Passport and diplomatic passports are both issued by government authorities. An ordinary passport is for citizens who wish to travel for vacation, study, and business, whereas a diplomatic passport is given to top-ranking government officials.
Passport vs Diplomatic Passport
The main difference between a passport and a diplomatic passport is an ordinary passport issued to any citizen. A diplomatic passport only issued to privileged.
Ordinary Passports are a compilation of documents issued by the government to citizens. In this particular category, there is no special authorization of passports allowed. The primary purpose of a passport is validation given to citizens, which consists of the bearer’s name, nationality. This identification document mainly required during international travel.
Minsters of foreign affairs, receive this diplomatic Passport—these passports issued for people representing homeland abroad for the benefit of countries’ progress. Government authorities appoint these diplomats; hence, they have a lot of privileges.
Comparison Table Between Passport and Diplomatic Passport (in Tabular Form)
| Parameter of Comparison | Passport | Diplomatic Passport |
|---|---|---|
| Type | This type of Passport given to ordinary citizens, including VIPS personals. Also known as Type P passport (P stands for personal). The significant difference is that these types of passports come in a 30- or 60-pages booklet. | These types of passports mostly awarded to High ranking government officials. A diplomatic passport is a Type D passport (D stands for diplomatic). The main difference is that these passports are small 28 pages booklet. |
| Colour | The color of the regular Passport is usually Dark navy blue. | The color of the diplomatic Passport is Maroon. |
| Issuing authority | Government authorities. | The ministry of foreign affairs issues it to high-level government officials, strictly on office duty only. |
| Tenure | This Passport commonly issued for ten years for elders and five years for children below five years. There is Compulsory renewal after five years for children and ten years for elders. | Issued for five years or less depends on the position of a government authority. |
| Usage | Identity for the representation of the country, this Passport is used for travel, business, education, medical, and other private concerts and art shows. | Identity for diplomats to attend congresses and conferences held by other countries diplomats. |
| Purpose | This Passport solely used for personal interests of travel. The involvement of the government is nil in these types of passports. | This Passport is strictly for the benefit of the country. This validation is for the person who represents the government in other countries via international travel—complete involvement of the government. |
What is Passport?
Passport is a standard travel document used by all countries around the globe. This document confirms, identity and nationality of an ordinary citizen.
In India or any other country, this Passport is issued by President to the citizens as proof of citizenship.
The Passport contains the standard information of a particular person, which involves name, date of birth, address, photo, and signature. These biometrics are very vital and helps the citizen to get in touch with respective countries’ embassy.
The process of application is relatively simple and requires a few easy steps. The individual needs to contact the government-approved local passport office with the following documents.
- Photo of the passbook of a current bank account.
- Proof of age (Birth certificate, school leaving certificate, Aadhar (for people born in INDIA, driving license or PAN)
- Proof of address (water bill, Electricity bill, Gas connection proof, Landline or post-paid mobile bill)
The above documents are for personal above 18 years of age. Passports for minors are issued based on parents or guardians address proof. This meticulous process takes around 2-3 hours.
Once process completion, clearance needs to be given by the government-appointed passport authority. Once the approver provides a green signal, the passport application goes to local police authority in your area.
After police verification, Passport is issued in 30-40 days. In India, there is a provision for Tatkal Passport. If applying for tatkal, one can expedite the process and receive the Passport within 1 to 3 days.
What is Diplomatic Passport?
A diplomatic passport is the only type of Passport given to top-ranking government officials. Only the government elite receives this Passport, for strictly official purposes rather than recreational activities.
Diplomatic Passport is, in general, are rare applications issued only by the consular general of the passport office. The eligibility criteria are different for this unique Passport. In India it’s released to the following: –
- All Indian foreign service officials when traveled abroad on official duty.
- Selected ministers from the ministry of external affairs, picked and appointed by the Prime minister or President. These officials granted privileged rights.
- Kit and kin of diplomats, who are dependent on the officer. Near and dear, given only when diplomat official accompanies them. (There are several clauses in this, spouse and children can be awarded this Passport under specific guidelines)
The process of applying for diplomatic Passport is a sophisticated process that includes the submission of confidential data to the central government.
The stringent process requires submission of Form P-1, Form P-1 [a], attested photocopies, safe custody certificate if the diplomat has ordinary Passport, letter of approval from head authority, and letter of recommendation from ministry with attestation.
Main Differences Between Passport and Diplomatic Passport
- Both passports are required by the citizen to travel to another country from the homeland. These passports are unique identification of citizenship.
- The benefits are different between these two passports. Ordinary passport holders need to pay a particular fee to acquire a visa. In contrast, the diplomatic passport holder has free permits to any country and sometimes visa-free travel when duty calls.
- Ordinary passport holder needs to clear immigration; standing in long ques is required. Whereas, diplomatic passport holders can head through custom lines without any interference.
- Passport holders have no exemption of taxes, whether it is airport tax- or duty-free tax. The diplomatic passport holder is not liable to any government-imposed taxes on travel.
- Ordinary passport holders are not allowed to possess any confidential government-related information on them while traveling. The airport authorities will strictly confiscate these practices. On the contrary, diplomatic passport holders can carry sensitive details without any explanation to the airport authority.
Conclusion
Both the ordinary and diplomatic passports issued in the interest of the public—diplomatic passports issued for diplomats serving in other countries, representing homeland. Ordinary Passport held with people who are associated with the private sector mostly.
Though both the passports essential element is the same, they have a lot of differences when it comes to benefits and purposes. Any diplomatic passport holder can easily acquire ordinary Passport, whereas the regular passport holder cannot hold a diplomatic passport unless he/she is a high official government employee.
References
- https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=cG5MoS928GYC&oi=fnd&pg=PR5&dq=Passport+and+Diplomatic+Passport&ots=EZhSv6kJRS&sig=jsUWwLaVL2TrLRLeee0gPKHAkfg
- https://academic.oup.com/isp/article-abstract/5/1/71/1813566
- https://elibrary.law.psu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1122&context=fac_works