issued To |
|---|---|---|
| Navy Blue | Ordinary Passport (Type P) | Regular citizens for travel, education, work |
| White | Official Passport (Type S) | Government officials traveling on duty |
| Maroon / Red | Diplomatic Passport (Type D) | Diplomats, high-ranking government officials |
| Orange (Discontinued) | ECR category proposal (never implemented) | Was intended for ECR-holders but later withdrawn |
1. Navy Blue Passport – Ordinary Passport (Type P)
The Navy Blue passport, also called the Ordinary Passport, is the most common type issued to Indian citizens for general travel purposes.
Who Gets It:
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Regular Indian citizens traveling abroad for tourism, education, business, or employment.
Key Features:
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Color: Dark navy blue cover with the Indian national emblem (the Ashoka Lion) embossed in gold.
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Type Code: “P” (stands for “Personal”).
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Validity: Usually 10 years for adults and 5 years for minors.
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ECR/ECNR Status: Printed on the second page.
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Usage: Allows travel to all countries (subject to visa rules).
Purpose:
This passport is used for all non-official and personal travel and is accepted worldwide.
2. White Passport – Official Passport (Type S)
The White Passport is a special category issued to Indian government employees or officials who are traveling abroad for official government assignments or duties.
Who Gets It:
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Officials of the Government of India or State Governments
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Members of official delegations representing India abroad
Key Features:
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Color: White cover with the national emblem and “Official Passport” printed in gold.
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Type Code: “S” (stands for “Service”).
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Issued By: Ministry of External Affairs upon recommendation from the concerned government department.
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Validity: Depends on the assignment or service tenure.
Purpose:
It serves as an official travel document and indicates that the holder is traveling abroad on behalf of the Indian government.
Privileges:
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Simplified visa processing in some cases.
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Priority handling at diplomatic missions.
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Travel expenses often covered by the government.
3. Maroon or Red Passport – Diplomatic Passport (Type D)
The Maroon (or Burgundy Red) passport is the Diplomatic Passport issued to India’s top officials and diplomats who represent the nation in foreign countries.
Who Gets It:
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Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officers and staff
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Ambassadors, High Commissioners, and Consuls
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Members of Parliament or senior ministers traveling on diplomatic missions
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Certain senior-level bureaucrats traveling on behalf of the Government of India
Key Features:
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Color: Rich maroon cover with gold embossed national emblem and “Diplomatic Passport” text.
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Type Code: “D” (stands for “Diplomatic”).
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Issued By: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) only.
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Validity: Generally aligned with the duration of the diplomatic assignment.
Privileges:
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Visa-free or expedited visa entry in many countries under bilateral agreements.
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Exemption from customs checks in some nations.
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Access to diplomatic channels at airports.
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Special immunity and privileges under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961).
4. Orange Passport – The Proposal That Was Withdrawn
In 2018, the Indian government announced plans to introduce an Orange-colored passport for citizens under the ECR (Emigration Check Required) category.
Purpose of the Proposal:
The idea was to make it easier for immigration officers to identify unskilled workers traveling abroad for employment.
Why It Was Withdrawn:
After facing criticism for potentially discriminating between citizens, the government cancelled the proposal before implementation.
As of 2025, India continues to issue only three passport colors — Blue, White, and Maroon.
How to Identify Your Passport Type
Open the first page of your passport — just below your name and photo, you’ll find:
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Type: P / S / D (denoting the passport category)
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Country Code: IND
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Passport Number
The color and type code combination help authorities immediately identify whether the passport is ordinary, official, or diplomatic.
Comparison Table: Indian Passport Color Codes
| Feature | Navy Blue (Ordinary) | White (Official) | Maroon (Diplomatic) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type Code | P | S | D |
| Issued To | Regular Citizens | Government Officials | Diplomats / IFS Officers |
| Color | Navy Blue | White | Maroon / Burgundy Red |
| Issued By | Passport Seva Kendra | MEA (through Govt. Dept.) | MEA (Diplomatic Section) |
| Privileges | Regular | Official Travel Support | Diplomatic Immunity, Visa-Free Access |
| Validity | 10 Years | Assignment-Based | Assignment-Based |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can an ordinary citizen get a white or maroon passport?
No. White and maroon passports are strictly reserved for government officials and diplomats. Ordinary citizens only receive the blue passport.
2. Does passport color affect visa approval chances?
No. Visa decisions depend on the country’s immigration policy, not passport color.
3. Is the orange passport available now?
No. The orange passport plan was withdrawn in 2018, and no such passports were issued.
4. Can government employees use a blue passport for personal travel?
Yes. Even government officials must use their blue passport for private or personal trips. The white passport is only for official assignments.
5. What if I hold two different passports (official and personal)?
You can hold both, but only one can be used at a time, depending on the nature of travel — official or personal.
Final Thoughts
The color of your Indian passport reflects more than just a design choice — it represents your role, purpose, and privilege while traveling abroad.
While most citizens hold the navy-blue passport, the white and maroon passports signify India’s administrative and diplomatic presence across the world.
Every color carries its own responsibility — from regular travelers to diplomats, each passport connects India to the global community in its unique way.
We at Smotpro.in specialize in all kinds of passport services — including new passport applications, Tatkal processing, renewals, ECR/ECNR clarifications, child and minor passports, name and address changes, and more. With offices across India, our team ensures a seamless and reliable passport experience for travel, study, or work abroad.
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