Blue, white and maroon: Different types of Indian passports

july 09, 2025

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The passport is the single most important document while travelling abroad. Here are the different types of passports issued to Indian citizens.

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Blue passport

Also known as the P-type passport, it is the most common passport and is issued to ordinary Indian citizens.

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White passport

The official passport, also known as the S-Type passport, is issued to government officials (IAS, IPS). White passport holders receive special privileges such as faster immigration, etc.

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Maroon passport

Also known as the diplomatic passport, it is issued to diplomats and high-ranking officials. Maroon passport holders are granted diplomatic immunity and don’t require visas to travel.

Image: Reddit/Adventurous-Fan9368

Orange passport

Introduced in 2018 and discontinued soon after, the emigration passport was granted to citizens who hadn’t studied past the 10th standard. It didn’t have an address page. 

Image: Reddit/freshmemesoof/Edited on canva

Special mention
E-passport

It’s a technological upgrade introduced by the government in 2023. It features a biometric chip and is available for all types of passports, including blue, white and maroon.

Image: Shutterstock

E-passports to colour-coding: Key passport changes in 2025

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