DIPLOMATIC PASSPORT

• A diplomatic passport is a type of travel document issued to diplomats and other government officials to facilitate their travel abroad.
• It signifies the bearer's official status and grants certain privileges and immunities, such as exemption from certain entry and exit procedures, taxes, and duties.
• Diplomatic passports typically feature a distinctive cover and are issued by the government of the diplomat's home country.
• They are used for official travel related to diplomatic duties, such as representing their country in international meetings, negotiations, or conferences.

 

3.  Who issues diplomatic passports and to whom in India?

• In India, diplomatic passports are issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to Indian diplomats and government officials who are assigned to represent the country's interests abroad.
• These passports are reserved for individuals who hold diplomatic or official positions within the Indian government, such as ambassadors, consuls, members of the diplomatic corps, and certain high-ranking officials.
• The issuance of diplomatic passports in India follows strict protocols and guidelines established by the MEA.

4.  About the Henley Passport Index

• The Henley Passport Index is a global ranking of passports based on the travel freedom they offer.
• It is produced by Henley & Partners, a global citizenship and residence advisory firm, in collaboration with the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
• The index ranks passports according to the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa.
• According to the latest rankings, India is ranked 80th, with visa-free access to 62 countries.  This means that an Indian passport holder can visit 62 countries without needing a visa beforehand.

5. Other passport indices

Several other passport indices rank passports based on their travel freedom and visa requirements. Some of the notable passport indices include:

1. Arton Capital Passport Index ranks passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa.
2. The Passport Index ranks passports based on their visa-free score, which is calculated by assigning points to each country that holders of a particular passport can visit without a visa, visa-on-arrival, or with an electronic travel authorization (ETA).
3. Nomad Passport Index ranks passports based on the freedom of movement they offer, taking into account visa-free access, visa-on-arrival, and eVisa policies.
4. Global Passport Power Rank by PassportInfo.com. It ranks passports based on the number of countries their holders can visit without requiring a visa or with visa-free access, visa-on-arrival, or eVisa facilities.

The Passport Act of 1967 is an Indian legislation that governs the issuance, regulation, and control of passports in India. It was enacted to provide for the legal framework related to passports, travel documents, and travel abroad by Indian citizens.

The key provisions of the Passport Act, 1967

• The Act outlines the procedures for the issuance of passports to Indian citizens. It specifies the eligibility criteria, application process, and requirements for obtaining passports.
• The Act defines different types of passports, including regular passports, diplomatic passports, official passports, and emergency passports, and specifies the privileges associated with each type.
• The Act empowers the Government of India to regulate the issuance, renewal, suspension, and revocation of passports. It also outlines the conditions under which passports may be impounded or confiscated.
• The Act prescribes penalties for offences related to passports, such as making false statements or providing false information in passport applications, tampering with passports, or using passports obtained through fraudulent means.
• The Act confers certain powers upon passport officers appointed by the government, including the authority to examine passport applications, conduct investigations, and take necessary actions regarding passport issuance and regulation.
• The Act provides for mechanisms for appeals and review of decisions related to passport issuance, refusal, or revocation.

7. The difference between Visa on Arrival and  Visa-Free Access

Both Visa on Arrival (VOA) and Visa-Free Access allow you to enter a country without obtaining a visa beforehand, but there are key differences

Visa-Free Access

• This is the most hassle-free way to enter a country.
• You don't need to apply for a visa before your trip.
• You typically only need a valid passport (with sufficient validity) to enter the country.
• You may get an entry stamp in your passport upon arrival or departure, or receive a landing slip in some cases.
• There might still be limitations on how long you can stay visa-free, ranging from a few days to several months.
• Entering Singapore with a Singapore-approved passport.

Visa on Arrival (VOA)

• You obtain a visa upon arrival at the airport or border crossing of the destination country.
• You may need to fill out an application form, provide documentation, and pay a visa fee upon arrival.
•  It's advisable to check requirements beforehand to ensure you have all necessary documents and avoid delays.
• VOA visas typically have a shorter validity period compared to pre-arranged visas.
• Obtaining a visa on arrival for Thailand with a qualifying passport.

The key differences