9 minsEven after you are done with your studies abroad, your passport is something you must carry with you for life. It is the one travel item that still must be carried and maintained in physical form. You will need it whenever you travel abroad and must look after it well. Any damage to the passport could result in travel complications. Even minor damage could mean having to reapply for a new passport.
A passport is also like a physical souvenir reminding you of the various destinations you’ve been to outside your country. But despite its importance, the passport is not always taken care of well.
Below is a list of things that you should be aware of when maintaining a passport.
Name change procedures
If you've had to change your name for any reason, it’s important to get your name changed on the passport too. You could encounter problems if you travel with a passport carrying your old name. To change the name on the passport, you have to apply for a re-issue of the passport.
The documents required to support your application will vary based on the reason for the name change. The Passport Seva Kendra details these requirements under the 'Document Advisor' section on their home page.
If there has been a typographical error on one of your particulars — such as your name or date of birth — in your passport, then it’s important to get the mistake rectified right away. You may be charged a fee to initiate the correction process.
If there is a misrepresentation of facts, then a penalty fee could also be imposed. However, you can avoid the entire problem of typographical errors by applying online for a passport and correctly listing your own personal information.
|
Here's all the information you need about applying for a passport in India. |
How to avoid passport damages
Sometimes even minor damages to the passport could result in you having to apply for a re-issue of the passport. Damages are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The extent of damage is determined by the passport officer based on how legible the passport is. Any tear, water spillage and ink smudge can put a halt to your travel plans. So please take care of your passport to avoid having to pay too many visits to the passport office.
In rare instances, even the mishandling of your passport by the airport staff could result in damage to your passport. Journalist Cory Doctorow once made an angry tweet blaming a Canadian airline staff member for ripping off a page in his passport. It sucks when you have to end up paying for damages caused by others’ reckless handling. But you can avoid even such unfortunate incidents by always being prudent when handing over your passport for checks.
Facing Expiry
It’s not advisable to travel with a passport that is facing expiry soon. There are some countries that won’t let you travel if your passport is six months away from its expiry date.
India allows you to apply for a re-issue of the passport if your passport is set to expire in a year. To avoid facing a fresh address check by the police, apply for a re-issue of the passport within three years after the expiry of the existing passport.
Renewal: When and how to renew your passport
Indian passports are typically valid for 10 years from the date of issue. Minors (younger than 18 years) or children have a passport validity of five years. Renewing or re-issuing a passport is allowed in the following cases:
- Change in personal details
- The passport has expired or is due to expire
- The number of pages in the passport is exhausted
- The passport is damaged
- The passport is lost or stolen
1. When should you renew your passport?
If your passport has expired or is about to expire, it’s time to renew it. You can renew your passport up to one year before or three years after the passport expiration date.
2. How to renew your passport?
Follow these steps to apply for a fresh passport or a passport reissue:
a.Go to the Passport Seva portal.
b.Register and create your account if you don’t already have an account.
c.Log in to your account.
d.Click Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport.
e.You can download the application form or fill it out online. Follow the instructions to download the form if you select this option.
f.To apply online, select Click here to fill out the application form and select the state and district.
g.Select the Re-issue of Passport option and select the reason for the reissue request.
h.Enter other details as required.
i.Submit the form.
j.Pay the fees and schedule an appointment.
3. What is the passport renewal fee?
For passports of 36 pages, the normal fee is INR 1,500/-. For 60 pages, it is INR 2,000/-. Tatkal passport issuance fee is INR 3,500/-. For the latest fee, check the Passport Seva portal.
4. What is the processing time for passport renewal?
After you visit the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) for your appointment, you will get the passport within 30 days or less. Typically, you may receive it within ten days. You can track your application status from the Passport Seva portal’s home page.
| Are you planning to apply for a student visa? Explore our article for tips and guidance. |
Adding extra pages to the passport
If you are planning to travel frequently between your study destination and India, or even travel to other countries, then you may run out of pages in your passport. There are some countries that provide their citizens with the option of paying extra and purchasing a passport with additional pages. Unfortunately, India doesn’t offer that to its citizens. In the event that you run out of pages in your passport, you’ll have to apply for a new one.
Can you add stickers on your passport?
Needless to say, you should not stick any material or apply stickers on your passport. Putting anything on your passport as covering material is not legal in most countries. In a few airports abroad, the immigration staff may add easily-removable stickers to mark your passport for their internal verification process. These stickers are permitted within the airport and would not pose any issues during your travel.
| Understand the different reasons for passport rejection in India. |
Tips for storing your passport
Keep your passport in a water-tight plastic bag to prevent water seeping into your passport. The other purchase you can make to ensure the safety of your passport is to get a passport holder. The holder resembles a small carry pouch and allows you to store your passport and cash. Some holders come with air-supply holes and have a moisture-proof lining, which keeps your passport clean and dry. To help prevent moisture from damaging the outer layers of your passport, you should add a desiccant packet (silica gel) in the passport holder and your travel bag.
Storing your passport securely
A passport is an important document, and you must be extremely careful not to misplace or lose it. Here are some pointers on storing your passport safely.
1. What are the tips for storing your passport safely at home?
Follow some of these practices to secure your passport:
- Keep the passport safely in a waterproof cover to avoid moisture.
- Use a sturdy passport cover or holder to keep your passport from bending and tearing.
- Keep the passport in a locker or safe at home so it doesn't get stolen. Alternatively, you can keep the passport in a filing cabinet or binder. Whatever you choose, stick with it and always keep it in the same location.
Make digital copies of your passport and store them on your smartphone or computer as backup.
2. Why should you keep the passport in the same location every time?
It’s good practice to keep important documents, such as passports, in the same secure location. This can prevent them from getting lost, stolen, misplaced, or disorganized. Use a labelling system to keep things organized and easy to access.
3. What is a damaged passport?
A damaged passport has two types. One is where the name, the passport number, and the photo are clear. In the second type, the passport is damaged.
How to handle passport loss and theft
Take utmost care not to lose your passport. It’s an important document that proves your identity and nationality.
1. What should you do first when your passport is stolen or lost?
If your passport is lost or stolen, immediately report it to the nearest police station or the Passport Seva Kendra in India.
2. How to apply for a replacement passport?
You must apply for a passport reissue if your original passport is stolen or lost. Follow the steps outlined here for a replacement passport.
a.Log in to the Passport Seva portal
b.Click Apply for Fresh Passport/Reissue of Passport
c.Select the Reissue of Passport option and select the reason for the reissue
d.Provide other details as required
e.Submit the form - either online or printed
f.Pay the fees and schedule an appointment
Tips for handling your passport while travelling
- When you are in the airport or in your study destination, you may have to handover your passport to many different people. Never let your passport out of your sight when handing it over to the airport authorities, friends, travel agents, tourist sites, hotel staff members, Uni staff members, hostel or accommodation staff members. Be careful not to give your passport as your proof of identity when hiring a cab or scooter. You can give your driver's license or some other ID proof, like your Uni ID card, in place of your passport.
- Never leave your passport as a deposit at hostels or other tourist sites; give your student ID card if necessary. Don't even let cops take your passport, unless it's really necessary.
- Don't leave your passport unattended or lying around in your accommodation or hotel room. Always keep it in a safe place. If you are in a hotel, you can use the hotel safe, which you can ask for at the reception desk.
- Never surrender your passport to anyone, unless you are sure it's a valid request and a trusted figure. Don't lose track of your passport when you are in possession of it. You may end up leaving it unattended in odd places or misplace it near the ATM counter when you are taking some cash.
- Having your passport stolen, lost, or damaged during international travel can be a nightmare and ruin your trip. Ensure you follow the tips outlined here for a safe travel experience.
Here are some more points to keep in mind:
- Always be alert to people around you and your surroundings. For example, be extra cautious in crowded places like trains, stations, malls, etc.
- Keep your passport stored in a safety deposit box or locker in your hotel if possible and avoid taking it with you when you go out.
- Always, make several copies of your passport and keep it with you and in your suitcase or other places. These will be useful during emergencies.
- Make digital copies of your passport. Store these on your phone, in the cloud, or use safe storage like Google Drive or Dropbox.
- Use passport holders and covers so your passport is not damaged.
Legal and security considerations
There may be certain legal or security aspects if you lose or damage your passport, especially when you travel abroad. Let’s look at some of the key considerations.
1. How to report a stolen or lost passport when travelling abroad?
If you lose your passport or it is stolen during your international travel, you must immediately report it to the nearest police station, the Passport Office, and the Indian Mission in the city you are in. After you report it, you can reapply for the passport, that is, for passport reissue.
2. How to travel back home in an emergency if your passport is lost when travelling abroad
Suppose you lose your passport abroad, but you must travel home to India urgently due to a family emergency. Immediately contact the Indian Mission. An Emergency Certificate (EC) is typically issued after you submit your documents. This will allow you to travel back home.
3. Is the Emergency Certificate legal?
Yes, it is a temporary document that allows you to travel back home in case of stolen or lost passports. You need to apply for a reissue of your passport once you are back using the procedure outlined above.
4. What happens if you lose your passport and no photocopy of it?
Note that a photocopy of your old passport is not mandatory when applying for a passport reissue. You can submit it if available. If not, you can provide details, such as the passport number, date of issue, date of expiry, and place of issue during your application. If you don’t have these details, contact the Indian Mission abroad.
New passport rules
The new rules for passports include:
- Date of birth proofs can include PAN card, Aadhaar card, Driving License, Voter ID, school leaving certificate, transfer certificate, and life insurance policy with your date of birth. Birth certificates are not mandatory.
- Police verification rules.
- Only one name of your parent or guardian is given instead of two.
- A marriage certificate is not compulsory for married individuals.
- Notary attestations are not compulsory. Self-attestations of annexes are accepted.
An affidavit instead of a no objection certificate from the employer is accepted
How long will it take for the new passport to be dispatched?
Approximately 21 days with the new rules, instead of 30 to 45 days.
Is the Aadhaar card sufficient proof of identity for passport application?
No, even though it’s important, Aadhaar is not enough. During your application, supplement it with other documents like voter ID, electricity, or gas bills.
It can be exciting when you decide to travel abroad for studies or work. But, spending some time handling and managing your passport, an important document, for a safe and secure travel experience can make your journey hassle-free.
Follow our tips outlined in this article to keep your passport safe. If you’ve any queries, contact our expert counsellors at IDP. We will be with you throughout your journey!
Hi there! I'm Navi, your AI assistant on WhatsApp.
