Search Details

Custom Search

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Notifications

Passports Act, 1967

 1. Short title and extent.—(1) This Act may be called the Passports Act, 1967.(2) It extends to the whole of India and applies also to citizens of India who are outside India.2. Definitions.—In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,—(a) “departure”, with its grammatical variations and cognate expressions, means departure from India by water, land or air;(b) “passport” means a passport issued or deemed to have been issued under this Act;(c) “passport authority” means an officer or authority empowered under rules made under this Act to issue passports or travel documents and includes the Central Government;(d) “prescribed” means prescribed by rules made under this Act;(e) “travel document” means a travel document issued or deemed to have been issued under this Act.3. Passport or travel document for departure from India.—No person shall depart from, or attempt to depart from India, unless he holds in this behalf a valid passport or travel document. Explanation.—For the purposes of this section,—(a) “passport” includes a passport which having been issued by or under the authority of the Government of a foreign country satisfies the conditions prescribed under the Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920 (34 of 1920), in respect of the class of passports to which it belongs;(b) “travel document” includes a travel document which having been issued by or under the authority of the Government of a foreign country satisfies the conditions prescribed.4. Classes of passports and travel documents.—(1) The following classes of passports may be issued under this Act, namely:—(a) ordinary passport;(b) official passport;(c) diplomatic passport.(2) The following classes of travel documents may be issued under this Act, namely:—(a) emergency certificate authorising a person to enter India;(b) certificate of identity for the purpose of establishing the identity of a person;(c) such other certificate or document as may be prescribed.(3) The Central Government shall, in consonance with the usage and practice followed by it in this behalf, prescribe the classes of persons to whom the classes of passports and travel documents referred to respectively in sub-section (1) and sub-section (2) may be issued under this Act.5. Applications for passports, travel documents, etc., and orders thereon.— 1 [(1) An application for the issue of a passport under this Act for visiting such foreign country or countries (not being a named foreign country) as may be specified in the application may be made to the passport authority and shall be accompanied by 2 [such fee as may be prescribed to meet the expenses incurred on special security paper, printing, lamination and other connected miscellaneous services in issuing passports and other travel documents]. Explanation.—In this section, “named foreign country” means such foreign country as the Central Government may, by rules made under this Act, specify in this behalf.(1A) An application for the issue of—(i) a passport under this Act for visiting a named foreign country; or(ii) a travel document under this Act, for visiting such foreign country or countries (including a named foreign country) as may be specified in the application or for an endorsement on the passport or travel document referred to in this section, may be made to the passport authority and shall be accompanied by such fee (if any) not exceeding rupees fifty, as may be prescribed.(IB) Every application under this section shall be in such form and contain such particulars as may be prescribed.](2) On receipt of an application 3 [under this section], the passport authority, after making such inquiry, if any, as it may consider necessary, shall, subject to the other provisions of this Act, by order in writing,—(a) issue the passport or travel document with endorsement, or, as the case may be, make on the passport or travel document the endorsement, in respect of the foreign country or countries specified in the application; or(b) issue the passport or travel document with endorsement, or, as the case may be, make on the passport or travel document the endorsement, in respect of one or more of the foreign countries specified in the application and refuse to make an endorsement in respect of the other country or countries; or(c) refuse to issue the passport or travel document or, as the case may be, refuse to make on the passport or travel document any endorsement.(3) Where the passport authority makes an order under clause (b) or clause (c) of sub-section (2) on the application of any person, it shall record in writing a brief statement of its reasons for making such order and furnish to that person on demand a copy of the same unless in any case the passport authority is of the opinion that it will not be in the interests of the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of India, friendly relations of India with any foreign country or in the interests of the general public to furnish such copy.6. Refusal of passports, travel documents. etc.—(1) Subject to the other provisions of this Act, the passport authority shall refuse to make an endorsement for visiting any country under clause (b) or clause (c) of sub-section (2) of section 5 on any one or more of the following grounds, and on no other ground, namely:—(a) that the applicant may, or is likely to, engage in such country in activities prejudicial to the sovereignty and integrity of India;(b) that the presence of the applicant in such country may, or is likely to, be detrimental to the security of India;(c) that the presence of the applicant in such country may, or is likely to, prejudice the friendly relations of India with that or any other country;(d) that in the opinion of the Central Government the presence of the applicant in such country is not in the public interest.(2) Subject to the other provisions of this Act, the passport authority shall refuse to issue a passport or travel document for visiting any foreign country under clause (c) of sub-section (2) of section 5 on any one or more of the following grounds, and on no other ground, namely:—(a) that the applicant is not a citizen of India;(b) that the applicant may, or is likely to, engage outside India in activities prejudicial to the sovereignty and integrity of India;(c) that the departure of the applicant from India may, or is likely to, be detrimental to the security of India;(d) that the presence of the applicant outside India may, or is likely to, prejudice the friendly relations of India with any foreign country;(e) that the applicant has, at any time during the period of five years immediately preceding the date of his application, been convicted by a court in India for any offence involving moral turpitude and sentenced in respect thereof to imprisonment for not less than two years;(f) that proceedings in respect of an offence alleged to have been committed by the applicant are pending before a criminal court in India;(g) that a warrant or summons for the appearance, or a warrant for the arrest, of the applicant has been issued by a court under any law for the time being in force or that an order prohibiting the departure from India of the applicant has been made by any such court;(h) that the applicant has been repatriated and has not reimbursed the expenditure incurred in connection with such repatriation;(i) that in the opinion of the Central Government the issue of a passport or travel document to the applicant will not be in the public interest.7. Duration of passports and travel documents.—A passport or travel document shall, unless revoked earlier, continue in force for such period as may be prescribed and different periods may be prescribed for different classes of passports or travel documents or for different categories of passports or travel documents under each such class: Provided that a passport or travel document may be issued for a shorter period than the prescribed period—(a) if the person by whom it is required so desires; or(b) if the passport authority, for reasons to be communicated in writing to the applicant, considers in any case that the passport or travel document should be issued for a shorter period.4 [8. Extension of period of passport.—Where a passport is issued for a shorter period than the prescribed period under section 7, such shorter period shall, unless the passport authority for reasons to be recorded in writing otherwise determines, be extendable for a further period (which together with the shorter period shall not exceed the prescribed period) and the provisions of this Act shall apply to such extension as they apply to the issue thereof.]9. Conditions and forms of passports and travel documents.—The conditions subject to which, and the form in which, a passport or travel document shall be issued or renewed shall be such as may be prescribed: Provided that different conditions and different forms may be prescribed for different classes of passports or travel documents or for different categories of passports or travel documents under each such class: Provided further that a passport or travel document may contain in addition to the prescribed conditions such other conditions as the passport authority may, with the previous approval of the Central Government, impose in any particular case.10. Variation, impounding and revocation of passports and travel documents.—(1) The passport authority may, having regard to the provisions of sub-section (1) of section 6 or any notification under section 19, vary or cancel the endorsements on a passport or travel document or may, with the previous approval of the Central Government, vary or cancel the conditions (other than the prescribed conditions) subject to which a passport or travel document has been issued and may, for that purpose, require the holder of a passport or a travel document, by notice in writing, to deliver up the passport or travel document to it within such time as may be specified in the notice and the holder shall comply with such notice.(2) The passport authority may, on the application of the holder of a passport or a travel document, and with the previous approval of the Central Government also vary or cancel the conditions (other than the prescribed conditions) of the passport or travel document.(3) The passport authority may impound or cause to be impounded or revoke a passport or travel document,—(a) if the passport authority is satisfied that the holder of the passport or travel document is in wrongful possession thereof;(b) If the passport or travel document was obtained by the suppression of material information or on the basis of wrong information provided by the holder of the passport or travel document or any other person on his behalf: 5 [Provided that if the holder of such passport obtains another passport, the passport authority shall also impound or cause to be impounded or revoke such other passport.] 1[Provided that if the holder of such passport obtains another passport, the passport authority shall also impound or cause to be impounded or revoke such other passport.]"(c) if the passport authority deems it necessary so to do in the interests of the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of India, friendly relations of India with any foreign country, or in the interests of the general public;(d) if the holder of the passport or travel document has, at any time after the issue of the passport or travel document, been convicted by a court in India for any offence involving moral turpitude and sentenced in respect thereof to imprisonment for not less than two years;(e) if proceedings in respect of an offence alleged to have been committed by the holder of the passport or travel document are pending before a criminal court in India;(f) if any of the conditions of the passport or travel document has been contravened;(g) if the holder of the passport or travel document has failed to comply with a notice under sub-section (1) requiring him to deliver up the same;(h) if it is brought to the notice of the passport authority that a warrant or summons for the appearance, or a warrant for the arrest, of the holder of the passport or travel document has been issued by a court under any law for the time being in force or if an order prohibiting the departure from India of the holder of the passport or other travel document has been made by any such court and the passport authority is satisfied that a warrant or summons has been so issued or an order has been so made.(4) The passport authority may also revoke a passport or travel document on the application of the holder thereof.(5) Where the passport authority makes an order varying or cancelling the endorsements on, or varying the conditions of, a passport or travel document under sub-section (1) or an order impounding or revoking a passport or travel document under sub-section (3), it shall record in writing a brief statement of the reasons for making such order and furnish to the holder of the passport or travel document on demand a copy of the same unless in any case the passport authority is of the opinion that it will not be in the interests of the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of India, friendly relations of India with any foreign country or in the interests of the general public to furnish such a copy.(6) The authority to whom the passport authority is subordinate may, by order in writing, impound or cause to be impounded or revoke a passport or travel document on any ground on which it may be impounded or revoked by the passport authority and the foregoing provisions of this section shall, as far as may be, apply in relation to the impounding or revocation of a passport or travel document by such authority.(7) A court convicting the holder of a passport or travel document of any offence under this Act or the rules made thereunder may also revoke the passport or travel document: Provided that if the conviction is set aside on appeal or otherwise the revocation shall become void.(8) An order of revocation under sub-section (7) may also be made by an appellate court or by the High Court when exercising its powers of revision.(9) On the revocation of a passport or travel document under this section the holder thereof shall, without delay, surrender the passport or travel document, if the same has not already been impounded, to the authority by whom it has been revoked or to such other authority as may be specified in this behalf in the order of revocation.1[10A. Suspension of passports or travel documents in certain cases.—(1) Without prejudice to the generality of the provisions contained in section 10, if the Central Government or any designated officer is satisfied that the passport or travel document is likely to be impounded or caused to be impounded or revoked under clause (c) of sub-section (3) of section 10 and it is necessary in the public interest so to do, it or he may,—1[10A. Suspension of passports or travel documents in certain cases.—(1) Without prejudice to the generality of the provisions contained in section 10, if the Central Government or any designated officer is satisfied that the passport or travel document is likely to be impounded or caused to be impounded or revoked under clause (c) of sub-section (3) of section 10 and it is necessary in the public interest so to do, it or he may,—"(a) by order, suspend, with immediate effect, any passport or travel document;(b) pass such other appropriate order which may have the effect of rendering any passport or travel document invalid, for a period not exceeding four weeks: Provided that the Central Government or the designated officer may, if it or he considers appropriate, extend, by order and for reasons to be recorded in writing, the said period of four weeks till the proceedings relating to variation, impounding or revocation of passport or travel document under section 10 are concluded: Provided further that every holder of the passport or travel document, in respect of whom an order under clause (a) or clause (b) of this sub-section had been passed, shall be given an opportunity of being heard within a period of not later than eight weeks reckoned from the date of passing of such order and thereupon the Central Government may, if necessary, by order in writing, modify or revoke the order passed under this sub-section.(2) The designated officer shall immediately communicate the orders passed under sub-section (1), to the concerned authority at an airport or any other point of embarkation or immigration, and to the passport authority.(3) Every authority referred to in sub-section (2) shall, immediately on receipt of the order passed under sub-section (1), give effect to such order.]7 [10B. Validation of intimations.—Every intimation given by the Central Government or the designated officer, before the commencement of the Passports (Amendment) Act, 2002, to any immigration authority at an airport or any other point of embarkation or immigration, restricting or in any manner prohibiting the departure from India of any holder of the passport or travel document under sub-section (3) of section 10, shall be deemed to be an order under sub-section(1) of section 10A and such order shall continue to be in force for a period of three months from the date of commencement of the Passports (Amendment) Act, 2002, or the date of giving such intimation, whichever is later.1[10B. Validation of intimations.—Every intimation given by the Central Government or the designated officer, before the commencement of the Passports (Amendment) Act, 2002, to any immigration authority at an airport or any other point of embarkation or immigration, restricting or in any manner prohibiting the departure from India of any holder of the passport or travel document under sub-section (3) of section 10, shall be deemed to be an order under sub-section (1) of section 10A and such order shall continue to be in force for a period of three months from the date of commencement of the Passports (Amendment) Act, 2002, or the date of giving such intimation, whichever is later." Explanation.—For the purposes of sections 10A and 10B, the expression "designated officer" means such officer or authority designated, by order in writing, as such by the Central Government.]11. Appeals.—(1) Any person aggrieved by an order of the passport authority under clause (b) or clause (c) of sub-section (2) of section 5 or clause (b) of the proviso to section 7 or sub-section (1), or sub-section (3) of section 10 or by an order under sub-section (6) of section 10 of the authority to whom the passport authority is subordinate, may prefer an appeal against that order to such authority (hereinafter referred to as the appellate authority) and within such period as may be prescribed: Provided that no appeal shall lie against any order made by the Central Government.(2) No appeal shall be admitted if it is preferred after the expiry of the period prescribed therefor: Provided that an appeal may be admitted after the expiry of the period prescribed therefor if the appellant satisfies the appellate authority that he had sufficient cause for not preferring the appeal within that period.(3) The period prescribed for an appeal shall be computed in accordance with the provisions of the Limitation Act, 1963 (36 of 1963), with respect to the computation of the periods of limitation thereunder.(4) Every appeal under this section shall be made by a petition in writing and shall be accompanied by a copy of the statement of the reasons for the order appealed against where such copy has been furnished to the appellant and 8 [by such fee as may be prescribed for meeting the expenses that may be incurred in calling for relevant records and for connected services].(5) In disposing of an appeal, the appellate authority shall follow such procedure as may be prescribed: Provided that no appeal shall be disposed of unless the appellant has been given a reasonable opportunity of representing his case.(6) Every order of the appellate authority confirming, modifying or reversing the order appealed against shall be final.12. Offences and penalties.—(1) Whoever—(a) contravenes the provisions of section 3; or(b) knowingly furnishes any false information or suppresses any material information with a view to obtaining a passport or travel document under this Act or without lawful authority alters or attempts to alter or causes to alter the entries made in a passport or travel document; or(c) fails to produce for inspection his passport or travel document (whether issued under this Act or not) when called upon to do so by the prescribed authority; or(d) knowingly uses a passport or travel document issued to another person; or(e) knowingly allows another person to use a passport or travel document issued to him; shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to 9 [two years or with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees] or with both.10 [(1A) Whoever, not being a citizen of India,—(a) makes an application for a passport or obtains a passport by suppressing information about his nationality, or(b) holds a forged passport or any travel document, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than one year but which may extend to five years and with fine which shall not be less than ten thousand rupees but which may extend to fifty thousand rupees.](2) Whoever abets any offence punishable under 11 [sub-section (1) or sub-section (1A)] shall, if the act abetted is committed in consequence of the abetment, be punishable with the punishment provided in that sub-section for that offence.(3) Whoever contravenes any condition of a passport or travel document or any provision of this Act or any rule made thereunder for which no punishment is provided elsewhere in this Act shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three months or with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees or with both.(4) Whoever, having been convicted of an offence under this Act, is again convicted of an offence under this Act shall be punishable with double the penalty provided for the latter offence.13. Power to arrest.—(1) Any officer of customs empowered by a general or special order of the Central Government in this behalf and any 12 [officer of police or emigration officer] not below the rank of a sub-inspector may arrest without warrant any person against whom a reasonable suspicion exists that he has committed any offence punishable under section 12 and shall, as soon as may be, inform him of the grounds for such arrest.(2) Every officer making an arrest under this section shall, without unnecessary delay, take or send the person arrested before a magistrate having jurisdiction in the case or to the officer in charge of the nearest police station and the provisions of 13 [section 57 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974)], shall, so far as may be, apply in case of any such arrest.14. Power of search and seizure.—(1) Any officer of customs empowered by a general or special order of the Central Government in this behalf and any 14 [officer of police or emigration officer] not below the rank of a sub-inspector may search any place and seize any passport or travel document from any person against whom a reasonable suspicion exists that he has committed any offence punishable underv section 12.(2) The provisions of the 15 [Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974)], relating to searches and seizures shall, so far as may be, apply to searches and seizures under this section.15. Previous sanction of Central Government necessary.—No prosecution shall be instituted against any person in respect of any offence under this Act without the previous sanction of the Central Government or such officer or authority as may be authorised by that Government by order in writing in this behalf.16. Protection of action taken in good faith.—No suit, prosecution or other legal proceeding shall lie against the Government or any officer or authority for anything which is in good faith done or intended to be done under this Act.17. Passports and travel documents to be property of Central Government.—A passport or travel document issued under this Act shall at all times remain the property of the Central Government.18. Passports, etc. not to be issued to persons who cannot emigrate under Act 7 of 1922.—[Rep. by the Passports (Amendment) Act, 1993 (35 of 1993), sec. 8 (w.e.f. 1-7-1993).]19. Passports and travel documents to be invalid for travel to certain countries.—Upon the issue of a notification by the Central Government that a foreign country is—(a) a country which is committing external aggression against India; or(b) a country assisting the country committing external aggression against India; or(c) a country where armed hostilities are in progress; or(d) a country to which travel must be restricted in the public interest because such travel would seriously impair the conduct of foreign affairs of the Government of India. a passport or travel document for travel through or visiting such country shall cease to be valid for such travel or visit unless in any case a special endorsement in that behalf is made in the prescribed form by the prescribed authority.20. Issue of passports and travel documents to persons who are not citizens of India.—Notwithstanding anything contained in the foregoing provisions relating to issue of a passport or travel document, the Central Government may issue, or cause to be issued, a passport or travel document to a person who is not a citizen of India if that Government is of the opinion that it is necessary so to do in the public interest.21. Power to delegate.—The Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, direct that any power or function which may be exercised or performed by it under this Act other than the power under clause (d) of sub-section(1) of section 6 or the power under clause (1) of sub-section (2) of that section or the power under section 24, may, in relation to such matters and subject to such conditions, if any, as it may specify in the notification, be exercised or performed—(a) by such officer or authority subordinate to the Central Government; or(b) by any State Government or by any officer or authority subordinate to such Government; or(c) in any foreign country in which there is no diplomatic mission of India, by such foreign Consular Officer; as may be specified in the notification.22. Power to exempt.—Where the Central Government is of the opinion that it is necessary or expedient in the public interest so to do, it may, by notification in the Official Gazette and subject to such conditions, if any, as it may specify in the notification,—(a) exempt any person or class of persons from the operation of all or any of the provisions of this Act or the rules made thereunder; and(b) as often as may be, cancel any such notification and again subject, by a like notification, the person or class of persons to the operation of such provisions.23 Act to be in addition to certain enactments. —The provisions of this Act shall be in addition to and not in derogation of the provisions of the Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920 (34 of 1920), 16 [the Emigration Act, 1983 (31 of 1983)], the Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939 (16 of 1939), the Foreigners Act, 1946 (31 of 1946), 17 [***] the Trading with the Enemy (Continuance of Emergency Provisions) Act, 1947 (16 of 1947), the Foreigners Law (Application and Amendment) Act, 1962 (42 of 1962), 18 [the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act, 1973 (46 of 1973)] and other enactments relating to foreigners and foreign exchange.24. Power to make rules.—(1) The Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, make rules for carrying out the purposes of this Act.(2) In particular, and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, such rules may provide for all or any of the following matters, namely:—(a) the appointment, jurisdiction, control and functions of passport authorities;(b) the classes of persons to whom passports and travel documents referred to respectively in sub-section (1) and sub-section (2) of section 4 may be issued;(c) the form and particulars of application for the issue or renewal of a passport or travel document or for endorsement on a passport or travel document and where the application is for the renewal, the time within which it shall be made;(d) the period for which passports and travel documents shall continue in force;(e) the form in which and the conditions subject to which the different classes of passports and travel documents may be issued, renewed or varied;19 [(ee) specifying the foreign country for the purposes of the Explanation to sub-section (1) of section 5;] 4[(ee) specifying the foreign country for the purposes of the Explanation to sub-section (1) of section 5;]"(f) the fees payable in respect of 20 [any application for the issue of a passport under sub-section (1) of section 5 or issue of a passport] 21 [for visiting a foreign country referred to in sub-section (1A) of section 5] or travel document or for varying any endorsement or making a fresh endorsement on a passport or a travel document and the fees payable in respect of any appeal under this Act;(g) the appointment of appellate authorities under sub-section (1) of section 11, the jurisdiction of, and the procedure which may be followed by, such appellate authorities;(h) the services (including the issue of a duplicate passport or travel document in lieu of a passport or travel document lost, damaged or destroyed) which may be rendered in relation to a passport or travel document and the fees therefor;(i) any other matter which is to be or may be prescribed or in respect of which this Act makes no provision or makes insufficient provision and provision is, in the opinion of the Central Government, necessary for the proper implementation of the Act.(3) Every rule made under this Act shall be laid as soon as may be after it is made, before each House of Parliament while it is in session for a total period of thirty days which may be comprised in one session or 22 [in two or more successive sessions and if, before the expiry of the session immediately following the session or the successive sessions aforesaid], both House agree in making any modification in the rule or both Houses agree that the rule should not be made, the rule shall thereafter have effect only in such modified form or be of no effect, as the case may be; so, however, that any such modification or annulment shall be without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done under that rule.25. Change of short title of Act 34 of 1920.—In the Indian Passport Act, 1920, in sub-section(1) of section 1, for the words and figures “the Indian Passport Act, 1920”, the words, brackets and figures “the Passport (entry into India) Act, 1920” shall be substituted.26. Savings as to certain passports and applications.—[Rep. by the Passports (Amendment) Act, 1993 (35 of 1993), sec. 8 (w.e.f. 1-7-1993).]27. Repeal and saving.—(1) The Passports Ordinance, 1967 (4 of 1967) is hereby repealed.(2) Notwithstanding such repeal, anything done or any action taken or purporting to have been done or taken under the said Ordinance shall be deemed to have been done or taken under this Act as if this Act had commenced on the 5th day of May, 1967.

Consular Functions & Responsibilities

  1. Consular functions constitute an important part of duties and responsibilities entrusted to designated officers of the Indian Missions/Posts abroad. The authority to do so flows from many Acts and Rules framed by the Government in accordance with domestic laws as well as keeping in view international obligations. Consular duties broadly include the following :--
    1. Welfare of Indians abroad,
    2. Financial assistance to Indian citizens and repatriation of Indian citizens,
    3. Assistance relating to whereabouts of Indian workers, Indian seamen etc.,
    4. Attestation of documents such as power of attorney, wills, oaths, affidavits, and documents relating to shipping, trade education etc.,
    5. Registration of Births and deaths of Indian citizens,
    6. Solemnisation of Marriage under Special Marriage Act 1969, Foreign Marriage Act 1969 and rules there under,
    7. Consular assistance to arrested Indian citizens,
    8. Assistance in case of death of Indian citizens, death compensation and remittance thereof,
    9. Administration of Properties, Estates and Wills of Indian abroad,
    10. Assistance relating to war graves/war damage pay/pension/provident fund,
    11. Dealing with Civil and criminal proceedings against Indians abroad, and
    12. Liaison with foreign governments for implementation of Extradition Treaties, Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance, Letters of Request, Transmission of Legal Notices/Summons, Examination of witnesses in criminal cases and transfer of convicted offenders.
  2. The policy in administering the acts mentioned above is framed by Consular Wing of CPV Division in consultation with concerned Ministries/Departments. Consular Wing is also entrusted with work relating to questions related to Indian citizenship, adoption of children by foreigners, Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, arrest/death of foreigners in India, legalization of documents, implementation of Apostilles Convention and administration of Diplomatic & Consular Officers (Oaths & Fees) Act 1948 as amended. This Act empowers every diplomatic or consular officer, in any foreign country or place where he/she is exercising his/her functions, to administer any oath and take any affidavit and also do any notarial act which any notary may do within the States comprising the Union of India; and every oath, affidavit and notarial act administered, sworn or done by or before any such person shall be effectual as if duly administered, sworn or done by or before any lawful authority in any State of India. Section 6 of the Act empowers the Central Government to prescribe the scale of fees for the performance of different types of consular services. The Table of Fees appended to the Diplomatic and Consular Officers (Fees) Rules, 1949 as amended, covers a comprehensive range of consular functions. The power to perform various functions relating to 'Shipping' is derived by the consular officers from the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958. A table of Consular Fees as applicable with effect from 1st April, 2002 is appended (Appendix).
  3. The following Acts and Rules govern consular functions:--
    1. Citizenship Act 1955 as amended ; Citizenship Rules, 1956
    2. Citizens (Registration at Consulates) Rules 1956, as amended
    3. Foreign Marriage Act 1969 & Foreign Marriage Rules, 1970
    4. Special Marriage Act 1954 ; Special Marriage (Diplomatic & Consular Officers) Rules, 1955 Diplomatic and Consular Officers (Oaths and Fees) Act, 1948,
    5. Extradition Act 1962, as amended.
    6. Merchant Shipping Act 1958, as amended.
      1. Merchant Shipping (Registration of Indian Ships) Rule, 1960.
      2. Merchant Shipping (Distressed Seamen) Rule, 1960.
      3. S.V. (Statement of Crew) Rule, 1960.
      4. Merchant Shipping (Wrecks and Salvage) Rules, 1974.
      5. National Maritime Agreement.
  4. The work relating to attestation of documents at the Headquarters (CPV Division) has been outsourced since 1st March, 2012, on a trial basis for three months and the collection / delivery of documents for attestation are being handled by the following five agencies. The documents for attestation are required to be deposited with any one of the agencies mentioned below :--
    1. M/s. VFS Global Services, Attestation-Collection Centre, S-2 level (Upper Ground Floor), Block-E, International Trade Tower, Nehru Place, New Delhi-110 019. Phone: 011 -40548204.
      1. M/s. IVS Global Service Pvt. Ltd, 119, New Delhi House (1st Floor), 27 Barakhamba Road, Connaught Place, New Delhi. Phone: 011- 61608080 ; Fax: 011- 43115800.
      2. IVS Global Service Pvt. Ltd. S.C.O. 83/84, Sector 34 A, Chandigarh, Phone: 0172-61608080.
      1. M/s. Cox & Kings Global Services, GF, Kamal Cinema Commercial Complex, Block A & B, Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi-110 029. Phone: 011-26197635.
      2. M/s. Cox & Kings Global Service, Indra Place, H Block Middle Circle, Connaught Place, New Delhi -110 001. Phone: 011- 23738811.
      1. M/s. BLS International Services Ltd., 910 Indra Prakash Building, 21 Barakhamba Road, New Delhi-110 001. Phone: 011-23716531, 23755263 ; Fax: 011-23716531.
      2. M/s. BLS International Services Ltd., SCO 37/38, Sector 17 C, Near Batura King, 3rd Floor, Office No. 4, Chandigarh. Phone: 09915167321.
      1. M/s. Superb Enterprises, 100 G, LGF 8A, Milap Building, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, ITO, New Delhi-110 002. Phone: 011- 23355999 ; Fax: 011- 23350999 ; Email: att@superbenterprisesindia.com
      2. M/s. Superb Enterprises, SCO-23, 24 & 25, Office No. 4, Near Regional Passport Office, Sector 34A, Chandigarh-160 022. Phone: 0172- 2601075.
N.B. : The service fee chargeable per document by the above mentioned agencies is Rs. 22/- for personal document, Rs. 18/- for educational document and Rs. 16/- for commercial document. The service fee is exclusive of the Rs. 50/- Postal Order required for Apostille on each document.

Log & Track Grievance


 Applicant Login
 Login to register grievances pertaining to the Consular Services Online
 
 
Register (New User)  |  Having Trouble Logging in ?  |  FAQs
 
Fields marked with asterisk (*) are mandatory 
 
 
Grievances pertaining to Consular Services offered by Indian Missions/Posts abroad are being addressed through the new Grievances Monitoring System (MADAD) of MEA. Please register/login to lodge your Grievance in MADAD.
 
Processing Steps
  1. Click on "Register (New User)" and fill required details.
  2. Click on "Activation" link sent in email (or OTP sent in SMS to Indian Mobile Holders) to activate the account.
  3. Log in to the Consular Grievances Monitoring System (MADAD).
  4. Click on "Register Grievances" link to fill details of your grievances.
  5. Click here to view latest status and processing done on your grievance.  New!
  6. Click here to view Frequently asked Questions.
 

Download e-Form

  • Fresh or Re-issue of Passport click here.    Updated on 02/01/2015
  • Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) click here.    Updated on 02/01/2015
  • Identity Certificate e-Form (applicable to Tibetan Refugees and Stateless People) click here.    Updated on 02/01/2015
  • Surrender Certificate e-Form  click here.    Updated on 02/01/2015
Note:
  • Applicants using eForm, download soft copy of the eForm, fill the same off-line and then must upload it back. The printed copy of the eForm will not be accepted at PSK/RPO.
  • You must have the latest version of Acrobat Reader (9 or above) to open and fill these Forms.

Download and Print Application Form


  •  To download the main passport application form for Fresh or Re-issue of Passport  click here.
  •  To download the supplementary passport application form for Fresh or Re-issue of Passport  click here.
  •  To download the Instructions Booklet for main and supplementary passport application form  click here.
  •  To download the form for Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)  click here.
  •  To download the Identity Certificate form (applicable to Tibetan Refugees and Stateless People)  click here.
  •  To download the form for LoC Permit  click here.
  •  To download Surrender Certificate form   click here.
Note:
  • The downloaded form should be printed back to back on standard A4 size papers.
  • You must have the latest version of Acrobat Reader (9 or above) to read and print these Forms.   
  • Diplomatic and Official passports are issued to people holding diplomatic status or deputed by the Government of India for official duty abroad.

Indian Passport Grievance/Feedback

  • If you have already applied for Passport or related services, please  click here or call on 1800-258-1800 to check the status of your application.
  • To register a Grievance/Feedback,   click here.
  • To view the status of registered Grievance/Feedback,   click here.
  • CPGRAMS (Centralized Public Grievances Redress And Monitoring System) click here.

Annexures/Affidavits

  • Affidavit of Date of Birth to be submitted by illiterate Applicants (Annexure "A")
  • Identity Certificate (Annexure "B")
  • Affidavit for a Passport of a Minor Child by either parent (who are separated but not formally divorced) (Annexure "C")
  • Affidavit for Lady applicant for change of name after Marriage (Annexure "D")
  • Change in Name/Deed Poll/Sworn Affidavit (Annexure "E")
  • Verification Certificate for Tatkaal Passports (Annexure "F")
  • Declaration of Parent/Guardian for Minor Passports (one parent not given consent) (Annexure "G")
  • Declaration of Parent/Guardian for Minor Passports (Annexure "H")
  • Standard Affidavit (Annexure "I")
  • Specimen Verification Certificate (Annexure "J")
  • Specimen Affidavit for Re-issue of passport, which was obtained prior to marriage, by married applicants who are unable to provide the prescribed marriage certificate or joint affidavit with spouse due to marital discord, separation or without formal divorce decree by the Court or due to total desertion by the spouse. (Annexure "K")
  • Specimen Affidavit for a passport in lieu of lost/damaged passport (Annexure "L")
  • No Objection Certificate (Annexure "M")
  • Authority letter

Mobile Passport Seva Application

Riding on the new wave of information dissemination, Ministry of External Affairs has brought the passport related information on the mobile for smartphone users. Users can now access this information on their smartphones using mobile app mPassport Seva.
mPassport Seva is designed primarily for the citizens who are interested in Passport related information only. It's a light weight, easy to use app that provides specific details on areas such as Location of centers, Fee, Application Status, Contact Information and other General Information.
  • The app provides information on various steps involved to obtain a passport related service and where to call in case of queries or concerns.
  • The users are able to search for a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or District Passport Cell (DPC). Citizens living overseas can find out relevant information about the Missions/Posts abroad. For certain states and districts, the users can search for Police Stations as well.
  • Fee Calculator feature of the application enables users to find out the required fee based on the service and mode of submission.
  • The users can track status of their passport applications using file number and date of birth. For dispatched passports, the delivery status can also be tracked.
mPassport Seva is now available on Android, iOS, Windows and BlackBerry Platforms. Latest version of the application can be downloaded from the following:
Google Play Store         Apple Store         Windows Store         BlackBerry Store

SMS SERVICE: Alerts and Updates

Get regular updates on your mobile phone for your passport application!
This is an optional value-added service for applicants.
W.e.f. 16th Nov, 2013, (OPTIONAL) Premium SMS Service is enabled for PSKs under all RPOs across the country.
Opt and enrol for Passport Seva Short Messaging Service (SMS SERVICE) to receive alerts and updates on your application. From the time of enrolment until the passport/miscellaneous service is rendered, you will receive the progress status of your application and alerts for pending actions through the SMS SERVICE. You can avail the SMS SERVICE from any mobile phone, not necessarily from smart phones.
You may receive up to nine SMS on alerts and updates on your application based on its status and actions needed. Also, you can send an SMS query at any time to know the current status of your application.
Please note that enrolment of SMS SERVICE is purely optional and Enrolment Charge is not a part of Passport Fee. If you choose not to enrol for SMS SERVICE, you will continue to receive the standard communications from Passport Seva (e.g. SMS on dispatch of your passport).
You can enrol for SMS SERVICE by paying a one-time enrolment charge of Rs.35/- (THIRTY FIVE ONLY) inclusive of all taxes, payable in cash at the Passport Seva Kendra. Please read the terms and conditions carefully before enrolling for the SMS SERVICE.
Simple steps to enrol:
STEP 1:Select 'SMS Services' while submitting application
STEP 2:Pay the Enrolment Charge in cash on visiting Passport Seva Kendra
You can enrol for SMS SERVICE while filling the application form or uploading the e-Form at Online Portal.
OR
In case you have submitted the application form online or uploaded e-Form, you can enrol for SMS SERVICES using the link 'Enrol for SMS Services' available under 'Services' section after login.
On enrolment of SMS Service, PSP will send the following on the registered Mobile Number:
  1. ALERTS: For submission of documents, respond to notifications and collection of passport/PCC. For exceptions or errors in processing at any stage, penalty and Show Cause Notices.
  2. UPDATES: On police verification and Passport Printing/Dispatch
In addition to the above, you can track the status of your application by sending an SMS to 9704100100 in the format '<< STATUS >><< SPACE >><< File Number >>', for example, STATUS BNG071268435013.
Any query/feedback related to SMS Services may be registered with the category 'SMS Service' in the User Assistance -> Information/Feedback/Grievance -> Feedback section.
As per regulatory requirements, SMS services are available only to Postpaid subscribers in state of Jammu & Kashmir.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
  1. Passport Seva Short Messaging Service (SMS SERVICE) is offered by Tata Consultancy Services Ltd. (TCS) (Service Provider for Passport Seva Project (PSP) under its contract with Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India) through SMS service provider viz. by Unicel Technologies Private Limited (UNICEL). 'SMS' stands for Short Messaging Service.
  2. ''SMS'' referred herein are the SMS meant for the applicant enrolling for the Passport Seva SMS SERVICE and reference of 'you' herein is to the applicant enrolling for the Passport Seva SMS SERVICE. SMS will be sent only to the mobile number you have given in the application form.
  3. SMS will be sent from the time you enrol until the passport has been dispatched or rejected. In cases where follow-up action is initiated for a given passport, the applicant shall receive additionally the corresponding SMS update/alert for such initiated follow-up action.
  4. SMS provided to Passport Seva applicants is a service entirely at the option of the interested applicants and provides the applicants with information on pre-defined stages of their passport application. The information provided by SMS is based on the information available in the PSP system.
  5. You may not receive SMS in case there are issues/problems with your mobile phone, mobile network reach and technical issues with your mobile network provider. In order to receive SMS, you must ensure that your mobile phone is switched on, is in working condition and connected to the mobile network of your mobile network provider at all times. If your mobile phone is switched off or is out of coverage for a period of 4 hours or more, your mobile network provider may delete any SMS messages to be received by you.
  6. The time to deliver the SMS is dependent upon the traffic on the mobile network and whether your mobile phone is within reach and switched on and cannot therefore be guaranteed by UNICEL/TCS. UNICEL/TCS is not a mobile network operator and does not in any way guarantee the delivery of SMS text messages.
  7. By enrolling to the Passport Seva SMS SERVICE, you confirm that you have provided the accurate mobile number to be reached via SMS and that you are the owner or its legitimate user of the mobile phone being used for Passport Seva SMS SERVICE. You acknowledge that using another person's mobile phone or providing inaccurate mobile phone number or unauthorized use of mobile phone number for receiving the SMS may entail disclosure of your confidential information which disclosure shall be at your sole risk.
  8. Passport Seva SMS SERVICE is provided with no warranties, express or implied. UNICEL/TCS is not responsible or liable or otherwise have any obligation to you for any loss, damage or expenses incurred directly or indirectly due to non receipt of the SMS for any reasons whatsoever. In no event shall UNICEL and TCS be liable for any indirect or consequential damages. The maximum liability of UNICEL and TCS shall not exceed the fee paid under this receipt.
  9. For any SMS sent by the passport applicant to 9704100100 may be chargeable to the applicant by the applicant's mobile network provider as per the SMS service plan existing between the applicant and the mobile network provider.
  10. UNICEL/TCS may change the features of Passport Seva SMS SERVICE and/or the enrolment fee payable by the applicant from time to time
  11. Passport Seva SMS SERVICE may be discontinued at any time without prior notice.
  12. These Terms and Conditions are governed by the law of India and applicant by enrolling for Passport Seva SMS SERVICE submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in New Delhi.
  13. By enrolling to the Passport Seva SMS SERVICE, you specifically acknowledge and agree to the aforesaid terms and conditions.

FAQs - Alias Name

Q1:What is alias name?
A:If a person is known by any other name in addition to his real/ official name then the other name falls under the category of alias name. For example if a person with name Sreejit Kumar is known as Sree in his neighborhood then Sree can be termed as his alias name.
Q2:Is alias name printed on the passport?
A:The practice of printing alias name on the passport has been discontinued. Only the applicant's real/ official name will be printed on the passport.
Q3:What is the purpose of providing the Alias name in the passport application form?
A:Alias name is the additional information that is used by police authority during police verification of the applicant.
Q4:Is an applicant required to provide any additional documents to verify his alias name?
A:Applicant is not required to provide any additional documents to verify his alias name.

FAQs - Surrender Certificate

Q1:What is a Surrender Certificate?
A:A Surrender Certificate is issued to applicants willing to surrender their passport at Passport Offices mainly for renunciation of Indian citizenship and acquiring foreign nationality. This is a chargeable miscellaneous passport service and can be availed after applying for Surrender Certificate through Passport Seva Website (www.passportindia.gov.in), and later visiting the Passport Office with the required documents.
Note: Individuals applying for Surrender Certificates with any reason other than 'Acquiring Foreign Nationality/Renunciation of Indian Citizenship' need to visit the Passport Office directly i.e. without filling the application form physically or online. Examples of such applicants may be the Diplomatic/Official passport holders willing to surrender their ordinary/diplomatic/official passport.
Q2:Where can I get the application form for Surrender Certificate?
A:You can download the Surrender Certificate printable application form through the 'Forms and Affidavits Corner' section -> Print Application Form link of Passport Seva Online Portal (www.passportindia.gov.in).
Q3:Can I fill the Surrender Certificate application form online?
A:Yes, first you need to register at the Passport Seva Online Portal (www.passportindia.gov.in), and login to the website with registered Login Id. Then you can fill the Surrender Certificate application form online or upload the filled e-form (in xml format). You can download the e-form for Surrender Certificate through the 'Forms and Affidavits Corner' section ->Download e-Form link of Passport Seva Online Portal (www.passportindia.gov.in).
Q4:What is the fee for Surrender Certificate?
A:The fee for Surrender Certificate is mentioned below:
  • If you have acquired the Foreign Nationality on or after 01-Jun-2010 then you need to pay Five Thousand Indian Rupees (5000 INR).
  • If you have acquired the Foreign Nationality before 01-Jun-2010 then you need to pay Five Hundred Indian Rupees (500 INR).
Q5:What are the documents required for Surrender Certificate?
A:You need to submit the original passport and proof of foreign nationality.
Q6:Is Police Verification required for Surrender Certificate?
A:No, Police Verification is not required for Surrender Certificate.
Q7:My passport has been expired, Can I get Surrender Certificate for the same?
A:Yes, expired passports too can be presented for surrendering. Surrender will not, however, be allowed for Impounded, Revoked, Suspended, and Cancelled (against Re-issue) passports.

Note: In case any penalty or additional fee is due on the passport application, the corresponding passport cannot be surrendered using the new application until the respective payment is made.

FAQs - Passport Seva Camp

Q1:What is a Passport Seva Camp?
A:Passport Seva Camp refers to the mobile van or temporary PSK deployed in various areas situated far from the regular PSKs such as identified cities/towns and University Campuses. Applicants residing in the notified areas may visit these Camps to submit their passport applications. Each Camp will have Citizen Service Executive(s), Verification Officer(s), Granting Officer(s), consoles (with Internet facility) and various devices required for application data entry processing such as camera, document printer/scanner and fingerprint capture device.
Q2:What category of applications can be submitted at Camp?
A:Only applications for Fresh issuance or Re-issue (except Lost/Damaged) of passport under Normal scheme can be submitted at Camps. Tatkaal, PCC and other miscellaneous applications are not accepted at Camps.
Q3:Do I need to submit a passport application form online (through Passport Seva Portal) before visiting a Camp?
A:Yes. You need to submit the application form online and then print the online Application Reference Number (ARN) receipt, which must be carried along while visiting a Camp for passport application submission.
Q4:Can I apply for Tatkaal passport through Camp?
A:No. Tatkaal applications are not accepted at Camps.
Q5:Can I apply for Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) application through Camp?
A:No. PCC applications are not accepted at Camps.
Q6:Do I need to take appointment for visiting Camp?
A:Yes. You need to submit application form online, pay the applicable fee and book appointment before visiting the Camp.
The information on Camp will be displayed on the Home Page of Passport Seva Portal (website).
Q7:How can I make the payment before visiting to Camp? What are the accepted methods of payment?
A:Online Payment has been made mandatory for booking appointments at Passport Seva Camp.
Online Payment can be made using any one of the following modes:
  • Credit/ Debit Card (MasterCard and Visa)
  • Internet Banking (State Bank of India(SBI) and Associate Banks Associate Banks only)
  • SBI Bank Challan
Q8:Will a manually filled (in ink) application form be accepted at Camp?
A:No. Manually filled application form is not accepted at Camp. Applicants need to submit application form online, pay the applicable fee and book appointment before visiting the Camp.
Q9:What documents do I need to carry while applying for a passport through Camp?
A:The following documents are required for applying for a passport through Camp:
  • Online Application Reference Number (ARN) receipt printed from Passport Seva Portal (website)
  • SBI Payment Receipt, wherever applicable
  • Originals of required supporting documents along with self-attested (signed) photocopies
  • Two recent passport size coloured photographs (4.5 cm length x 3.5 cm width) with white background
  • Old/existing passport booklet for Re-issue of Passport; the old passport booklet will be cancelled by the Verification Officer at Camp and returned to applicant after accepting the application

FAQs - LoC Permits

Q1:What is LoC Permit?
A:LoC Permits are issued only by RPO Jammu and RPO Srinagar to those Jammu and Kashmir residents who want to visit their relatives living across the Line of Control (LoC) for valid reasons (like attending wedding ceremonies).
Similarly, Pakistan Administered Kashmir (PAK) Authorities also issue LoC Permits to the Jammu and Kashmir natives residing on that side of the LoC for visiting their relatives across LoC.
Q2:Where can I get the application form for LoC Permit?
A:You can download and print the LoC Permit application from the Passport Seva website (www.passportindia.gov.in).
Q3:What is the fee for LoC Permit?
A:No fee is required for LoC Permits.
Q4:What are the documents required for LoC Permit?
A:You need to submit one copy of the LoC Permit application form duly filled and signed in BLUE/BLACK ink along with a copy of the following documents:
  • Proof of Date of Birth (Any one of the below mentioned documents)
    • Matriculation Certificate attested by Gazetted Officer
    • S.M.C. / T.A.C Certificate
    • Passport
    • Annexure 'A' (format available for download in Passport Seva website) for illiterate applicants
  • Proof of Address in India (Any one of the below mentioned documents)
    • State Subject Certificate attested by Gazetted Officer
    • Election Commission Identity Certificate
    • Telephone/Mobile Phone Bill
    • Electricity Bill
    • Aadhaar Card
Q5:I have an infant with me to travel across the LoC. Do I need a separate LoC Permit for him/her?
A:Yes. You need to separately apply for LoC Permits for infants travelling with you.
Q6:Where can I submit the LoC Permit application form?
A:You can submit the application form and required supporting documents at Jammu or Srinagar Passport Office. Alternatively, you can approach the SSP CID (SB) through sector offices for doing this.
Q7:Is Police Verification required for LoC Permits?
A:LoC Permits are issued only after verification of applicant's Indian antecedents by Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and Subsidiary Intelligence Bureau (SIB); and that of their relatives living across LoC (done by Pakistan Administered Kashmir (PAK) Authorities on RPO's request).
Similarly, Pakistan Administered Kashmir (PAK) Authorities also request RPO Jammu/ Srinagar for verification of Indian relatives of LoC Permit Applicants residing at the Indian side of the LoC. RPOs in turn request CID and SIB for the verifications, and accordingly authorise Pakistan Administered Kashmir (PAK) Authorities to issue LoC Permits for the applicants whose verification is cleared by CID as well as SIB.