Diplomatic passports are issued to only certain individuals who wish to travel overseas on official government business. By definition, it is most commonly issued to diplomats and consul workers who are stationed abroad, as well as individuals employed by the government of a specific jurisdiction.

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Individuals who think they are eligible to apply for a diplomatic passport can apply for the same. However, they have to present legal documents indicating how they are affiliated with the government or state.

Also Read: Here's all you need to know before applying for an Indian passport

Individuals who are applying for a diplomatic passport are required to apply to a specific regulatory body that governs the issuance of specialist passports.

The passport comes with a deep red cover with the Indian emblem printed in the middle and 'diplomatic passport' inscribed in English and Hindi on the top and 'Republic of India' inscribed at the bottom.

If an individual is eligible and successfully obtains a diplomatic passport, then his/her immediate family can also apply for the diplomatic passport which allows diplomats to travel freely with their family throughout the world.

It is advised to seek the assistance of a professional consultancy firm, in case you are trying to get a second passport as they will be able to ensure that they complete the process successfully and in a timely manner, while compliance with the jurisdictional regulations.

Advantages of having a diplomatic passport

The first and foremost advantage of having a diplomatic passport is that it is proof that the holder enjoys diplomatic immunity and identifies an honorary consul to the authorities of the host country.

While these advantages vary from country to country, these are the most common advantages:

When travelling, the holder can use the diplomatic channels of the airports and will not be subject to time delaying and customer checks.

Under international law, they enjoy diplomatic immunity and the office and the residence of diplomats are extended sovereign status, such as they are off-limits to all governments and their agents - even in their native country.

A diplomat acquires free diplomatic vehicle licence plates (CC or CD) and the passport raises the business success of the diplomat.

A diplomatic passport holder is freed of any tax that may result from travelling either on land or air. Therefore an honorary consul or diplomat can travel from one country to other cheaply and quickly.

They also enjoy confident movement and activity internationally. The immigration inquiries at the airports are significantly reduced.

A diplomatic passport holder is free of tax liability on income from outside the host country. A diplomat who has not only confirmed his/her acceptance of the diplomatic appointment but has also acquired a diplomatic passport does not have to pay tax on income that comes from other countries or states apart from the host country.

First Published:Jul 29, 2019 2:56 PM IST