Why Indian passports come in four colours and who gets them

India issues passports in four distinct colours—blue, white, red, and orange—each serving a specific purpose and denoting the traveler's status. Here's a breakdown of what each colour means and who gets them.

Blue: Ordinary Passport
- Who gets it: Regular Indian citizens
- Purpose: Personal, educational, business, or leisure travel
- Features: Now issued as e-passports with biometric chips for enhanced security

White: Official Passport
- Who gets it: Government officials, civil servants, and military personnel
- Purpose: Official assignments abroad
- Requirements: Government ID, duty certificate, forwarding letter, and PMO clearance
- Features: RFID-enabled e-passport for secure travel

Red (Maroon): Diplomatic Passport
- Who gets it: Diplomats, senior government officials, and their families
- Purpose: Diplomatic missions and travel
- Privileges: Faster visa processing and visa-free access to many countries
- Requirements: Similar to white passport, with strict verification

Orange: ECR Passport (Emigration Check Required)
- Who gets it: Citizens with lower educational qualifications or traveling for work to certain countries
- Purpose: Work-related travel requiring emigration clearance
- Significance: Indicates the need for additional emigration procedures

Why the Colours Matter
- These colours help immigration officials quickly identify the traveler’s purpose and status.
- Combined with biometric e-passports, the system enhances security and streamlines international travel.