Frequently Asked Questions
Consular

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ on Marital disputes involving NRI/PIO spouses

Sl. No. Question Answer
1. I and my husband are residing abroad. How can I get assistance for settlement of marital issues between me and my husband? You may approach the Indian Mission in the foreign country where you and your husband reside for providing possible assistance in resolving your marital dispute
2. I am residing in India. How can I get my overseas Indian spouse to come to India for the settlement of our marital dispute? You may forward your complaint to the Indian Mission, in the foreign country where your husband resides, to contact your spouse for settlement of marital dispute. In case your husband doesn’t cooperate with such settlement, you may take judicial recourse.
3. I am residing abroad. How can I apply for legal and financial assistance provided by the Ministry of External Affairs? You may approach the Indian Mission in the foreign country in which you reside.
4. I am residing in India. How can I get assistance in getting maintenance/ financial support from my overseas Indian husband

You may:-

1. File a case in a Court of competent jurisdiction in India 2. Approach the Indian Mission in the foreign country in which your husband resides for seeking assistance and guidance

5. What should I do for revocation/ impounding of my husband’s passport and for not allowing renewal of his passport. You may approach a Criminal Court of competent jurisdiction in India for obtaining appropriate Court Order for revoking/ impounding passport of your husband
6. How can I get my husband’s foreign passport revoked/ suspended? Issue of Foreign Passport does not fall within the jurisdiction of India. You may approach the Embassy of the respective foreign country in which your husband resides.
7. How can I get my husband’s Foreign Visa suspended/ revoked? Visa related issues are dealt by the authorities of the concerned foreign country who issued your husband’s foreign Visa. You may approach the Embassy of the foreign country in which your husband resides for VISA related issues.
8. How can I get details of Visa and
Employment of my overseas
Indian spouse who is residing
abroad?
Details of Visa or employment of
individuals are not available with the Ministry of External Affairs. You may approach the Embassy of the foreign country to get access to such details.
9. How can I get my overseas
Indian husband’s application for
PR rejected/ revoked?
PR is a sovereign matter of the
concerned foreign government and it
is beyond the jurisdiction of the
Ministry of External Affairs. You may
approach the Embassy of the
respective foreign country in which
your husband resides.
10. How can I get the Residence
Permit of my overseas Indian
husband cancelled?
You may approach the Embassy of the
foreign country in which your husband
resides for assistance and guidance.
11. I am residing in India. I request
the Ministry to take legal action
against my overseas Indian
husband.
You are requested to state specific
issues in your complaint. You may:-
1. Notify Police authorities in the
local area where you reside or
where the matrimonial house is
located
2. Approach the National
Commission for Women for legal
assistance and guidance
12. My child has been taken by my overseas Indian husband without my consent to foreign country. I am residing in India. I want to reunite with my child. What should I do?

You may:-

1. Register case on MADAD Portal

2. Approach NCPCR (Mediation Cell), Ministry of Women and Child Development (Child Welfare Division)

3. File case for child custody in India

4. Make a complaint to the Embassy of the foreign country where the child has been taken

5. File case against your husband in the foreign country where he resides

13. I am residing in India. How can I communicate with my children who are in the custody of my husband who is living abroad? You may file a case in a Court of competent jurisdiction in India and obtain court order for facilitating communication with your children.
14. How can I locate the whereabouts of my overseas Indian husband who is not in touch with me?

You may:-

1. Forward your complaint to the Indian Mission in the foreign country in which your husband resides along with the correct passport number and contact details of your husband

2. Approach the Indian Mission in the foreign country in which the husband resides

3. Access the list of Indian Associations/ NGOs from the website of Indian Embassies for further details

15. How can I deport my husband who is residing abroad to India?

You may:-

1. File a case in Court

2. Serve the summons/ Notices/ Warrants for arrest against your husband living abroad through Ministry of Home Affairs

3. Approach the Indian Embassy in the country where your husband resides

16. How can I stop my husband who is trying to flee the country?

You may:-

1. Approach the Senior Police Authorities to issue Look Out Circular (LOC) against your husband.

2. File a case in Court to stop the husband from fleeing the country

17. I am residing in India. How can I initiate criminal proceedings against my overseas Indian spouse? You may file a case in a criminal court of competent jurisdiction in India.
18. What is the procedure for the service of judicial process including summons/show-cause notices etc. upon my spouse residing outside the geographical limits of India?

Service of judicial process outside India including summons/show-cause notices etc., in Civil Matters is regulated by the Ministry of Law & Justice (Joint Secretary & Legal Adviser, ”A” Wing, Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi.Service of judicial process outside India including summons/show cause notices etc., in Criminal Matters, is carried out by the Ministry of Home Affairs (Joint Secretary (IS-II), NDCC-II Building, Jai Singh Road, New Delhi – 110 001)

19. I am residing in India. My overseas Indian husband has deserted me/ subjected me to dowry harassment/ domestic violence. What should I do? You may:- 1. File a case in a Court of competent jurisdiction in In 2. Approach the National Commission for Women for legal assistance and guidance.
20. I am residing with my overseas Indian husband in foreign country. He has deserted me/ is subjecting me to dowry harassment/ domestic violence. What should I do? You may approach the Indian Mission in the country in which you are residing for seeking assistance to file complaint with the local police. The Mission can put you in touch with the local Indian Association/ Organization/ NGOs and also to provide you with legal and financial assistance in case you decide to take legal/ judicial recourse in the foreign country. You can access the list of local Indian Association/ Organization/ NGOs, lawyers in the foreign country from the website of the Indian Embassy in that country.
21. How can I get a Red Corner Notice issued against my overseas Indian husband? You may:- 1. Get F.I.R. registered with local Police Authorities 2. Take judicial recourse
22. I am residing in India. I have been thrown out of my matrimonial home by the relatives of my overseas Indian husband. How can I retrieve belongings and documents from the matrimonial home? You may file a case in a Court of competent jurisdiction in India to retrieve your belongings.
23.

I am residing with my overseas Indian husband in foreign country. I have been thrown out of my matrimonial home by my husband. How can I retrieve belongings and documents from the matrimonial home?

You may approach the Indian Mission in the foreign country for assistance and guidance.
24. I am residing in India and my overseas Indian husband has married another woman without divorcing me. What should I do? You may file a case in a Court of competent jurisdiction in India
25. How can I take action against my overseas Indian husband for cyber harassment? You may register your complaint on National Cyber Crime Portal

Frequently Asked Questions

Consular and Visa

What are the work timings for consular/visa section ?
A: From 9 am to 11 am - Collection and submission of visa and Passport form.
From 4 pm to 5 pm delivery of Passport/Visa.

What is the service fee for processing visa for a) Cambodian b) Foreigner ?
A: Please look into Visa Fee page.

How long will it take for processing any Visa?
A: For non-Cambodian nationals - 3 working days (plan your ticket accordingly)– Calculation of three working days, List of Holidays
For Cambodians - next day delivery.

Are there any different fee if one wants to stay in India for one month or more ?
A: Yes, upto 6 months one rate.
But over 6 months it is higher.

Can one/s apply for one year / two years or longer period Visa ?
A: Yes, if it can be justified.

What are the documents required for applying for an Indian Visa?
A: Please see Documents required for Visa

Is it possible to get an arrival visa at Indian airports?
A: No.  Pl. apply for an E-Tourist Visa E-Tourist Visa Application Form

Do Cambodian official/service passports and diplomatic passports require Indian visa?
A: No, upto 60 days.

Whether one could download the visa application from the website?
A: Yes.   Online Visa Application Form.

What is the fee for a new Indian Passport ?
A: The Fee for a new Indian Passport are :
i ) 36 page booklet - US$ 77.
ii ) 60 page booklet - US$ 102.
iii) Minor Passport – US$52.

What are the fees for an attestation of different documents?
A: Misc. fees: US$ 12.00 & Affidavit fee : US$ 22.00

Do I need a visa to go to India?
A: Yes, all foreigners need a visa to enter India.

Can I get a visa on arrival to enter India?
A: No, you must obtain a visa before taking a flight to India. You cannot obtain a visa on arrival in India.

I want to visit India for tourism/to attend a friend's marriage/to meet my friends. Which visa should I apply for?
A: You should apply for a tourist visa.

Can I study in India?
A: Yes, with a valid student visa for a recognized university/educational institution.

Can I work in India?
A: Yes, with a valid employment visa.

I travel to India frequently for business meetings/to explore opportunities for partnerships with Indian companies.  Which visa should I apply for?
A: You may apply for a business visa valid for multiple entries for either six months or one year along with the requisite documents as per the checklist.  Please note that a Business Visa does not permit you to work in India. In case you wish to work in India, you should apply for an Employment Visa.

I am a Cambodian national and I go for one or two months every year for tourism. Which visa should I apply for?
A: You should apply for a Tourist visa. This visa is not extendable in India.

I will be changing flights/airports in India to travel to my final destination (say Nepal, Thailand etc.) Do I need a visa to change flights/airport terminals?
A: You need to apply for a transit visa if you are going to change from an international terminal to a domestic terminal at any Indian airport or if you are going to stay in an airport hotel even for a few hours. You don't need a transit visa if you stay in the waiting area reserved for international transit passengers in an Indian airport. Note that you can stay for a maximum period of 72 hours in India on a transit visa. You should have a confirmed air ticket for the onward journey.

I have to participate in a Conference/Seminar/Workshop in India. Which visa should I apply for?
A: You should apply for a Conference Visa to enable you to participate in the Conference/Seminar/ Workshop along with invitation letter, details of the Conference etc. Clearance from the competent authority in India is required.

I will travel at a much later date. Can my visa be issued to coincide with the date of travel?
A: No. Post-dated visas are not issued. The validity of the visa begins from the date of issue.

I have to go for internship/training in a university/institute/company in India for a short period. Which visa should I apply for?
A: You should apply for an Entry Visa along with a copy of the offer letter stating the terms of internship. You may also be required to submit a copy of the inter-university student exchange agreement if the proposed internship is a component of such an agreement.  You would be required to submit proof of financial standing to support your stay in India. If you receive any monetary compensation/salary from the Indian organization, you will have to apply for a business visa.

I will be going to India for work/employment along with my family.  Which visa should I apply for? Would my children be able to study in India?
A: You must apply for an Employment Visa along with requisite documents.  Once your visa application is approved, your spouse and children may apply for Entry Visas in case they are accompanying you on your stay in India. Your children will be able to secure admission in schools/colleges in India once they have been granted Entry Visas. Please note that you have to undergo mandatory registration formalities at the nearest office of FRRO/FRO within 14 days of your arrival in India if you are planning to stay in the country for a period longer than 180 days.

I will be studying in India for one semester/trimester in an IIT/IIM/IISc/Indian university. Which visa should I apply for?
A: You should apply for a Student Visa along with a copy of the letter from the institute/university confirming your acceptance as a student. You would also be required to submit proof of financial standing to support your stay in India.

I had applied for a visa for India but I have changed my mind about visiting the country. Can I claim a refund of the visa fee?
A: Visa fee is non-refundable. Once the visa fee is accepted, it cannot be refunded even if the visa is refused/not granted.

Do I need a visa for my pet who is accompanying me on my visit to India?
A: Visa is not required for taking a pet to India but certain customs and vaccination-related regulations have to be complied with. Please consult your airline/travel agent for details of these regulations and necessary documentation to facilitate the visit.

Will I be allowed to carry liquor to India?
A: Yes. But if you are traveling to Gujarat, you will have to apply for a liquor permit on arrival in Gujarat. Please check with your airline for other restrictions on alcohol.

Do all the applicants need to be present at the time of submitting an application?
A: No.  An application can be submitted by an immediate family member. However, the decision of the Visa Officer is final.

Will the visa and service fee/courier service fees be refunded?
A: No refund.  Fees once received would not be refunded even if the application is withdrawn or service denied.

I wish to visit certain areas in India like Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Nagaland etc. Can I obtain a visa to visit these areas?
A: A Tourist Visa is not sufficient to visit these areas as these regions of India are restricted/protected areas for which a Restricted/Protected Area Permit (RAP/PAP) is necessary. This permit can be obtained in India either from the Ministry of Home Affairs or FRRO concerned after entering India with a tourist visa. You can visit certain open areas in Sikkim for a maximum period of 15 days in case you request a 'special endorsement for Sikkim' at the time of applying for your tourist visa.

Whom to contact in case of any Emergency after office hours/on closed holidays?
A: In case of emergency, following official could be contacted : 
Emergency Contact Number (On Closed Holidays/After office Hours):
Assistant Consular Officer
Mob No.: +855 92881676
All queries regarding Passport, Visa & Consular matters should be addressed to:
Second Secretary (Consular & Diaspora)
Tel No.: (+855-23) 210912 / 210913 Ext: 104
Mobile No. +855 105 86600
Email: cons.phnompenh@mea.gov.in/visa.phnompenh@mea.gov.in

Passport

What is the definition of minor for issue of passport?
A: Applicants less than 18 years of age are considered as minor for issuance of passport.

I have a one-month old baby? Does the baby require a separate passport or his/her name can be endorsed in one of the parents passport?
A: Endorsement of child's name in parent's passports is not allowed anymore. As per the amended instructions, a minor should have a separate passport.

In case of minor's passport, whose father is abroad, is it mandatory to obtain father's consent to apply for the child's passport? If so, what is the procedure?
A: If parent(s) of the minor holds a valid passport, then attested photocopy of passport needs to be submitted along with the application form. Spouse name should be endorsed on the parent's passport.  If parent(s) hold a valid passport but spouse name is not endorsed, then they must get the spouse name added in their passport. For this, they have to apply for re-issue of passport and get the specified change done in personal particulars. If father is abroad, then a sworn affidavit attested by the Indian mission along with attested photocopy of passport needs to be submitted OR Annexure G can be submitted by mother (in case sworn affidavit cannot be arranged by the father).

We are planning to apply for passports for our kids (minors). Is it necessary that my name should be included in my wife's passport?
A: If either parent of a minor holds a valid passport with spouse name endorsed, passport will be issued to the minor without any police verification. Original passport of parent(s) should be presented for the verification of particulars. If parent(s) hold a valid passport, but spouse name is not endorsed, then they must get the spouse name added in their passport. For this, they have to apply for re-issue of passport and get the specified change done in personal particulars. Thus, it is necessary that spouse name should be endorsed on the parent's passport.

Is it necessary that both parents should have passport before applying for their child's passport?
A: It is not necessary that both parents should have a passport before applying for their child's passport. The advantage of either parent holding a valid passport with spouse name endorsed is that it exempts their child from the Police Verification process.

I am a minor who is 16 years old. Is it possible for me to obtain a full validity passport of 10 years?
A: Minors between 15 to 18 years of age can apply either for a 10-year validity passport or they can apply for a passport, which is valid till they attain the age of 18 years. Fee for a 10-year validity passport is higher than fee for a passport, which is valid till they attain the age of 18 years. A 10-year validity passport cannot be issued to applicants without police verification on submission of parent's passport. If passport is required on an urgent basis, they can apply under Tatkaal scheme.

What would be the validity of a minor's passport?
A: The validity of a minor's passport is restricted to five years or till they attain the age of 18, whichever is earlier. But the minors aged between 15 to 18 years can apply either for a 10-year validity passport or for a passport which is valid till they attain the age of 18 years. Different fees are applicable depending upon which category they are applying for.

Who can apply for my minor daughter's passport in India as I am on ship at Singapore as second engineer?
A: Either parent/guardian can apply for minor's passport. You would however need to get Annexure H duly attested by the Consular section of the nearest Indian Mission

Is it true that passport applications for minors under 18 require consent of either both parents or legal guardian?
A: It is necessary that either parent/legal guardian should give his / her consent while applying for minor's passport. Following documents have to be submitted in the given cases:

S.No.

Case

Documents to be submitted

1.

Passport application of a minor with consent of both parents

Annexure "H"

2.

Applied by Legal Guardian

Annexure "H"

3.

Minors with single parent (One parent deceased)

Annexure "H"

4.

Applied by one parent/guardian when consent of one or both parents is not possible

Annexure "G"

5.

Parents are separated but not divorced

Annexure "C"

6.

Single parent of the child born out of wedlock

Annexure "C"

My spouse is living in another country. How do I get his/her signature for consent while applying for my child's passport?
A: Consent of the spouse, who is abroad, is required for submitting the application of their child. It should be in the form of a Sworn Affidavit duly attested by the Indian Embassy/Consulate abroad (as per Annexure "H").

I want to apply for my child's passport. Are signatures of both parents mandatory on Annexure H to be submitted along with the application? What if my spouse is refusing to sign the form?
A: Yes, the signature of both the parents is mandatory on Annexure H to be submitted along with the application as it signifies that both parents are giving consent for the issuance of passport to the child. Annexure H is the declaration of applicant's parents or guardian for the issuance of passport to the minor. If either of the parents is not giving consent, then the parent applying for the minor's passport needs to submit Annexure G.

I wish to apply for a passport for my child who is 12 months old. Can I apply for a 60 pages booklet?
A: No. Only 36 pages passport booklet are issued to minors.

If parents have passport with adverse Police Verification Report or they have a criminal background, can passport be issued to minor on an urgent basis?
A: In such cases, minors can be issued passport under Tatkaal scheme subject to the approval of the RPO / Competent Authority

I want to apply for my minor child's passport. I hold a valid passport but spouse name is not endorsed. Can I apply for my child's passport without submitting my passport copy?
A: If parent(s) of the minor holds a valid passport, then attested photocopy of passport needs to be submitted along with the application form. Spouse name should be endorsed on the parent's passport. If parent(s) hold a valid passport, but spouse name is not endorsed, then they must get the spouse name added in their passport. For this, they have to apply for re-issue of passport and get the specified change done in personal particulars.

Do I need to carry photographs of my 3 months old child while visiting the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK)/Passport Office (PO)?
A: Minor applicants below the age of 4 years need to carry a passport size photograph for the processing of application.

S.No.

DOs

DON'Ts

1.

Paste ONLY ONE COLOUR photograph as per the specifications given below

Do not paste black and white photographs

2.

Paste your recent passport size photograph (4.5 cm length x 3.5 cm width) in colour in the box meant for affixing the photograph

Dimensions of photograph should not be smaller than the box (i.e. 4.5 cm length x 3.5 cm width) provided in the application form

3.

Background of the photograph should be plain white and the dress should be in dark colour

Photograph with dark background or in uniform, or with eyes hidden under coloured or dark glasses will not be accepted

4.

Photograph should fit within the given box

Photograph in computer print will not be accepted

5.

Frontal view of the full face should be visible in the photograph

Photograph is NOT to be signed

6.

Photograph should be printed on good quality photo paper

Distracting shadows on the face or on the background should not be there

7.

Print of the photograph should be clear and with a continuous-tone quality

Eyes must not be covered by hair. Glares on eyeglasses should be avoided with a slight upward or downward tilt of the head

8.

Expression of the face should be natural (no grinning, frowning or raised eyebrows)

Photograph should not be damaged, for example: torn, creased, or marked

9.

Eyes must be open and both edges of face must be clearly visible

Head coverings are not permitted except for religious reasons, but the facial features from bottom of chin to top of forehead and both edges of the face must be clearly visible

10.

Head should be in the centre of the frame and both ears should be visible

Photographs cut from group photographs are not acceptable

I am a pensioner or have a senior's card; can I have a senior's passport?
A: Separate senior's passport is not issued to a senior citizen. They can apply for an ordinary passport with a validity of 10 years. Senior Citizens can be issued a passport on post police verification basis if they submit copy of child's (Age greater than 18) passport, who is staying abroad (with page having parent's name) as an additional document along with their application form.

  What benefits do senior citizens get for issuance of passport?
A: Senior Citizens can be issued a passport on post police verification basis if they submit copy of child's (Age greater than 18) passport, who is staying abroad (with page having parent's name) as an additional document along with their application form. To check the complete list of documents to be submitted along with the application form, please click on "Documents Required" link on Home page.

Employees of Government/PSU/Statutory Body

Is Identity Certificate mandatory for Government/Public Sector/Statutory body employees?
OR 
Can a government employee apply as an ordinary citizen without submitting the additional documents?

A: For issuance of a fresh passport, Government/Public Sector/Statutory body employees need to submit either Identity Certificate in original as per Annexure "B" or No Objection Certificate (NOC) as per Annexure "M" or Prior Intimation Letter (PI) as per Annexure "N" as an additional document along with the application form. If he/she submits Annexure "B", passport will be issued without police verification and if he/she submits Annexure "M", passport will be issued on post police verification basis and if he/she submits Annexure "N", passport will be issued on pre police verification basis. For re-issue of passport, Government/Public Sector/Statutory body employees need to submit No Objection Certificate (NOC) as per Annexure "M" or Prior Intimation Letter (PI) as per Annexure "N" as an additional document along with the application form.

What benefits do government employees and retired government employees get for issuance of passport?
A: Government Employees: Government/Public Sector/Statutory body employees can be issued passport without police verification, if they submit Identity Certificate in original as per Annexure "B" as an additional document along with the application form. They can be issued a passport on post police verification basis, if they submit No Objection Certificate (NOC) (as per Annexure "M") and on pre police verification basis if they submit Prior Intimation Letter (PI) as per Annexure "N" as an additional document along
With the application form. 
Retired Government Employees: Retired Government employees can be issued a passport on post police verification basis if they submit Pension Payment Order as an additional document along with the application form.

If a Government employee wants to apply for major change in name in passport, is he/she required to publish declaration/advertisement regarding change of name in a leading newspaper?
A: If a Government/Public Sector/Statutory body employee wants to make a major change in name, then he/she has to submit the following additional documents:

  1. Gazette Notification changing name in applicant's department
  2. Fresh ID Certificate in changed name
  3. Deed poll/sworn affidavit as per Annexure "E"

Hence, advertisement / declaration in a reading newspaper is not required.

Explain citizenship of India by birth, descent, registration, naturalization.
A:

  1. Citizen of India by birth: You are Citizen of India by birth if you are born in India.
  2. Citizen of India by descent: You are Citizen of India by descent if you are born outside India and either of your parents is a citizen of India at the time of your birth.
  3. Citizen of India by registration/naturalization: You are Citizen of India by Registration/Naturalization if you have been granted Indian Citizenship by Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Govt of India.

Can an Indian passport be issued to applicants born outside India?
A: Indian passport can be issued to the "Citizen of India by Descent" i.e. person born to Indian parent(s) outside India.

Dependent Family Members of Government/PSU/Statutory body employees

Can dependents of Government/Public Sector/Statutory body employees apply for a passport in the normal process without submitting any affidavits?
A: Dependent family members of Government/Public Sector/Statutory body employees can be issued passport without police verification, if they submit the following additional documents along with their application form:

  1. "Identity Certificate" in original as per Annexure "B" (of dependent)
  2. Standard Affidavit as per Annexure "I"

Otherwise, passport would be issued to them on pre police verification basis, or post police verification basis - if they apply under Tatkaal scheme.

Applicants who are convicted or if a court case is pending against them

What do I do if I have a Court Case against me?
A: If a criminal case is pending against you in any court, you can be issued a passport subject to the condition that you enclose a written permission by the court allowing you to travel abroad. Normally a short validity passport valid for one year is issued, subject to conditions if any, mentioned in the Court order as per GSR 570 (E) dated 25 August, 1993.

Applicants who have been repatriated/deported

The applicant has repatriated from abroad at Government cost and wants to apply for a fresh passport. However he/she does not have a proof of refund of repatriation cost to Ministry of External Affairs. What should he/she do?
A: He/she should meet the Assistant Passport Officer (APO) at your nearest PSK/RPO

Damaged Passport

What is the definition of damaged passport?
A: Damaged passport is classified further based on the extent of damage, i.e.:

  1. Damaged Passport - Passport number is readable, name is legible and Photo is intact
  2. Damaged beyond recognition/ mutilated/smudged entries/washed out

What is the procedure to apply for duplicate passport in case of lost or damaged passport?
A: To apply for duplicate passport in case of lost or damaged passport, you have to fill the Passport Application form and apply for "Re-issue" of passport.

Lost/Stolen Passport

What do I do if I lose my passport?
A: Loss of passport should be immediately reported to the nearest Police Station and to the Passport Office or Indian Mission, if abroad. You can apply for "Re-issue" of passport and submit the required documents along with your passport application form.

I lost my passport recently. I've applied for a duplicate passport. I want to know if the new passport will have the same number as my old passport, or a new number?
A: You need to visit Assistant Passport Officer (APO) at your nearest PSK.

What can I do if I have lost my passport and have to travel to India urgently due to an emergency like serious illness or death in the family?
A: You need to contact the respective Indian Mission/Post to apply for issuance of another Passport. An Emergency Certificate (EC) may also be issued for returning to India after verification of Indian nationality/origin/particulars.

I am an Indian living abroad. I lost my Indian passport but I don't have photocopy of the same. What should I do?
A: Photocopy of the old passport is not a mandatory document to be submitted in case of lost/damaged/stolen passport. It should be produced, if it is available. But you will be required to produce, the previous passport details like Passport number, date of issue, date of expiry and place of issue, while filling the passport application form. If you do not have that information, then contact the respective Indian mission/post in that country.

The pages in my passport booklet have exhausted, but it has a validity of 5 years. What is the procedure to apply for new booklet?
A: You need to apply for "Re-issue" of passport. A new passport booklet would be issued to you with a fresh validity of 10 years.

: When an additional booklet/additional pages issued? 
OR 
My passport is nearly full but is valid for another 4 years, is it possible to add extra pages?
A: Additional pages are not added to a passport booklet. If the pages in the passport booklet have exhausted, you need to apply for "Re-issue" of passport.

Validity Due to Expire

My passport will expire in 2 years. What should I do?
A: You can apply for a re-issue of passport up to 1 year before the expiry without fresh police verification, provided there is no change in personal particulars and there is clear police report with respect to your previous passport and there is no adverse entry in the system.

How long is a passport valid?
A: In case of adults, 10-year validity passport would be issued. In case of minors, the validity of passport is restricted to 5 years or till they attain the age of 18, whichever is earlier. But the minors between 15 to 18 years of age can apply either for a 10-year validity passport or for a passport which is valid till they attain the age of 18 years. Different fees are applicable depending upon the category they are applying for. Further, most of the foreign missions/embassies insist on the passport validity of at least of six months to one year before they consider issuing visas. Accordingly, it is advisable to apply for re-issue well before time to avoid last minute rush.

My appearance has changed. What should I do? 
OR 
What is the procedure to change photograph of a child in the passport?
A: To change the photograph in the passport, you have to apply for "Re-issue" of passport.

Change of Name

What documents are required when there is a change in name on account of divorce?
A: Following additional documents have to be submitted:-

  1. Court certified copy of Divorce Decree

Deed Poll or Sworn Affidavit as per Annexure "E" given in the Passport Instruction

There is a mistake in the spelling of my name in the passport. What can I do?
A: 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. Any additional fees required to be paid would depend solely on merit of the case as decided by the Passport Issuing Authority. . If there is a misrepresentation of facts, then penalty could also be imposed. However, applicants are requested to apply online with the view to ensure that the passports are delivered without any typographical errors since applicants have themselves fed the data.

The Surname field is blank on my passport. And my full name is written in the Given Name field. What is the process to add the surname to my passport?
A: 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. Any additional fees required to be paid would depend solely on merit of the case as decided by the Passport Officer. If there is a misrepresentation of facts, then penalty could also be imposed. However, applicants are requested to apply online with the view to ensure that the passports are delivered without any typographical errors since applicants have themselves fed the data. If you have done a mistake while filling your passport application form i.e. you have filled your full name in the "Given Name" field, then you will need to apply for re-issue of passport for change in personal particulars.

Explain major and minor change in name?
A: Minor change in name - change in name because of spelling discrepancy between passport and documents which phonetically do not result in total change in name. Major change in name - Cases other than minor change in name.

If the applicant changes his/her name from:

  1. Sandeep Sharma to Sandeep Kumar Sharma
  2. Sandeep Kumar to Sandeep Sharma
  3. Ritu to Ritu Thakur

The above change would be considered a major change or a minor change in name?
A: Minor change in name - change in name because of spelling discrepancy between passport and documents which phonetically do not result in total change in name. Major change in name - Cases other than minor change in name. In Case 1 and Case 2, it is a major change in name. In Case 3, if change in name is due to marriage then it falls in the category "Change in name due to marriage". If change in name is not due to marriage, it is a major change in name.

Is No Police Verification (PV) possible in case of change in name of Govt./PSU/Statutory Body employees? If yes, what documents are required?
A: The documents required are:

  • Issue of fresh passport: In case of change in name of Govt./PSU/statutory body employees, pre Police Verification will be done. Post Police Verification will be done on submission of Tatkaal documents.

Re-issue of passport: In case of change in name of Govt./PSU/statutory body employees, if the old passport has clear or exempted PV Report and required documents are

I want to get the DOB changed in the passport since there is a typing error. What should I do?
A: If you find any mistake/error in the particulars printed in the passport booklet as per the application form you submitted, please 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 Passport Officer. If there is a misrepresentation of facts, then penalty could also be imposed. However, applicants are requested to apply online with the view to ensure that the passports are delivered without any typographical errors since applicants have themselves fed the data.