𝑷𝒂𝒔𝒔𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕 𝑽𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒅𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝑰𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒂: How Much Validity Is a Passport?

Passport validity in India is a topic of conversation for many citizens of the country. A valid passport is one of the most important documents that a person needs to travel abroad. The Indian government has imposed various regulations and laws to ensure all Indian citizens have valid travel passports. The Government of India has set a validity period of 10 years for all passports issued to citizens of India. This period can be extended if the passport holder applies for a renewal before the expiry of the validity period. The renewal process requires submitting the same documents submitted at the time of application for the original passport.

The Government of India also allows citizens to apply for a passport of shorter validity. Such passports are issued for a period of 5 years or 1 year. These passports are generally issued to citizens with a valid reason for needing a shorter validity period. Such reasons may include travel for education, business, or medical reasons. In addition to the passport validity period, there are also certain restrictions that the Government of India places on Indian citizens traveling abroad. For example, Indian citizens are not allowed to stay in a foreign country for more than 6 months without a valid visa.

In today’s blog, we shall learn about the duration of the Indian Passport validity and what one should be doing once the passport gets expired. 

What to do with the Expired Indian Passport?

Indian passports are valid for up to 10 years from the date of issuance. However, the validity of the passport may be reduced depending on the age of the passport holder. For example, passports issued to minors aged 15 and below are valid for five years. In addition, those aged 16 and 17 are issued passports valid for seven years. After the passport expires, it may be renewed by applying for a new passport. 

ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) requires India passport validity to ensure the safety of international air travel. ICAO requires India to ensure that all travelers entering or leaving the country have valid passports that meet ICAO standards. This helps to ensure that travelers have valid documents and that their identities can be verified by airport personnel.

The MEA (Ministry of External Affairs) currently issues Machine Readable Passports (MRP). A machine scan of a machine-readable passport (MRP) scans all of the information on the passport at once, and the program can perform logic-based tests on the data. Holders holding these passports are required to obtain a new machine-readable passport.

Also, people’s addresses change frequently, and the Home Address on passports becomes invalid. People’s facial features fluctuate as well. Bearing this in mind, it is preferable that the validity term be limited to 10 years.

An expired Indian passport cannot be renewed. You must apply for a new passport, submit the necessary documents and fees, and appear for an interview at the passport office. You can find more information about the process on the official website of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. To renew your passport, follow the below-mentioned steps- 

Step 1: Create a Passport Seva Online Portal account. https://www[dot]passportindia[dot]gov[dot]in/AppOnlineProject/welcomeLink

Step 2: To enter the Passport Seva Online Portal, enter your registered Login Id.

Step 3: Choose the “Apply for a New Passport/Reissue a Passport” link.

Step 4: Complete the required information and submit the form.

Step 5: To schedule an appointment, navigate to the “View Saved/Submitted Applications” tab and select the “Pay and Schedule Appointment” button.

Online payment is now needed for all PSK/POPSK/PO appointments. Online payments can be made using any of the ways listed below:

• Credit/Debit Card (Visa and MasterCard)
• Banking on the internet (Banks associated with SBI and Other Banks)
• Bank SBI Challan

Step 6: Click the “Print Application Receipt” link to obtain the application receipt containing the Application Reference Number (ARN)/Appointment Number.

Please keep in mind that bringing a printout of the Application Receipt is no longer required. An SMS providing your appointment information is also admissible as proof of appointment during your trip to the Passport Office.

Step 7: Carry your original documents during your visit to the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK)/Regional Passport Office (RPO) wherein your appointment has been booked.

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Renew Fees for Passport

Renewing your Indian passport can be a tedious and time-consuming task, but it’s necessary to maintain a valid travel document. In India, passport renewal charges depend on the type of passport and its validity period. Here is an overview of the charges for renewing an Indian passport:

• For an ordinary passport valid for 10 years: The passport renewal fee for an ordinary passport valid for 10 years is Rs. 1500.
• For an ordinary passport valid for 5 years: The passport renewal fee for an ordinary passport valid for 5 years is Rs. 1000.
• For a Diplomatic passport: The renewal fee for a Diplomatic passport is Rs. 2000.
• For an Emergency Certificate: The passport renewal fee for an Emergency Certificate is Rs. 500.
• For a Travel Document: The passport renewal fee for a Travel Document is Rs. 500.
• For a Special Passport: The passport renewal fee for a Special Passport is Rs. 3000.
• For an Official passport: The passport renewal fee for an Official passport is Rs. 2000.

FAQ’s about Passport Validity in India