Passport FAQ: India Question and Answer

What are list of reason when passport number is changes in india?


In India, a passport number change is generally not a common occurrence, as passport numbers are meant to be unique identifiers for each individual. However, there are some situations where a passport number change may be necessary. Here are some reasons why a passport number change might happen:

  1. Lost or Stolen Passport: If your passport is lost or stolen, you should report it to the authorities and apply for a new one. The new passport will have a different passport number.
  2. Damage to Passport: If your passport is damaged to the point that it cannot be used for travel, you will need to apply for a new one with a different passport number.
  3. Change of Name: If you legally change your name due to marriage, divorce, or for any other reason, you may need to apply for a new passport with your updated name, which will come with a new passport number.
  4. Change of Gender: If you undergo gender reassignment surgery and legally change your gender, you may need to apply for a new passport with updated gender information and, subsequently, a new passport number.
  5. Change in Personal Details: If there are errors or discrepancies in your passport details, such as date of birth or place of birth, that need correction, you may be issued a new passport with the corrected information and a new passport number.
  6. Exhaustion of Visa Pages: If you have used up all the visa pages in your passport, you can apply for a new passport with additional visa pages or opt for a new passport with a new passport number.
  7. Expiry of Passport: When your passport reaches its expiration date, you will need to apply for a new one, and the new passport will come with a different passport number.
  8. Security Concerns: In rare cases, if there are security concerns related to your existing passport number, authorities may require you to obtain a new passport with a different number.
  9. International Travel Restrictions: Some countries or airlines may have restrictions or requirements related to passport validity or number, which could necessitate obtaining a new passport.
  10. Miscellaneous Circumstances: Other unforeseen circumstances or legal requirements may also lead to a passport number change.

Difference Between Passport Renewal and Reissue in india

here are the key differences between passport renewal and reissue in India:

  • Passport renewal: This is the process of extending the validity of an existing passport. You can renew your passport if it is still valid but is about to expire.
  • Passport reissue: This is the process of getting a new passport when your old passport is lost, damaged, or stolen.

Here is a table summarizing the key differences between passport renewal and reissue in India:

FeaturePassport RenewalPassport Reissue
PurposeExtends the validity of an existing passportReplaces an old passport that is lost, damaged, or stolen
EligibilityPassport is still valid and is about to expirePassport is lost, damaged, or stolen
Documents requiredPassport application form, passport copy, recent photograph, and proof of identity and addressPassport application form, police report (if passport is lost or stolen), passport copy, recent photograph, and proof of identity and address
FeesINR 1,500 for 36 months, INR 3,000 for 5 years, and INR 5,000 for 10 yearsINR 3,500 for 36 months, INR 5,000 for 5 years, and INR 8,000 for 10 years
Processing time3 weeks4-6 weeks


I have visa stamp for US and Europe But i want to update my divorce update in Passport. Is it good idea when i have expiry for more than 2 years in india

Yes, it is a good idea to update your passport with your divorce information even if your passport has more than 2 years of validity left. This is because some countries require that your passport be up-to-date with your personal information, including your marital status. If you plan to travel to any of these countries, you may be denied entry if your passport does not reflect your current marital status.

Here are some of the countries that require that your passport be up-to-date with your marital status:

  • United States: The US Department of State requires that all passports be up-to-date with your personal information, including your marital status. If your passport does not reflect your current marital status, you may be denied entry to the US.
  • European Union: The Schengen Area requires that all passports be up-to-date with your personal information, including your marital status. If your passport does not reflect your current marital status, you may be denied entry to any of the Schengen countries.
  • Canada: Canada requires that all passports be up-to-date with your personal information, including your marital status. If your passport does not reflect your current marital status, you may be denied entry to Canada.
  • Australia: Australia requires that all passports be up-to-date with your personal information, including your marital status. If your passport does not reflect your current marital status, you may be denied entry to Australia.
  • New Zealand: New Zealand requires that all passports be up-to-date with your personal information, including your marital status. If your passport does not reflect your current marital status, you may be denied entry to New Zealand.

If you are not sure whether or not the country you plan to visit requires that your passport be up-to-date with your marital status, you can check with the embassy or consulate of that country.

I changed my name. Is my U.S. visa with my old name still valid?

If your name has legally changed through marriage, divorce, or a court ordered name change, you will need to obtain a new passport.  Once you have a new passport, the Department of State recommends that you apply for a new U.S. visa to make it easier for you to travel to and from the United States.

USA visa divorce update is mandatory or not

When applying for a U.S. visa, it is not mandatory to update your passport with your divorce information unless there are specific name changes or other significant changes that affect your eligibility for the visa you are applying for. However, it is generally advisable to have consistent and accurate information on all your identification documents, including your passport.

It is not mandatory to update your passport with your divorce information if you have already applied for a US visa and your passport is still valid. However, it is a good idea to do so as it may help to avoid any problems at the port of entry.

The US Department of State does not specifically require that your passport be up-to-date with your marital status. However, immigration officers may ask you to provide proof of your marital status, such as a divorce decree, if they believe that your passport is not accurate. If you are unable to provide proof of your marital status, you may be denied entry to the United States.

If you are planning to travel to the United States soon, it is a good idea to update your passport with your divorce information. This will help to avoid any problems at the port of entry and ensure that you have a smooth travel experience.

Should i book flights while renewing your passport in India?

It is not advisable to book flights while renewing your passport in India. The passport renewal process in India can take anywhere from 3 to 6 weeks, and there is no guarantee that your passport will be renewed in time for your travel. If you book flights before your passport is renewed, and your passport is not renewed in time, you may lose money on the flights.

Here are some things to consider before booking flights while renewing your passport in India:

  • The processing time for passport renewal: The passport renewal process in India can take anywhere from 3 to 6 weeks. Make sure to factor in the processing time when booking your flights.
  • The availability of flights: Flights can be expensive, and they can sell out quickly. If you book your flights before your passport is renewed, you may not be able to get the flights you want.
  • The flexibility of your travel plans: If your passport is not renewed in time, you may n

List of reason where reissue of passport is necessary in India

here are the reasons why you need to reissue your passport in India:

  • Change in personal particulars: This includes changes in your name, date of birth, or place of birth.
  • Damage or mutilation: If your passport is damaged or mutilated beyond repair, you will need to reissue it.
  • Loss or theft: If you lose or have your passport stolen, you will need to report it to the police and then apply for a reissue.
  • Expiry of passport: Your passport is valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for minors. If your passport expires, you will need to reissue it.
  • Change in travel document type: If you are changing from a normal passport to an e-passport, you will need to reissue your passport.
  • Change in address: If you have changed your address, you can update your address in your existing passport. However, if you have changed your address multiple times, it is advisable to reissue your passport.
  • Change in marital status: If you are getting married or divorced, you will need to update your marital status in your passport. You can do this by applying for a reissue.
  • Change in gender: If you are transgender and have changed your gender, you will need to reissue your passport.
Q1:What is the definition of damaged passport?
A:Damaged passport is classified further based on the extent of damage, i.e.:Damaged Passport – Passport number is readable, name is legible and photo is intactDamaged beyond recognition
Q2:What can I do if I have lost my passport and must travel to India urgently due to an emergency, such as serious illness or death in the family?
A:Loss of passport should be immediately reported to Indian Mission and the Police Station. You need to contact the respective Indian Mission/Post. Generally, an Emergency Certificate (EC) is issued for returning to India after verification of Indian nationality/origin/particulars.
Q3:What are my responsibilities when applying for a passport, if my old passport has been lost or damaged?
A:If abroad, loss of passport should be immediately reported to the nearest Police Station and to the Passport Office, or the Indian Mission. If required, you can apply for “Re–issue” of passport. To check the complete list of documents to be submitted along with the application form, please click on “Documents Required” link on Home page.
Q4:What is the procedure to apply for duplicate passport in case of lost or damaged passport?
A:Duplicate passports are not issued. However, a new passport with different passport number may be issued with fresh validity. The applicant has to apply under the ‘re–issue’ category with reason as Lost/Damaged passport.
Q5:I am an Indian living in Germany. 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 Mission/Post.
Q6:My passport booklet is damaged. I want to go abroad on urgent basis. What should I do?
A:In case your passport has not been damaged beyond recognition, i.e. passport number is legible, name is legible and photo is intact, then you can apply for re-issue of passport under the Tatkaal scheme. However, the final authority for the issuance of passport under the Tatkaal scheme lies with the passport office. But, if passport has been damaged beyond recognition, then you cannot apply under the Tatkaal scheme.
Q7:I lost my passport in the U.S. and have been sent to India on Emergency Certificate. Can I be issued a new passport? If yes, what are the documents needed to get a passport?
A:In case of lost passport, you need to apply for re-issue of passport. Following documents must be submitted along with the application:Proof of Present AddressProof of Date of BirthAffidavit stating how and where the passport got lost/damaged (Annexure ‘F’)Police report in originalSelf-attested photocopy of first two and last two pages, including ECR/Non-ECR page of old passport, if available.Original EC/Seizure MemoCases may also require confirmation from Indian Mission/Post concerned.

Tatkaal Passports

Q1:How can I apply for a Tatkaal passport?A:Passports can be now obtained under the Tatkaal Scheme without providing the Verification Certificate from a Gazetted Officer which was required earlier. The documents to be submitted for getting a passport under this Scheme has been notified vide G.S.R. 939(E) dated 16 December, 2019. Applicants over the age of 18 years may submit any three of the documents specified in the List of Acceptable Documents for obtaining passport under the Tatkaal Scheme.
Applicants below the age of 18 years may submit any two of the documents specified in the List of Acceptable Documents for obtaining passport under the Tatkaal Scheme.Q2:Is a Verification Certificate required from a Gazetted Officer to get a passport under the Tatkaal Scheme?A:No. A Verification Certificate is not required from a Gazetted Officer to get a passport under the Tatkaal Scheme.Q3:What is the fee for issue of Tatkaal Passport?A:To know the fee details, please click on “Fee Calculator” link on Home page.Q4:How long will it take to get a Tatkaal passport?A:After successful application form submission, with final status as “Granted”, you can expect your passport to be dispatched on third working day excluding the date of submission of application – without waiting for the Police Verification Report.Q5:Can I apply for passport under the Tatkaal scheme?A:The final authority for the issuance of passport under the Tatkaal scheme lies with the passport office. But there are list of applicants who cannot apply for passport under the Tatkaal scheme. To check the list of applicants who cannot apply under the Tatkaal scheme, please refer instruction booklet. Click Here to download Instruction Booklet.Q6:My passport booklet is damaged. I want to go abroad on urgent basis. What should I do?A:In case your passport has not been damaged beyond recognition, i.e. passport number is legible, name is legible and photo is intact, then you can apply for re-issue of passport under the Tatkaal scheme. However, the final authority for the issuance of passport under the Tatkaal scheme lies with the passport office. But, if passport has been damaged beyond recognition, then you cannot apply under the Tatkaal scheme.Q7: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 the Tatkaal scheme subject to the approval of competent authority.Q8:Can Indian citizens belonging to Nagaland apply for the passport under the Tatkaal scheme?A:NOQ9:For Tatkaal applications, while booking appointment I am asked to choose appointment quota. What is appointment quota?A:Two appointment quotas ‘Normal’ and ‘Tatkaal’ are available for ‘Tatkaal’ applications. Tatkaal applicants who are not able to book an early appointment under Tatkaal quota may consider booking appointment under Normal quota also. However, Tatkaal fee will be charged irrespective of the quota under which appointment was booked byTatkaal applicant.

A Tatkaal application is not only to get an early appointment but also for faster processing. For example, a Tatkaal application would be processed under post (police) verification. The print queue is also separate thus ensuring faster print of Tatkaal passports i.e. a Tatkaal passport would be dispatched within 1-3 days of applicant visiting PSK as against a Normal application which would take longer.

Your expired Passport contains valid Visas:

Yes, your expired passport can still contain valid visas. However, the validity of the visa will depend on the issuing country and the type of visa.

Some countries allow you to use a visa that is still valid even if your passport has expired. However, other countries may require you to have a valid passport in order to enter the country, even if the visa is still valid.

If you are planning to travel to a country with an expired passport, you should check with the embassy or consulate of that country to find out their specific requirements.

Here are some countries that allow you to use a visa that is still valid even if your passport has expired:

  • Australia: You can use a visa that is still valid even if your passport has expired for up to 6 months after the passport expires.
  • Canada: You can use a visa that is still valid even if your passport has expired for up to 1 year after the passport expires.
  • New Zealand: You can use a visa that is still valid even if your passport has expired for up to 3 months after the passport expires.
  • United Kingdom: You can use a visa that is still valid even if your passport has expired for up to 6 months after the passport expires.
  • United States: You can use a visa that is still valid even if your passport has expired for up to 6 months after the passport expires.

Here are some countries that require you to have a valid passport in order to enter the country, even if the visa is still valid:

  • China: You must have a valid passport in order to enter China, regardless of the validity of your visa.
  • India: You must have a valid passport in order to enter India, regardless of the validity of your visa.
  • Russia: You must have a valid passport in order to enter Russia, regardless of the validity of your visa.
  • Thailand: You must have a valid passport in order to enter Thailand, regardless of the validity of your visa.
  • Vietnam: You must have a valid passport in order to enter Vietnam, regardless of the validity of your visa.

If you frequently travel internationally, your previous passport may still contain valid visas. When renewing your passport, many countries may require you to also renew your visa. However, in some cases, you can continue to travel with the same visa from your old passport. The validity of an existing visa remains intact even if you obtain a new passport due to expiration, as long as your personal details and nationality remain unchanged. As a visa holder, you can use your old passport with a valid visa in conjunction with your new passport. Some countries, like the USA with its ten-year multiple entry visas, allow you to use the visa in your old passport regardless of passport renewal. Just remember to carry both passports when you travel: your new passport and the old one with the valid visa.

Your expired Passport is a proof of your travel history:

Your travel history holds significant weight in visa approval decisions. It reflects your stability and likelihood of returning to your home country. When applying for visas, immigration officers assess your travel history, and presenting your old passport is an effective way to showcase your international travel experiences. The entry and exit stamps from various countries in your passport demonstrate your history of traveling abroad. A robust travel history, including visas, whether valid or expired, from major countries like the US, UK, Schengen area, Australia, Canada, or New Zealand, can significantly enhance your chances of successfully obtaining a visa. Having visas from these countries serves as a valuable advantage in the application process.

guest
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x