Passports in India: Colours, Categories, and Their Purpose

Passports are one of the most important identity documents for international travel, and every country designs its passport colors and categories based on its governance structure. In India, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issues passports that not only serve as travel permits but also indicate the status and role of the passport holder. India issues three types of passports, each with a distinct colour: dark blue, maroon, and white. These colours signify the nature of the holder’s responsibilities or purpose of travel. The dark blue passport is the most common and...