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The secret of four different colors of Indian passport, know the meaning of each color

Samira Vishwas | January 17, 2026 10:25 AM CST

Overview: The colors of the Indian passport are not just the design, but also indicate your identity and responsibility.

The four different colors of the Indian passport—blue, white, orange and maroon—are not part of any design, but represent the individual’s identity and responsibility. Through these colors, India makes it clear at the international level as to which person is traveling abroad under which responsibility.

Four Different Colors Of Passport: Whenever it comes to passport, most people associate it only with foreign travel. But Indian passport is not just a travel document, but it tells in what capacity you are going abroad. You may have noticed that not all passports in India are of the same colour. Actually, Indian passports are issued in four different colours, and each color has its own special meaning and purpose. Let us know in detail why these colors are different and who gets which passport.

Blue Passport: For ordinary citizens

Blue Passport

The Blue Passport is the most commonly used passport in India. It is issued to ordinary citizens who travel abroad for tourism, studies, job or personal reasons. Blue color is also popular internationally for passports of ordinary citizens, as it provides ease of identification and ease of processing. Through this passport, Indian citizens abroad are recognized as ordinary travelers and the same rules and regulations are applicable to them as are the ordinary citizens of other countries.

White passport: for government officials

White passport is especially given to those officials of the Government of India who go abroad on official work. This includes officers from IAS, IPS or other government departments when they are on government duty. The purpose of this passport is to make it clear that the travel is not being done on a personal basis, but under government responsibility. The white color indicates that the bearer is a representative of the government, making their recognition and procedure slightly different in foreign countries.

Orange passport: special purpose to identity

There is often confusion among people regarding orange passport. This passport was introduced for a special category, which included those citizens for whom complete educational information or complete birth records were not available. The purpose of this passport was to simplify the identification and documentation process. However, it is offered only in very limited cases and is not a common option for ordinary citizens.

Maroon Passport: Special Diplomatic Category

Maroon passport is also a kind of diplomatic passport, which is given to people holding some selected constitutional posts. This may include the President, Vice President, Prime Minister, Governor and senior diplomats. This passport signifies a high level of official recognition and is issued to individuals representing India in international forums.

Why is the color of the passport so important?

The color of the passport determines the capacity in which the person is traveling abroad—private citizen, government official, or diplomat. This eases immigration, visa processes and international protocols. However, the color of the passport does not reflect the power or authority of a citizen, but his role and responsibility.

Can passport color be changed

Often people wonder whether they can get a passport of their choice, but it is not so. The color of the passport is solely decided by the government and depending on the eligibility of the person, a different color passport is issued. Ordinary citizens can always get a blue passport, while the other colors are for people holding special positions and responsibilities.